Benefits of Integrated Treatment of Co-Occurring Disorders

Addiction doesn’t come out of nowhere, and more often than you might expect, people who are struggling with drug or alcohol abuse are also battling mental health struggles like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. Because of this common link between the two, treatment of co-occurring disorders — meaning addressing the addiction and mental health condition at the same time — is extremely important when helping someone overcome addiction. The research is clear: Simultaneous treatment is the best hope for someone to get better and achieve lasting recovery. At top addiction treatment centers like WhiteSands Treatment in Florida, dual diagnosis treatment for addiction and mental illness is a crucial tool in the fight for a better future for our patients.

What Is the Connection Between Addiction and Mental Health?

It’s not a 100% connection, but there are clear ties and links between addiction and mental health struggles. A Columbia University Department of Psychiatry article cited the results of the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, which reported that nearly half of those with a serious mental illness also have a substance use disorder or addiction to drugs or alcohol. That translates to a staggering number of Americans who are affected by both — 16.5% of the entire population 12 years or older, adding up to 46.3 million people, reported a substance use disorder in the past year. Of those, 19.4 million reported struggling with both addiction and a mental health condition.

 

Why Is Mental Health Important in Addiction Recovery?

The alarming statistics from national surveys and patient studies show that mental health treatment is indeed an essential part of addiction recovery. Treating only the addiction won’t address underlying factors, feelings, and mental health problems that fuel the substance abuse and can quickly lead to relapse after rehab. That’s why WhiteSands Treatment’s addiction therapy programs help patients address all of the factors behind their struggles with drugs or alcohol — including mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, or depression. Our effective treatment of co-occurring disorders helps people understand how their dual conditions feed into one another and then learn new skills and develop more resources to overcome any future challenges without returning to drugs or alcohol. We know that treating the whole person — both their physical and mental health — is the best way to help.

 

Which Mental Disorder Is Most Commonly Comorbid with Alcoholism?

Like with other kinds of addiction, people with alcohol use disorder often have mental health challenges that require dual diagnosis treatment at a top drug and alcohol addiction treatment center like WhiteSands. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the most common mental health disorders someone has with alcohol addiction include depression, anxiety disorders, trauma- and stress-related disorders, other substance use disorders (addictions to other substances in addition to alcohol), and sleep disorders. Psychotic disorders like schizophrenia are also possible among those who are struggling with alcohol abuse.

The NIAAA says pre-existing mental health conditions might increase the risk of someone developing alcohol use disorder — and this is because people who are struggling with mental illness might turn to alcohol to cope with their symptoms and feelings. The reverse is also true, and long-term drinking can make someone predisposed to then developing mental health disorders. Genetic and environmental risks and predispositions can also overlap between alcohol use disorder and psychiatric struggles. Because of this vice-versa relationship between the two, it’s essential for medical professionals to diagnose both conditions in their patients accurately and to tailor dual diagnosis treatment to meet the person’s unique needs.

 

 

What Does the Best Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders Involve?

When someone is struggling with both addiction and mental health disorders, dual diagnosis treatment is the best way to address and overcome these separate but connected conditions simultaneously. But what, specifically, should treatment of co-occurring disorders include? According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, integrated treatment has been proven to be more effective than separately treating each condition. This kind of specialized treatment program heavily relies on helping people identify and then change flawed or unhealthy patterns of thinking or behaving, a psychotherapy process known as cognitive-behavioral therapy. Unless both struggles are considered, patients are less likely to adhere to treatment or drop out entirely if only the addiction is addressed.

The institute said professionals must collaborate to address all aspects of a person’s life that might feed into continued substance abuse or mental health struggles. This could involve a medical provider teaming up with social services organizations to address homelessness or vocational skills. Family therapy can be especially beneficial when a younger person or teenager is trying to overcome addiction and mental health struggles. Prescription medications also can help address specific withdrawal symptoms or mental health conditions, such as medicines to help people detox from opioids or alcohol.

 

WhiteSands: A Place for Overcoming Addiction with Treatment of Co-Occurring Disorders

Now that you know just how important treatment of co-occurring disorders is, how do you choose the best place to get help for yourself or a friend or family member? Not all addiction treatment centers are the same, and there are many factors that you should consider, including finding a place with the right experts, comprehensive addiction treatment options, and mental health therapy offerings to truly address both addiction and mental health disorders. In Florida, WhiteSands Treatment is proud to be recognized as a top choice for addiction treatment centers. Our proven track record of helping people of all ages and all walks of life put the struggles of addiction behind them means you’ll know you’re at the right place once you walk through our doors. If you’re searching for dual diagnosis inpatient treatment, we’re ready to help with compassionate, professional support. Start your recovery journey today — call us at 877-855-3470 and learn more about how we can help.

 

External Sources

• Columbia University Department of Psychiatry — Substance Use Disorder and Mental Illness Often Go Hand in Hand
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism — Mental Health Issues: Alcohol Use Disorder and Common Co-Occurring Conditions
• National Institute on Drug Abuse — What Are the Treatments for Comorbid Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Conditions

 

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.