Many people with substance use disorder (SUD) also suffer from other mental health disorders. When a person has both conditions, called dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders, it’s critical to receive treatment for both at the same time. That doesn’t always happen, though. Many mental health disorders hide under the surface of addiction and make it incredibly challenging to diagnose and treat.
At Raleigh Recovery, we offer care and treatment for mental health disorders in addition to our primary substance use disorder treatment. Our talented team of highly experienced professionals can help you find relief and a future of stability by treating both conditions at the same time.
Understanding Co-Occurring Disorders
A person with the coexistence of an SUD and a mental health disorder often faces complex symptoms, some of which are interchangeable between both conditions. One can cause the other.
- A person may develop a substance use disorder due to continued use and exposure to that substance, and then mental health challenges begin to form as well. This is especially prevalent in those with a family history of mental illness.
- A person with an underlying and even diagnosed mental health condition may develop addiction over time. Some do so as a result of using substances to self-medicate and control the symptoms of their disorder.
Either condition can form first. One can worsen the other. When present, both can create turmoil in every facet of your life, even if you think you are controlling it.
What Are the Most Common Co-Occurring Conditions
It’s estimated that about 21 million adults in the United States live with co-occurring disorders. Mental health disorders occurring with addiction are not uncommon, and many examples exist. Some of the most common co-occurring disorders include:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder and addiction. A person with untreated past trauma may develop PTSD, a condition that creates intense anxiety and stress from fear of the same situation happening again. Some people turn to substances to quiet those thoughts.
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. This condition often involves a lack of focus and limited ability to manage stressful situations. Some people use substances to calm their fast-moving brains.
- Depression. A person with diagnosed depression may suffer from feelings of helplessness and hopelessness and often experience periods of deep lows. Some turn to stimulants to ward off those feelings. Others rely on alcohol or other depressants to numb their thoughts.
Other types of mental health disorders commonly associated with SUD include:
- Borderline personality disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Severe anxiety
- Social phobias
A person with co-occurring disorders may use any type of habit-forming substance. Some of the most common include:
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Opioids
- Stimulants
- Hallucinogens
- Prescription drugs
- Marijuana
Recognizing the presence of both substance use and mental health disorders enables you to get help. A treatment plan that addresses both conditions at the same time creates opportunities for long-term recovery and better management.
How to Get Help for Dual Diagnosis
If you are facing the onset of SUD or a mental health condition, know that treatment is available and it can be highly effective. Our team at Raleigh Recovery Center can provide you with the tools you need to start healing.
- A full assessment. The first step is a full assessment of your specific conditions. We offer a comprehensive evaluation of your mental health and physical well-being in an effort to create a real path forward.
- Detox. For some people, medical detox becomes a starting point for recovery. It allows you to gain control over the demands of substances. You’ll receive the support you need physically and mentally to detox safely. This takes from 5 to 14 days for many people.
- Residential treatment. You’ll spend time in a structured environment where you’ll learn to explore your mental health disorders and SUD. You’ll gain real-world skills and tools to help you reach a point of stability. Our programs give you education, support, and guidance on taking back control. Residential treatment is a welcoming, safe place.
- Mental health support. Many people benefit from medications and mental health-specific therapy. We offer resources to help you reach a level of stability while still ensuring you can feel like yourself.
- Ongoing outpatient help. Therapy continues long-term. You’ll have resources to talk to and interact with your team in a stepped-down program.
When you are ready to embrace treatment, consider the value that dual diagnosis treatment can offer. It is an opportunity to address what is limiting you and create a path forward with strength.
Speak to Our Team About Your Treatment Options
At Raleigh Recovery Center, we empower our clients to learn and grow through authentic, science-based, and holistic care plans. Contact us now.
