According to the results of a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, roughly 50% of individuals with severe mental disorders are also affected by substance abuse. Having both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder is known as having a dual diagnosis.
Dealing with both conditions at the same time presents double the challenge. Both mental health disorders and addiction get in the way of your ability to carry out your duties at school or work, maintain a stable life, or relate to others.
The Link Between Mental Health Conditions and Addiction
The link between addiction and mental health shows that both conditions can create a vicious cycle. An individual struggling with a mental health disorder like depression or bipolar disorder may decide to self-medicate using drugs or alcohol in an attempt to cope with the symptoms, only to make things worse.
Alternatively, a person battling addiction may experience mental health symptoms as the effect of taking the addictive substance or withdrawal symptoms. For instance, alcohol is likely to make depression and anxiety worse while taking methamphetamines can lead to prolonged psychotic episodes.
Handling Dual Diagnosis
The key to treating a dual diagnosis is to take an integrated approach to dealing with both conditions. For a better chance at recovery, both addiction and mental health conditions have to be treated simultaneously.
Not all treatment centers are equipped to deal with co-occurring disorders. You have to do your due diligence to get a rehab facility that has experience in treating not only dual diagnosis but also your specific addiction and mental health issues.
The addiction treatment centers under the Impact Wellness Network meet the criteria required to treat dual diagnosis. These treatment centers offer evidence-based treatment programs backed by research. They are also appropriately licensed and accredited so you can rest assured that you’re in safe hands.
Our treatment centers in the Midwest have experience treating different mental disorders alongside addiction. This is done using a combination of medication, individual and group counseling, behavioral treatment like cognitive behavioral therapy, lifestyle changes, and peer support.
Before treatment, you’ll likely undergo detox before being admitted to either a residential or outpatient treatment program. Once done with the program, you’ll move to aftercare treatment to help you transition to life outside rehab. This involves linking you with peer and community support groups to provide encouragement and support to keep you motivated on your recovery journey.
Take Charge of Dual Diagnosis Now
If you, or a loved one, are struggling with a dual diagnosis, don’t give up hope. With locations in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio, you’re sure to find a treatment center under the Impact Wellness Network that will be with you every step of your recovery journey. We believe that everyone can achieve long-term sobriety when given the right care, treatment, and guidance. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to learn more about our addiction treatment centers and programs.
