Substance abuse and mental health issues can be difficult to overcome. Together, the challenge is even greater.
Co-occurring disorders are more common than you might think. This is when a person has two or more disorders at the same time. You may be surprised to know that those who suffer from substance abuse, usually experience difficulty with their mental health.
It is said that 7.7 million adults have co-occurring disorders, and it can be difficult to determine which came first.
If you’re considering getting treatment for a co-occurring disorder, there are treatment plans you want to know about.
Keep reading to learn more about co-occurring disorders and how to create a treatment plan that’s right for you.
What Are Co-Occurring Disorders?
Co-occurring disorders are a combination of substance abuse and mental health disorders.
Substance abuse is an addiction to any drug. This includes alcohol, opioids, marijuana, and hallucinogens. This involves recurrent use of drugs and alcohol in spite of how the use has negatively affected a person’s life.
Mental disorders include detrimental changes in thinking, mood, and behavior. This can affect a person’s ability to function in daily life, keep a job, and create meaningful relationships with others.
It is common for those experiencing one type of disorder to also develop the other. This is then referred to as a co-occurring disorder. The combination of the two can create more difficulties in a person’s ability to function in life.
Common Types of Co-Occurring Disorders
Co-occurring disorders include substance abuse in combination with mental health issues. A person can suffer from two or more disorders at the same time. No specific combinations are identified as co-occurring.
Those with mental health disorders often abuse the following substances:
- Alcohol and other depressants
- Opioids and pain relievers
- Stimulants such as cocaine
- Marijuana and CBD products
- Hallucinogens
- Prescription pills
These are just some of the substance addictions that in combination with a mental health issue, create a dual diagnosis.
Here are mental health issues that are common in co-occurring disorders:
Depression and Major Depressive Disorder
Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders around the world.
Those who abuse certain substances are able to feel joy and euphoria when they are using. However, they are likely to feel substance-induced depression when they are coming down off of the drug. This can lead to depression and a need to use again in order to feel happiness.
This makes depression quite common as a co-occurring disorder.
Anxiety and Mood Disorders
People with anxiety sometimes use alcohol or drugs as a way to relieve anxious feelings. This creates an unhealthy association with substance use.
For example, if someone is experiencing social anxiety and they might feel that a few drinks make them more comfortable and sociable. They begin to rely on alcohol in all social situations. This makes them vulnerable to alcohol and makes their anxiety worse.
Bipolar Disorder
Those suffering from bipolar disorder often have major swings of happiness and sadness. They experience both of these emotions very intensely due to a chemical imbalance in the brain. The aftermath of these emotional experiences may cause people to use substances in order to cope with the intensity of the emotions.
Abusing any substance with bipolar disorder creates even more brain irregularity. It often heightens the serious mental health issue.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
People who have experienced some sort of traumatic event in their lives can develop PTSD. It is common among veterans returning from war, and survivors of sexual and physical abuse.
Those suffering from PTSD might use substance abuse as an escape from their negative thoughts, emotions, and reminders of their trauma.
How to Treat Co-Occurring Disorders
When it comes to co-occurring disorder treatment, there are a variety of treatment modalities. Often, a comprehensive treatment plan is created that tackles both the addiction and the mental health disorder.
Combining several methods is common in dual diagnosis treatment. Patients should be offered a full range of services with a strong support system. This will help manage their co-occurring disorders.
Here are some treatment types that can be beneficial for those experiencing issues with their mental health along with substance abuse:
Residential Treatment
In-patient rehab is a supervised environment where patients receive intensive treatment. They offer detox services, case management, and one on one therapy.
Residential treatment allows patients to concentrate on their recovery in a safe environment, away from outside triggers. For co-occurring disorders, a comprehensive treatment plan can be made to tackle several issues with the right recovery center.
Outpatient Programs
Outpatient care is appropriate for those who do not need constant supervision. It is also beneficial for those who have commitments that they cannot step away from. Programs like these allow for rehabilitation without interrupting life routines.
Medications for Both Issues
Medication might be necessary depending on the severity of the co-occurring disorder. There are several psychotherapeutic medications that can help regulate a patient’s mood. These include antidepressants and antipsychotics.
They can also subsequently help lessen substance abuse. There are also medications that can help with withdrawal symptoms and help to ease cravings.
Integrated Services
Those with a dual diagnosis often have multiple needs. They need access to several different services. Ideally, these agencies should be in communication with one another to ensure the treatment plan is clear for everyone.
People with co-occurring disorders may need services and help with the following areas:
- Help with housing
- Comprehensive case management
- Assistance with employment and skills training
- Family integration and support
- Pharmacological treatment
These are just some of the services needed. Each patient will have a different set of needs and need individualized treatment plans.
A Final Thought on Co-Occurring Disorders
Dealing with a dual diagnosis can be difficult and overwhelming. It is important to remember that a combination of treatments is stronger than just one. It is also vital to give patients a variety of options and allow them to be involved in creating their treatment plan.
Millions of people experience co-occurring disorders and remember that there is help out there.
If you or someone you love is suffering from a co-occurring disorder, get help now by visiting our website today.