When you are affected by substance or alcohol addiction and a mental or emotional disorder at the same time, you are said to have co-existing disorders. Both are illnesses in their own right and affect your ability to function psychologically and socially, leaving you vulnerable to family problems, financial insecurity, homelessness, and general ill health. The symptoms of one disorder can mask those of another leading to difficulties in diagnosis and treatment. According to the Journal of The American Medical Association, over half of the people with drug misuse disorder also suffer with at least one mental disorder. Over a third of people with alcohol misuse disorder were found to have a co-existing mental health problem.
The types of mental health problems which often co-exist with substance abuse disorders include; mood related disorders like bipolar disorder and major depression- in this case you may find you want to use a substance or alcohol to make you feel better; anxiety-related disorders like OCD, phobias, PTSD, social anxiety and panic disorder-may lead you to use a substance or alcohol to make you feel more calm; and severe psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and personality disorder-where thinking can be so disturbed that you may just want to block it all out with alcohol or a substance.
It is becoming increasingly apparent that you cannot get better if you treat only one illness at a time. Both mental health and substance misuse need to be treated, preferably in tandem, so that the spiral of relapse can be prevented. If you have mental health issues, withdrawal from substance abuse can be more emotionally and psychologically distressing than for most people. It is wise therefore to have plans and specialist help in place during the recovery process and to address any other underlying causes in either case. Mental health problems can be passed on genetically, be caused by environmental influences or can sometimes be caused pharmacologically. Your individual case needs to be assessed and a personalized program of recovery will set you on the right path.
Many recovery centers offer an integrated treatment for substance misuse and mental illness, including ours. At Casa Recovery in San Juan Capistrano, CA we understand how mental disorders coexist and offer an individualized recovery program designed to assess and address your particular co-existing problems. We will work with you to find the right combination of treatment and ongoing support to ensure a successful recovery which will lead you to a healthier, more secure future. We know how mental disorders work and we use a holistic approach combining counseling; medical support; alternative therapies, such as workshops; group and individual therapy and psychological support in a caring and homey environment. Your well-being is our priority and we want to help you find the right path to happiness. Professional help is the best way to ensure a safe and successful recovery. Turn your life around. Contact us today to discuss your treatment options.