The state of a person’s mental health has a lot to do with the decisions they make. When someone is burdened by disorders such as anxiety or depression, they try to find ways to cope. Many times, abusing alcohol, prescription, or illicit drugs (self-medicating) seems like a good solution. This is how people find themselves struggling with co-occurring disorders and in need of dual diagnosis treatment.
What Is Dual Diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis is a medical term that simply means an individual is living with a substance use disorder (SUD) and a co-occurring mental health or behavioral condition. In 2019, more than nine million Americans between the ages of 18 and 25 had at least one co-occurring disorder alongside a SUD. Regardless of which disorder was present first, they both feed on each other and often make ending substance abuse difficult. An extensive and integrated treatment plan is usually required to effectively treat the co-occurring disorders.
Common Co-Occurring Disorders
Certain mental conditions are the underlying causes of addiction. Those most likely to occur alongside SUDs include:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Mood disorders
- Eating disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
The Link Between Mental Health Disorders and Addiction
Some mental health issues can be debilitating and interfere with daily function. Self-medicating with drugs or alcohol seems like the only way to fight the symptoms and get on with life. For example, people attempt to reduce anxiety symptoms by consuming alcohol or smoking cocaine to boost energy and create a sense of happiness. Others try to relax or numb away emotional pain with marijuana or heroin.
Things eventually spiral out of control as you build tolerance for the addictive substance. You’ll need more of it to get the desired effect. As dependence grows, you’ll compulsively seek and use drugs or alcohol to feel normal. These are all signs of addiction, which is also a mental health condition.
Warning Signs of a Co-Occurring Disorder
The following are the general signs of dual diagnosis. They will vary between individuals depending on the type of substance involved and the severity of the underlying disorder:
- Sudden behavioral, eating, or sleep changes
- Trouble managing daily responsibilities
- Extreme emotional highs and/or lows
- Suicidal thoughts
- Avoiding loved ones or social activities you once enjoyed
- Trouble thinking and making decisions
- Poor performance at school or work
Dual Diagnosis Treatment in San Antonio, Texas
If you live in Texas and are looking for dual diagnosis treatment, reach out to San Antonio Recovery Center. We offer a range of treatment options, although the residential treatment program may be most suitable for people diagnosed with a SUD and another disorder. This allows them to get the highest level of care possible to assist in their recovery. One of the benefits of a residential or inpatient treatment program is receiving round-the-clock medical and psychological supervision and support. Other program options include:
- Intensive outpatient program
- 90-day treatment program
- 12 step program
- Women’s drug rehab program
- Men’s drug rehab program
Long-term recovery is possible when intensive medical treatment is integrated with therapies that address both disorders at the same time. Our rehab specialists will tailor your treatment to address your unique diagnoses through detox, behavioral therapies, medication therapy, and aftercare. Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on helping you recognize the underlying causes of addiction and manage the symptoms of mental disorders without using drugs and alcohol. Other resources are available to address housing and employment. Our women’s sober living program provides transitional housing while in recovery.
Seeking treatment for co-occurring disorders provides you, or someone you love, with the chance to live the healthy, productive life you deserve. With one call to 866.957.7885, or contact us online, you can begin the admissions process to our drug and alcohol treatment center.
