The Link Between Substance Abuse and Mental Health in Florida
There are clinically studied links between substance abuse and mental health. For one, as many as one-third of people who have a substance use disorder such as alcoholism, opioid addiction, or cocaine addiction also have a co-occurring mental illness such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, or bipolar disorder. One may indeed cause the other, but it’s also true that both might arise quite distinctly from the other and that healthcare providers might be unable to pinpoint why both disorders occurred.Â
One thing is certain: There is treatment available for substance use disorders and mental illnesses. WhiteSands Treatment offers comprehensive programs that include clinically supervised detox, inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, dual diagnosis treatment, medication-assisted treatment, and aftercare — our accredited behavioral health and mental health treatment centers feature licensed and experienced clinicians. Individualized treatment plans are a hallmark of our facilities. If you are struggling with substance abuse and mental health problems, you can get help at our facilities.Â
Our treatment centers offer clients a recovery-friendly setting where they can immerse themselves in their recovery program with the guidance of medical professionals. Our facilities are filled with comfortable spaces and premier amenities. Each person can benefit from our blend of treatment modalities, including medically traditional evidence-based treatments, promising alternative treatments, and holistic therapies. Let our clinicians help you achieve your recovery goals. A dual diagnosis is serious and not something to ignore. Treatment can help you manage both conditions to enjoy reduced symptoms and improved overall well-being.Â
Understanding the Connection Between Substance Abuse and Mental Health
There are often unmistakable connections between substance abuse and mental health. There may not be an identifiable link in some cases, but frequently, there is. First, there are common factors that impact both types of conditions. For instance, the same cause(s) can trigger the development of both disorders.
It’s also true that a mental health disorder can lead to the development of a substance use disorder and that a substance use disorder can lead to the development of a mental illness. During treatment, clinicians will help patients identify and examine causal factors; this can be helpful as it allows both to develop strategies for managing these factors effectively, if possible.Â
Common Co-Occurring Disorders in Florida
A person can experience any combination of substance use disorder and mental health disorder, but it’s also not uncommon for certain illnesses to present together. For example, depression and alcoholism are a common combination of co-occurring disorders. Some of the most commonly diagnosed mental or mood health conditions that occur with some form of substance abuse are generalized anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia, mood disorders like borderline personality disorder, and eating disorders. Either condition, once developed, can exacerbate the symptoms of the other, which is why the best treatment for a dual diagnosis is essential.Â
The Impact of Substance Abuse on Mental Health
Substance abuse is no way to manage a mental health condition, and yet, many people turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate their mental health symptoms. In the short term, using drugs or alcohol may help a person feel better because their mental health symptoms become dull or forgotten temporarily. However, this form of self-medicating can pave a path quickly to dependence and then to addiction. To recover or manage both conditions successfully, individuals require treatment. Otherwise, the untreated condition is likely to impact the other negatively.
Identifying Symptoms of Dual Diagnosis
Symptoms of dual diagnosis in substance abuse vary from one person to another depending on the substance(s) in question and the mental illness that has developed. Some symptoms of co-occurring disorders include:
- Severe mood swings.
- Changes in behavior.
- Engaging in high-risk behaviors (i.e., driving under the influence).
- Lying about alcohol or drug use.
- Exhibiting no control over drug and alcohol use.
- Feeling unable to function without alcohol or drugs.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you don’t use within a certain time frame.
Suppose you experience symptoms of substance abuse and mental health disorder symptoms that don’t go away in a couple of weeks. In that case, you should seek an evaluation at a center like WhiteSands Treatment, which specializes in dual diagnosis treatment.Â
Effective Treatment Approaches for Co-Occurring Disorders
It’s important to get simultaneous treatment if you have a dual diagnosis. WhiteSands Treatment offers high-quality treatment for co-occurring disorders that helps patients manage both of their disorders. Simultaneous treatment can help prevent either disorder from negatively impacting the other.Â
Our treatment providers rely on evidence-based therapeutic modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy in Florida to help clients manage their dual diagnosis effectively. We also include alternative therapies and holistic treatments to benefit recovery. Everyone is unique, so we customize therapy to support each client’s needs. Even in cases where a disorder cannot be cured, most can be managed. Many of our treatment approaches include relapse prevention strategies. We also offer aftercare, which can help with ongoing management.Â
The Role of Integrated Treatment Plans
At WhiteSands Treatment, our clinicians integrate many treatment approaches into each patient’s individualized plan. Evidence-based treatments are medically traditional and have the support of the medical community. They’ve been clinically studied and determined to be safe and effective. We enhance these treatments with some promising alternative therapies. For instance, art therapy is often helpful for patients with post-traumatic stress disorder. Finally, we offer holistic therapies because they support both mental and physical health and well-being, which can enhance the recovery process and help clients manage their conditions effectively for the long term.Â
Benefits of Specialized Treatment Centers in Florida
If you have a dual diagnosis, attending a treatment facility specializing in this type of therapy makes sense. WhiteSands Treatment offers dual diagnosis treatment based on the best treatment approaches. Our clinicians have the experience and expertise needed to treat your co-occurring disorders. Let us help you achieve the symptom relief you crave. Our facilities are known for providing comfortable settings and empathetic clinical teams. You can obtain simultaneous treatment to ensure that both of your conditions are managed.Â
How WhiteSands Treatment Addresses Substance Abuse and Mental Health Issues
If you suspect you have a dual diagnosis, contact us to learn more about our customized treatment programs and enrollment process to get help for substance abuse and mental health issues. Co-occurring disorders are unlikely to clear up on their own, and most are chronic, meaning they require ongoing management to curtail or reduce symptoms. High-quality treatment will help you effectively manage your substance use disorder and mental illness so that you can enjoy improved overall well-being.Â
Contact WhiteSands Treatment online or call 877-855-3470 and let us help you get your mental health back on track. We treat all patients with the dignity and respect they deserve. WhiteSands Treatment accepts many forms of medical insurance. When you call, we can help you determine how much coverage to expect for your dual diagnosis treatment. Since we offer both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, you can enroll in one that works best for you. We’ve been named to Newsweek’s prestigious list of America’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers five years in a row, a testament to our commitment to helping people overcome addiction and mental health issues. Don’t wait to call and get the help you need to feel better.
If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.
About the Author
Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.
