Drug Addiction Resources in Boston for People with Co-occurring Disorders

More often than not, people with drug addiction and substance abuse issues deal with underlying mental disorders. Their deteriorating mental health can be an effect of excessive drug abuse or the cause of the issue. While it may not always be true, studies and surveys show a significant correlation between the two, making it important for medical professionals to recognize and treat for the same. This phenomenon, medically termed as ‘Co-occurring disorders’ or ‘dual-diagnostics,’ presents additional complications to already challenging addiction cases. The treatment action plans, effective strategies for relapse prevention and drug program modality, all vary depending on a patient’s mental health and substance dependence.

What Are Some Common Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions?

Dual-diagnostics is a condition, where the patient suffering from substance dependency is also diagnosed with a mental disorder simultaneously. Mental health conditions like anxiety, bipolar disorder and depression are among a few of the most common co-occurring conditions. There are also some reported cases of post-traumatic stress disorder and schizophrenia among addicts. These conditions can be tricky to diagnose and treat because they make patients susceptible to self-medication and overdoses. Symptoms like hallucinations, disoriented motor function, and impulsive behavior are similar to those of addicts and can sometimes be ignored by physicians. All of which can lead to a vicious cycle of drug abuse and mental health deterioration.

How Would an Integrated Drug Recovery Treatment Make a Difference?

Both disorders, mental health and drug abuse, if treated individually, have different courses of action and timelines. Most traditional mental health disorder treatments use medication assistance and procedures like cognitive behavioral therapy. On the other hand, addiction recovery leverages abstinence, support groups, physiological therapy etc. However, for a co-occurring condition, physicians have to use an integrated treatment while strategically tackling both situations.

• Comprehensive evaluation and psychological assessments

In contrast to simple diagnostics, dual-disorder patients have to undergo a series of comprehensive assessments to evaluate their mental health and physiological characteristics. Physicians perform various tests and substance abuse screenings to assess the extent of the mental disorder and how the drug addiction affects them. All these tests along with trial treatments help draft an effective treatment course.

• Medication management and adapting to changes

One of the most critical components of an integrated treatment of dual-disorders is medication control. Due to the complexity of the situation, recovery professionals have to be very strategic with medication-assisted treatments and dosages. Furthermore, since the treatments are aimed at addressing multiple issues simultaneously, medication interactions and treatment adherence require close monitoring. So, recovery specialists often use a more personalized medication plan and monitor their patients for potential effects in controlled environments. And more importantly, through the treatment course, depending on a patient’s recovery progress, the treatment is adapted to the needs and evolving circumstances.

• Leveraging support groups and community

Dealing with mental health and drug abuse recovery can be daunting and overwhelming for people. And it can only be made more comfortable with a strong support system and assistance, while the patients navigate through their journey. Peer support groups and community workshops can be great resources for people to interact with others and build a supportive network. It offers them a safe and comfortable environment to share their experiences, get encouragement and learn from other’s successful journeys through trying times. These community resources not only help individuals, but also family and friends to learn and manage their emotions around people with addictions. Most drug rehab facilities and treatment centers in Boston, Quincy and other localities have specialized programs and workshops for people.

Preparing for Relapse Prevention and Aftercare Journey

While it is a great feat and a big step in the process to get through the formal addiction treatment, what’s more important is to maintain their progress. Considering the complexity of the circumstances and poor mental health, individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders are at a higher risk of relapse. Even the slightest inconvenience can trigger an impulsive reaction, increasing the chances of hospitalization and relapse.

Therefore, to learn to manage their circumstances and have better control of their emotions, individuals need a reliable relapse prevention plan. It is not just a treatment, but a necessity for recovering patients to have the right aftercare resources and relapse management plan. These can help them transition from an assisted treatment environment to being more independent and in control of their recovery. Aftercare resources like outpatient support groups, group therapy, integration workshops and vocational training can equip them with the right skills and coping mechanisms.

For a very long time, society has held a stigma against mental health issues and drug abuse. Organizations and institutions have been making efforts to create a more inclusive environment, destigmatize these disorders and provide a supportive system through awareness. If you have any queries or require professional assistance, our team at GBAC is just a call away at (877) 920-6583.