How Do Co-Occurring Disorders Form?
It’s not uncommon for a person who is struggling with addiction to develop signs of mental health disorders. It is also common for a person who has mental health disorders to start using drugs or alcohol to manage the symptoms they face. Many people struggle with undiagnosed anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Drugs and alcohol can temporarily alleviate symptoms of these conditions, but the side effects end up exacerbating the issues.
In both cases, rehab treatment is necessary to prevent the onset of complications, including mental health breakdowns, drug overdoses, alcohol poisoning, and the repercussions from long-term addiction.
What Are Co-Occurring Disorder Signs?
It often takes a professional diagnosis to see the presence of both conditions. The following situations are common for people experiencing co-occurring disorders:
- Using drugs or alcohol to help control your anxiety or negative thoughts
- Turning to drugs or alcohol due to stress in your life
- Experiencing emotional trauma treated with medications not prescribed to you
- Feeling pain, agitation, or increased mental health symptoms when you don’t use
- Using more of the substances to get the same type of relief
If you are experiencing the symptoms of co-occurring disorders, it’s critical to reach out for help immediately. Dual diagnosis treatment is effective and can help you to reclaim your future. The sooner you begin–or return to–your path toward recovery, the sooner you can reap the benefits.
What Is Dual Diagnosis?
Having a dual diagnosis allows your therapist to treat your mental health disorder alongside your addiction. This is done with a combination of medications, as needed, as well as talk therapy. You’ll learn about both conditions and how to control them. You will also gain the ability to change your way of thinking to prevent the onset of complications.
Through the use of evidence-based treatment methods and a supportive, professional team, you can overcome the challenges you’re facing. Co-occurring disorders can be effectively treated to allow you to rebuild a healthy future and to overcome challenges with relationships and your health. Turn to a provider that provides dual diagnosis to ensure your best outcome and chance for healing.
Seek Out Support from a Trusted Team Offering Dual Diagnosis
Your physical and mental health is critical to maintaining, but having untreated co-occurring disorders makes this almost impossible. When you feel overwhelmed or unable to take the next step, realize there is help for depression, anxiety, and PTSD right here. Co-occurring disorders can be effectively treated through dual diagnosis treatment at GBAC. At the Greater Boston Addiction Centers, we can help make that possible. Learn more about the treatment options we offer, such as:
- Comprehensive rehab programs
- Intensive outpatient program
- Partial hospitalization program
- Evening intensive outpatient program
- Traditional outpatient program
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