Integrated Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders
What are Co-Occurring Disorders?
Co-occurring disorders is a term that refers to the presence of both a mental health issue and a substance use disorder (SUD). Co-occurring disorders tend to interact with one another, causing unpredictable fluctuations in severity and dangerous symptom exacerbation.
Understanding the underlying genetic risks, contributing
environmental factors, disorder patterns, and standard treatment approaches makes navigating the recovery process more effective. Our approach ensures all diagnoses are treated cocurrently providing a more effective path to recovery.
Contributing Factors
- Genetics: A family history of addiction or mental illness increases the risk.
- Brain Chemistry: Neurotransmitter imbalances can contribute to both mental health disorders and substance dependency.
- Environmental Stressors: Trauma, abuse, and chronic stress can trigger or worsen symptoms.
- Early Substance Use: Individuals using drugs or alcohol at a young age can alter brain development, increasing vulnerability to addiction, depression, anxiety and compulsive disorders.
- Social Determinants. These include co-occurring issuses like mental health conditions and broader societal conditions such as poverty, trauma, and racism. Understanding these factors can help professionals tailor treatment approaches to the needs of individuals with co-occurring disorders.
Examples
- Depression and Alcohol Use Disorder: Individuals may drink to numb emotional pain, leading to a cycle of worsening symptoms.
- Anxiety Disorders and Stimulant Use: Cocaine or methamphetamine may temporarily alleviate anxiety but increase panic attacks and paranoia.
- Bipolar Disorder and Opioid Addiction: Mood swings can lead to self-medication with opioids, worsening the disorder.
- Schizophrenia and Cannabis Use Disorder: Some individuals use cannabis to manage symptoms, but it can exacerbate psychotic episodes.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Alcohol Dependence: Many people with PTSD turn to alcohol to suppress traumatic memories, leading to addiction.
Key Characteristics
- Symptoms of mental health and substance abuse disorders tend to overlap and
exacerbate one another. - Individuals often abuse substances as a form of self-medication when seeking to relieve symptoms of mental health disorders.
- Diagnosing co-occurring disorders requires careful assessment by experienced mental health professionals.
- Successful treatment plans must address both conditions simultaneously to achieve lasting recovery.
Why Opt for Our Services?
Dealing with mental health alongside a substance use disorder can be particularly challenging. Treating only one condition can often exacerbate the other. Our integrated services are tailored to provide integrated care, ensuring that all conditions are treated in tandem. This comprehensive approach increases the chances of successful recovery and long-term well-being.
Our Integrated Approach
Continuous Support
Beyond the initial treatment, we offer ongoing support to prevent relapse and ensure sustained well-being.
Individualized Treatment Plans
Based on our diagnosis, we craft a treatment plan that addresses both disorders, ensuring a cohesive approach.
Therapeutic Sessions
Our therapy sessions are designed to tackle the complexities of co-occurring disorders, providing coping strategies and tools for recovery.
Information for Family and Friends
Seeing a loved one struggle with co-occurring disorders can be overwhelming. We’re here to provide not only treatment for the individual but also resources and support for families, helping them navigate this challenging journey.
Learn More About How to Support
Stories of Recovery
So many people are worried about what they don’t have, or about what they need to have. In my recovery, I get to be grateful for all that, I have and all that I get to experience. That changes the whole world. Now I get to be a dear husband, a great dad, an employer, business partner and so much more that I never even knew I wanted.
Recovery means freedom. Freedom to be who I am, to be who I want to be. Freedom to do what I want to do and freedom to continue writing the rest of my story. Freedom to make my dreams come true and to dream again.
Recovery means having opportunity I didn’t have before. Having opportunity means being able to be a great wife, mother and member of my community.
Recovery means having a fair shot at happiness, instead of living in constant misery. With that happiness, I’m able to have a successful career and be there for my wife and daughter.
Ready to Start?
Taking the first step towards recovery can change everything. If you or someone you know needs help, our outpatient treatment is here. Contact us to learn more.