The relationship between mental health and addiction is a strong one, as nearly 22 million adults in the United States are dealing with co-occurring disorders.^[1] This condition is also referred to as a dual diagnosis. Being able to recognize the signs of co-occurring disorders and seeking help for them at the same time is essential if you truly want to live a sober and productive life. As we explore the relationship between mental health and substance use disorders, we will help you identify the signs as well as the various treatment options available.

The Link Between Mental Health and Addiction

Substance use can lead to mental health issues, while the reverse is true for others.^[2] People with a mental health disorder may turn to drugs or alcohol to temporarily relieve their pain. This is true for people dealing with depression and anxiety, as depression is one of the leading causes of substance use.

Those who first develop a substance use disorder may fall victim to the changes substances can have on the brain, leading to mental health issues. No matter which appeared first, it is important to treat both at once. A patient can not fully recover from either condition if this does not happen.

Why Do Co-Occurring Disorders Happen?

While there is not one clear answer to why co-occurring disorders happen, researchers believe stress, a family history of substance use, mental illness, or both, as well as adverse childhood experiences, can all play a role in co-occurring disorders.^[2] For many, mental health disorders can also occur when someone is trying to stop using a substance. This can make them feel anxious or depressed.

Signs of Co-Occurring Disorders

Symptoms of mental health disorders and substance use disorders vary. Here are some things to look for to help determine whether someone is suffering from a co-occurring disorder:^[3]

Signs of Mental Illness

Problems concentrating
Extreme mood changes
Confusion
Suicidal thoughts
Unable to function at work or school
Avoiding social activities

Signs of Substance Use Disorders

Trouble focusing
Behavioral changes
Withdrawal from family and friends
Risky behaviors
Feeling like you need a substance to survive

A person suffering from either a mental health problem or substance use disorder may exhibit several of these symptoms. Since everyone is different, their combination of symptoms will also differ.

Mental Health and Addiction: Diagnosing Co-Occurring Disorders

Co-occurring disorders are a combination of diagnoses. It can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms of mental health issues and addiction can overlap [3]. You can help your healthcare provider make the correct diagnosis by providing honest answers. Once a diagnosis is made, proper treatment can begin to help both disorders. This is the only way to fully recover, achieve sobriety, and learn coping mechanisms to prevent relapse and future issues. A treatment program will address all of this so that both disorders can be handled at once.

Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders

Treatment for co-occurring disorders includes treatment for mental health conditions and substance use disorders at the same time. For dual diagnosis treatment to work, the addictive substances must first be out of your body. This occurs during the detox portion of the treatment. Once the body is substance-free, a treatment plan can be developed. Since everyone’s condition is different, so will their treatment plan.

Treatment for co-occurring disorders can include a combination of behavioral therapy, support groups, and possible medication.

Behavioral Therapy

Different types of behavioral therapy, such as individual, group, and family, can all help a person with a dual diagnosis. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one type of therapy that is often used. This teaches people how to cope with and change patterns of thinking that are not having positive outcomes. Dialectical behavioral therapy is also available. This type of therapy works to reduce self-harming behaviors that can be associated with mental health problems and substance use.

Support Groups

Joining a support group can benefit people with co-occurring disorders. During these groups, they can share their stories if they wish and listen to others who are having the same experiences. They learn coping techniques and can often find comfort in discovering that they are not going through things alone.

Medications

A healthcare provider can determine if a patient will benefit from medications to help them with their co-occurring disorders. Sometimes, patients only need medications for a short period, while others will need them for the duration.

Holistic Treatments

Holistic therapy can also be part of the treatment plan. Activities like yoga, acupuncture, massage, equine therapy, and art therapy can help people focus and bring them peace. When people can relax and focus, they are better equipped to resist relapse triggers.

In-patient care

Many people benefit from in-patient care for co-occurring disorders. This way, they can focus solely on their recovery without having to worry about the temptations from the outside world. During in-patient care, people also learn coping mechanisms to deal with the temptations that can surface when they return home. This is a crucial part of the recovery process to prevent relapse.

Self-Help for Co-Occurring Disorders

Besides being involved in treatment programs, there are also things that people can do themselves to help them cope and maintain their sobriety and mental health status.

Manage Stress

Many people turn to drugs and alcohol due to stress. Finding healthy coping skills such as exercise, breathing techniques, art, music, or other outlets can help people relax in a healthy way.

Connect with Family and Friends

Staying connected to family and friends can help to prevent feelings of isolation and depression that can occur when people are dealing with co-occurring disorders. Make it a point to spend time with and talk to people regularly. Just be sure that the people you interact with will support your treatment and recovery.

