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• SERENITY GROVE •

Addiction doesn't wait.

Take your first steps towards addiction recovery with Serenity Grove.

What Are Co-Occurring Disorders?

a man stands calmly but his inner self is depicted as being enraged

Addiction and mental health issues go hand-in-hand. Those struggling with addiction may also suffer from co-occurring disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), requiring professional care and treatment. If you or a loved one is battling a substance use disorder and mental illness, hope and healing are always available at Serenity Grove’s residential treatment program.

Individuals suffering from addiction and mental health issues can significantly benefit from a dual diagnosis treatment program. In such programs, doctors and therapists use medication-assisted treatment (MAT), evidence-based therapies (EBT), and other holistic practices to help clients rebuild their lives anew.

End your search for “mental health treatment near me.” Learn more about Serenity Grove’s dual diagnosis treatment programs, contact us at 844.904.3485.

What Are Co-Occurring Disorders?

The term “co-occurring disorder” is usually used when a person struggling with a substance dependency or addiction is diagnosed with a mental illness or health issue. Those suffering from co-occurring disorders may face complex challenges and need a customized treatment program. However, proper medication and regular therapy sessions can develop effective coping mechanisms and healthier lifestyle habits.

Common co-occurring disorders include:

  • Depression
  • Generalized anxiety disorder
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Social anxiety
  • Trauma
  • Schizophrenia
  • Schizoaffective disorder
  • Eating disorders
  • Phobias
  • Chronic pain
  • Self-harm and suicide ideation
  • Anger management issues

In fact, in many cases, those suffering from co-occurring disorders may be heavily reliant on substances to cope with stress and feel better. As a result, their mental health may worsen during detox or the initial phase of treatment. However, at a quality rehab center, the doctors and nurses will make every effort to ensure the client is safe and comfortable throughout the treatment process.

Another cause of concern is that some individuals may already be on prescription medication for their mental illnesses. Consuming alcohol, drugs, or other substances while being on pills can often lead to unwanted side effects and worsen one’s physical health.

How Addiction And Mental Health Are Related

Mental illnesses and addiction are often interrelated and impact each other. Nowadays, instead of treating them separately, healthcare experts recommend “integrated” or dual-diagnosis treatment programs so that they can be treated simultaneously.

Addiction and mental health are related in many ways, such as the following:

  • Mental health issues can lead to addiction and vice versa. Those with pre-existing mental illnesses are more vulnerable to substance use.
  • Unable to cope with a mental illness, individuals may begin self-medicating with drugs and alcohol. For instance, someone with social anxiety may drink alcohol to feel comfortable and develop a drinking problem.
  • Pills prescribed for chronic pain or mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety can be misused and lead to dependency and addiction.
  • A person may try to quit on their own and fail, further worsening their mental health.
  • If the root causes of addiction and mental health issues are left untreated, it can lead to further complications and other co-occurring disorders.

It can be challenging to manage co-occurring disorders, but help is available for those who need it with effective dual diagnosis treatment.

The Benefits of Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders

Dual diagnosis treatment is an effective way of managing co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders. This type of treatment combines evidence-based practices to address both issues simultaneously, allowing the person to develop strategies that can prevent a return to use as well as manage their symptoms.

The main benefit of dual diagnosis treatment is that it helps individuals better understand and control both their mental health and substance use issues. With dual diagnosis treatment, therapists can provide support for the person’s overall well-being instead of focusing on just one disorder or the other.

Dual diagnosis treatment also helps individuals develop coping strategies to deal with triggers that could lead to a return to use. Through dual diagnosis treatment, therapists can help the person identify triggers associated with their mental health disorder or substance use problem and develop strategies to manage them. By learning how to better manage triggers, individuals have a better chance of avoiding a return to use.

Finally, dual diagnosis treatment can help individuals build a strong support system by connecting them with other people who are also dealing with dual-diagnosis issues. In addition, dual diagnosis treatment can help individuals develop a plan for continuing care and follow-up after the treatment is completed.

By utilizing dual diagnosis treatment, individuals with both mental health disorders and substance abuse issues can learn how to manage their symptoms and lead healthier lives. The benefits of dual diagnosis treatment are clear, providing an effective way for people to achieve long-term recovery.

Learn More About Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders at Serenity Grove

As a family-owned residential clinic, our mission is to help people recover from their addictions and live fulfilling lives.

We offer dual diagnosis treatment programs, where instead of treating just the physical symptoms of addiction, we uncover the root causes and treat any co-occurring disorders as well. We provide end-to-end care, including detox, residential and outpatient treatment, and continuing care services. At every step of the recovery process, we ensure that each client receives medical attention, intensive care, and emotional support.

No matter how severe the condition, recovery is always possible. Call us at 844.904.3485 or fill out our online contact form and begin your healing journey today.