Addiction and mental health disorders have a strong connection, with statistics showing that about one-third of all people with mental illnesses and about half of those diagnosed with severe mental illnesses also experience substance abuse.[1] When this happens, it is referred to as a dual diagnosis. Those with a dual diagnosis need to be treated for both conditions simultaneously to have the most success. As we take a closer look at the connection between addiction and mental health, we will also explore how Hope and Healing Addiction Treatments can help with mental health and addiction treatment in Mesa, AZ.
The Connection Between Mental Health Disorders and Addiction
To understand the connection between mental health disorders and addiction, it’s essential to look at how one can cause the other. Moreover, it’s also crucial to learn how an addiction treatment in Mesa, AZ can help.
How Mental Health Disorders Lead to Addiction
People suffering from certain mental health disorders are more likely to form an addiction.[2] Those dealing with stress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may turn to substances to temporarily make themselves feel better. But, when the effect of the substances wears off, people are still left with the original stress. This creates a vicious cycle of substance use, especially when people don’t receive treatment for their mental health condition.
Those who suffer from depression and anxiety may also turn to substances as a way to cope with their emotions. Drugs can give people a high and make them forget about their feelings. This is dangerous because as they use drugs, their bodies begin to build a tolerance, creating the need for more to achieve the same effect. This is how addiction forms.[3] When left untreated, this can cause serious health problems and be deadly.
How Addiction Leads to Mental Health Disorders
Statistics show that people with addiction are at a higher risk of developing depression, anxiety, and other co-occurring disorders>[4] Addiction can lead to mental health disorders because of how it impacts the brain. Using drugs and alcohol can cause an imbalance in the brain’s natural chemistry, leading to mental health problems.
Ultimately, addiction can also lead to a mental health disorder because after someone comes down from a high or the effects of alcohol wear off, they can become depressed. This can lead to isolation and sometimes even anxiety.
At the end of the day, it does not matter which developed first, the mental health condition or the substance use disorder. What is important is seeking addiction treatment in Mesa, AZ, for both conditions at the same time.
Risk Factors of Dual Diagnosis
Several factors can put someone at a greater risk of developing a dual diagnosis [3].
Genetics
There is a genetic component to mental health disorders and substance use disorders, as both can run in the family. Research indicates that your genes may contribute to your chance of developing either condition. This is why it’s essential to know your family history and what conditions you may be more prone to develop.
Trauma and Childhood Experiences
Trauma experienced as a child can have damaging effects as people reach adulthood. At times, people may never learn to deal with the emotional and mental impact their experiences have caused. As a result, many may turn to substances as a way to cope with the pain and trauma they have experienced.
Environment and Stress
Stress can lead to depression and anxiety, which can cause people to use substances. Your workplace or family environment can also lead you down a path that involves using substances as a coping mechanism.
Symptoms of Dual Diagnosis
Besides understanding the risk factors of dual diagnosis, it is also essential to recognize the symptoms. The symptoms of dual diagnosis vary from person to person. But some common symptoms include [5]:
- Sudden changes in behavior
- Engaging in risky behaviors when under the influence of substances
- Developing a high tolerance for substances and experiencing withdrawal symptoms
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Extreme mood changes
- Trouble concentrating
- Suicidal thoughts
When these symptoms are discovered, it is crucial to seek dual diagnosis treatment immediately.
Diagnosing and Treating Co-occurring Disorders with Addiction Treatment in Mesa, AZ
A dual diagnosis is determined through an evaluation by a mental health provider. They will look at the symptoms of both conditions to see if they are present simultaneously. If they are, then dual diagnosis treatment will be recommended.
Treating co-occurring disorders involves a variety of different techniques to treat both the mental health condition and substance use disorder at the same time. To recover from a dual diagnosis, you must first stop using the addictive substance. For many, this starts with going through a detox program as part of addiction treatment in Mesa, AZ. A medically supervised detox program is often recommended to help with any withdrawal symptoms that may occur and to give the patient the best chance at sobriety.
Once a person is no longer using substances and it is gone from their bodies, they can begin a treatment program. This can include [5]:
Behavioral Therapies During Addiction Treatment in Mesa, AZ
Behavioral therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy, have been proven effective in treating dual diagnoses. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches people how to cope with and change ineffective thinking patterns. Dialectical behavioral therapy in turn teaches people how to reduce self-harming behaviors.
Support Groups
Support groups can be highly beneficial for people with a dual diagnosis. They provide access to people who have gone through this before and people who are experiencing the same thing simultaneously. These support groups offer vital advice as well as a sounding board for emotions and concerns.
Medication
Healthcare providers may recommend prescription medication for one of both conditions. These medications may just be temporarily prescribed until people can learn how to control their conditions in other ways. During a treatment program, patients will learn the coping skills they can use to deal with their mental health and substance use disorders.
Seek Addiction Treatment in Mesa, AZ
At Hope and Healing Addiction Treatment Centers, people receive the help they need for their dual diagnosis. Our dual diagnosis treatment program offers flexible programs, depending on your lifestyle and responsibilities. We offer inpatient dual diagnosis treatment, partial hospitalization, and an intensive outpatient program. No matter what program you choose, you can count on our team of experienced professionals to deliver the best care possible.
We understand that everyone’s recovery plan will differ, which is why we offer a variety of treatment options, including:
- Behavioral therapies
- Holistic practices
- Trauma-informed care
Our team will develop a treatment plan that best suits your needs. Contact Hope and Healing Addiction Treatment to learn more about our dual diagnosis and addiction treatment in Mesa, AZ.
Sources:
[1] https://www.nami.org/NAMI/media/NAMI-Media/Images/FactSheets/Dual-Diagnosis-FS.pdf [2] https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/206176 [3] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6407-addiction [4] https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/substance-use-and-mental-health [5] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24426-dual-diagnosisAs the Director of Community Relations, Michael’s focus is on creating and maintaining strong relationships with individuals and organizations in the community we serve. His goal is to offer our program as a resource to those seeking treatment for addiction and general mental health. He is driven, passionate, and feels a sense of purpose in his work—confident that his experience has value and can help others find the miracle of recovery.