Mental Health and Addiction

Mental Health and Addiction

The damage done to an individual’s physical health after years of substance abuse is no mystery. It can be seen not only in scientific reports but plastered in magazine articles, billboards, movies, and television. In addition to physical health, it is important to recognize the effects addiction can have on an individual’s mental health as well — not just from the effects of the substance itself, but the residual issues addiction presents.  

Mental Illness and Addictive Tendencies 

It’s not hard to imagine the negative effects substance abuse can have on an individual’s mental health, but sometimes the reverse is true as well. Those with preexisting mental health disorders tend to have a high correlation to alcohol and drug abuse. Studies have shown significant relationships between substance abuse and anxiety, such as panic attacks, PTSD, and general anxiety disorder. Around one in four patients with a preexisting existing diagnosis of a serious mental illness, also suffer from drug abuse.  

Isolation and Addiction 

When an individual becomes heavily dependent on drugs, it tends to raise concerns among friends and family. Sometimes, to avoid judgement or pressure to go to rehab, those with addiction become avoidant of those once in their close circle. This form of isolation brings on feelings of helplessness and loneliness, which can cripple an individual’s mental health. This combination of emotions can create negative thoughts, making recovery feel impossible.  

Reach Out 

Struggling with addiction can feel like a mountainous battle in itself, but when paired with a severe mental illness, it can seem insurmountable. Those already battling depression can have difficulty summoning the energy to take on this battle. When dealing with a preexisting mental illness and addiction, an individual will best benefit from a counselor who is experienced in dual diagnosis. At California Recovery Center, we are equipped to offer dual diagnosis counseling. When you’re ready to start your recovery, reach out today at (866) 864-1986.

Recovery and Dual Diagnosis

Dual Diagnosis

Dual diagnosis is a condition where a person suffering from mental health issues also suffers from substance addiction. This is sometimes uncovered when a patient seeks treatment, as health care providers try to get a deeper understanding of the patient’s life. It was originally believed, and still is in some medical circles, that mental health disorders are unrelated to alcohol and drug addiction.  

However, many health care providers have changed their stance on this issue and now believe both afflictions must be treated simultaneously. Patients labeled with this are generally considered to be more difficult to treat, but that shouldn’t discourage those individuals from seeking the help they need.  

How to Define Dual Diagnosis  

Dual diagnosis does not have one set combination, which is another part that makes it more difficult to treat. There is no set definition for dual diagnotion, other than the combination of mental health affliction and addiction. This can vary widely, which is why it is so important for healthcare professionals to get a more personalized understanding of each individual. This allows them to treat each patient’s specific combination of needs.  

How to Treat Dual Diagnosis 

For dual-diagnosis patients to be successful in their recovery, both issues need to be treated simultaneously: their addiction and their mental health affliction. This can be a challenge not only for the health care provider but for the client as well. Simultaneous therapy can be draining to the individual, which is why it’s important to find a facility that is versed in handling these types of procedures.  

If you or someone you love is seeking treatment and has received a dual diagnosis, you’ll want to seek a center with a skilled health care professional with a specific background in treating these types of patients. California Recovery Center is uniquely equipped to treat dual-diagnosis patients. If you’re looking to begin your recovery journey and treatment, reach out to us today!