Maintain Healthy Habits

Many people develop healthy habits, including exercise and eating, during treatment programs for co-occurring disorders. It’s important to maintain this behavior after the program is over. Nutritious food helps to fuel the body and prevent fatigue, which can lead to depression. Exercise also releases endorphins that make you feel good and less likely to want to use substances to achieve the same feelings.

Find New Hobbies

Discovering new hobbies can help those dealing with co-occurring disorders. New hobbies allow people to focus on other things besides substances and can help them form new relationships. These new relationships can help avoid loneliness, which can lead to mental health problems. Discovering new hobbies may also unlock interests that can lead to new careers and more!

Ocean Hills Recovery Offers Help for Mental Health and Addiction

Ocean Hills Recovery offers treatment for mental health and addiction. Our dual diagnosis treatment combines physical, social, mental, and spiritual health treatments to achieve the best outcomes. Each treatment plan is customized to fit the needs of the patient. Treatment programs can include a combination of:

Detox
Residential Treatment
Partial Hospitalization
Intervention Services
12-Step Recovery
Family Programming

To learn more about dual diagnosis treatment at Ocean Hills Recovery, call us today or reach out to us online.

Sources:

[1] https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/medications-counseling-related-conditions/co-occurring-disorders#

[2] https://medlineplus.gov/dualdiagnosis.html

[3] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24426-dual-diagnosis

About the author:

Robert Leigh

As CEO of Ocean Hills Recovery, Robert Leigh brings forth an immense passion for helping those suffering create change in their lives. With years of experience in the addiction treatment industry, Robert’s active role at Ocean Hills helps integrate his philosophy that addiction and recovery is a personalized journey, and addiction treatment should echo the same mission. Robert’s innovation in the addiction treatment industry has involved integrating exceptional and effective treatment to those that walk into the doors of Ocean Hills, creating a truly unique and individualized treatment program – ensuring that individuals have the foundation and tools they need to live successful lives long after treatment has been completed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does drug and alcohol rehab last?

The length of your stay at drug and alcohol rehab will vary for each person attending rehab and from treatment center to treatment center. Most inpatient programs are at least 30 days long; however, some programs may incorporate a shorter inpatient stay with a more extended outpatient stay. The best rehab centers will provide a more custom treatment plan for each person that takes into account the individual’s needs before determining the length of treatment. Ocean Hills Recovery offers a variety of options for addiction treatment. A typical stay at our inpatient drug and alcohol rehab programs last between 30 to 45 days.

Do I need inpatient or outpatient treatment?

Outpatient is an excellent option for people who are unable to take time away from work or their families while receiving addiction treatment. Inpatient treatment is an excellent option for people who can be away from their work or families for at least several weeks for treatment. We recommend that you contact a reliable treatment center, like Ocean Hills Recovery, for a complete assessment before you decide whether inpatient or outpatient treatment for addiction is best for you.

Should I get addiction treatment locally or away?

The answer to whether you should go away or stay local for addiction treatment is very individual. Many people need to get away from their everyday life for them to fully submerge themselves in their addiction recovery process. For these individuals, going to an out of state treatment center is the best option to be able to commit fully and concentrate on their recovery. For others, this is not an option because of work or family obligations.

What do I do if I don’t have insurance for drug rehab?

There are options for drug rehab, even if you don’t have insurance. When you decide to get help, the best thing to do is to find a treatment philosophy that you believe may help and contact them for assistance. Rehab professionals can help you determine if you have insurance coverage for addiction treatment, and what options are best for you. Many drug rehabs accept insurance but also have private pay, or financing options available. Contact our rehab admissions specialist today, and we can help you navigate insurance questions, payment options, and treatment plans.

How to find a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website is a great place to start when you are looking for a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. We recommend that you make a list of a few different centers to contact and speak with them to get a feel for their programs, therapies, and staff and find the center that you feel most comfortable with. Have a list of questions that you can ask each center to help you through the process. One of the most important questions to ask is if the rehab holds accreditation by CARF. Having a state license is no longer enough to ensure that a rehab center is reputable. If the rehab holds CARF accreditation, they have had to meet a more strict set of guidelines and procedures.

Do I need detox before addiction treatment?

Many people require detox to help manage withdrawal from alcohol and other drugs. There are several factors that we take into consideration to determine if you will need detox before addiction treatment. Our admissions professionals work with each person to obtain a thorough history of substance use and other medical conditions to help make the appropriate recommendations for care. You must give accurate information so that we can keep you as comfortable as possible if you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms. However, detox is only the first step in addiction recovery. For long-lasting addiction recovery, a person must deal with the underlying issues that lead to substance use in the first place. Contact us today for a confidential assessment.

Mental Health and Addiction: How to Spot and Address Co-Occurring Disorders