Substance abuse and mental health conditions frequently go hand in hand. Since co-occurring disorders are fairly common with addiction, learning to recognize the signs of these conditions can help alert you to a problem early on. If you suspect that you or someone you care about is struggling with substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders, a dual diagnosis treatment program can help you get your life back on track.
At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston, we realize the importance of addressing co-occurring disorders when treating addiction. Our dual diagnosis treatment programs provide the behavioral therapies needed to help you manage mental health conditions that result from substance abuse or contribute to it. Call us today at 866.516.8356 to learn more about the benefits of dual diagnosis treatment.
What Are Co-Occurring Disorders?
Co-occurring disorders are mental health conditions occurring in conjunction with substance use disorder (SUD). This occurrence is fairly common, with approximately half of people with SUD also experiencing co-occurring disorders. Some common co-occurring disorders include:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
Mental health conditions can exist before one develops substance use disorder, but they can also happen the other way around. Substance abuse can trigger mental health conditions in people who had not experienced symptoms prior to using drugs or alcohol. Regardless of which occurs first, a person can find themselves stuck in a vicious cycle once they develop SUD and mental health issues.
How to Recognize Co-Occurring Disorders
When you enroll in a substance abuse treatment program, your care team will first assess your current state of health. During this examination, they will identify existing physical and mental health conditions. Your provider can detect co-occurring disorders through the use of various assessment tools so they can prescribe a dual diagnosis treatment plan if needed. Determining if you have co-occurring disorders can be tricky since many mental health conditions and substance abuse symptoms overlap.
Use the following to help you recognize if you or someone you know may be experiencing co-occurring disorders alongside substance use disorder:
- Sudden changes in temperament – A person may isolate themselves or seem unexplainably irritable, angry, or sad.
- Failing to maintain work or household responsibilities – A person who is usually a good employee, parent, or partner, may become absent or show a lack of concern for their obligations.
- Poor communication – Phone calls and texts may go unanswered as they begin to cut themselves off from others.
- Emotional outbursts – The person may struggle to maintain emotional balance. This can include explosions of anger or episodes of crying and low mood.
If you recognize these signs in yourself or someone you care about, it would be best to undergo a professional evaluation to determine which co-occurring disorders may be at play. If you are struggling with substance abuse and exhibit the above signs, achieving recovery without the proper diagnosis will be challenging.
How Are Co-Occurring Disorders Treated?
There is a significant overlap between the symptoms of substance abuse and mental health disorders. Therefore, there will also be some overlap in the treatment methods used. Two of the primary methods are medication and therapy.
Once you receive a dual diagnosis, your care provider will determine the appropriate medication for your condition. Therapy will also be incorporated into your treatment plan to help address the unhelpful thoughts and behaviors that correlate with your mental health disorder. A therapist can help you learn coping skills to manage your symptoms so that co-occurring disorders no longer interfere with your health and happiness.
Begin Your Recovery at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston Today
When you need thorough treatment for substance abuse and mental health disorders, you can rely on dual diagnosis treatment at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston. Our programs provide individual, group, and family counseling along with medication and support to ensure that you receive comprehensive treatment for a full recovery. Call us today at 866.516.8356 to start healing from substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders.
