February 27, 2023
Medication Assisted Treatment, Therapy
Millions of people struggle with multiple disorders simultaneously. It is important that when finding a recovery treatment facility, you find one with experience in your particular disorder. This will allow you the best treatment possible for your situation.
There has been a dramatic change in mental health over the past two decades. Traditionally, co-occurring disorders were viewed as discrete issues with different treatment options. It wasn’t until recently that it was discovered these different issues may tie in together. Due to this new understanding, multiple disorders can be treated simultaneously instead of one at a time.
These mental and psychological issues are addressed to help with the addictions they have caused. Our treatment facility looks at your patients as a whole to find out the root causes of addiction and what mental issues have been feeding into it. Many times we find that patients have PTSD, which in turn gives them anxiety and depression. This all stems, for the most part, from a traumatic event or multiple traumatic events.
For addiction treatment to be successful, we will need to understand and help the patient to process these events to have a better way to cope naturally with the world. Our approach helps our patients with co-occurring issues to give them a better chance at recovery.
Addiction and mental health are closely linked, with one often influencing the other. Substance abuse is more common among those with mental illness. Because mental health issues can cause emotional pain and distress, addiction can help patients temporarily escape those symptoms. Addiction, however, can also worsen mental health issues like depression and anxiety due to its effects on the brain.
Mental health stigmatization campaigns in the USA have highlighted the prevalence of mental health disorders, which affect one out of five of us at some point. The number of people suffering from depression worldwide exceeds 300 million. (1)
There is a rise in depression, with many avoiding any type of treatment. This is because of astigmatism for having mental health issues. Instead of getting proper help through therapy, many people will turn to drugs and alcohol for coping.
Many people have co-occurring disorders, meaning they will often have one mental issue that is causing another. For example, ADHD could actually be anxiety coupled with trauma, which can come across as an ADHD problem. Combine that with an abuse problem, and it can be difficult to sort out. According to the American Psychology Association, about 45% of people with mental illness meet two or more diagnostic criteria for mental illness. (2)
A mental illness is twice as common as a non-mental illness, and at least 20% of people with mental illness also have a co-occurring substance abuse problem. (3) For example, those with eating disorders often display signs of other mental health disorders and use harmful drugs. Despite the push for better mental health, people with multiple disorders often feel alone, lost, and hopeless because their pain runs deep and is hard to diagnose.
New research indicates that genetics contribute to approximately 40-60% of the likelihood that a person will develop a substance use problem.
Co-occurrence rates are still being investigated. However, two main hypotheses have been supported by growing evidence: shared genes and common neurological disorders.
There is a possibility that the same genes might predispose you to develop mental health disorders or substance use disorders. New research indicates that genetics contribute to approximately 40-60% of the likelihood that a person will develop a substance use problem. The National Institute on Drug Abuse asserts that genetics is a very common reason for those with substance abuse issues. This is because they are likely to respond to stress in an inappropriate manner. They are also more interested in drugs and alcohol at a younger age. Perhaps, due to being predisposed to it more than others that are not genetically prone. (4)
There are similarities between mental health disorders and addictions, including the behavior of neurotransmitters. Researchers believe that brain changes caused by one condition may directly lead to the development of another condition.
For example, drug abuse can alter brain function and structure, raising mental illness risk before it appears. Additionally, mental illness can change the brain to enhance or relieve the unpleasant effects of mental illness. This can send patients into a downward spiral. They are using substances to mask the pain and feelings caused by mental illness. In return, the pain is actually amplified.
The diagnosis and treatment of people with mental disorders and substance abuse problems are complex. That’s why it is important that you work with a facility that has experience in this sector. We at Life Line Services have many years of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues as well as substance abuse.
Since co-occurring disorders are complex and interconnected, treatment models targeting only one diagnosis at a time are fundamentally flawed in their understanding of co-occurrence as two or more ailments occurring separately.
There are three models of co-occurring disorder treatment: coordinated, co-located, and fully integrated.
This model involves providing different treatments for mental illness and substance abuse disorders. It will require coordination between the providers. This approach can be effective for treating co-occurring conditions. This is because it ensures communication and collaborative efforts between the providers while treating both disorders specialized manner.
As part of this model, patients receive treatment for mental health and substance use disorders in the same facility. This is a very common approach, as the facility will have professionals to help with both. The advantage of this approach is that patients have convenient access to both types of treatment, and communication between providers is vastly improved.
In this model, the patient receives a comprehensive treatment plan that simultaneously addresses both the mental health disorder and substance use disorder. Patients receive treatment from a team of professionals who collaborate to develop a treatment plan that meets their needs. It may include therapists, psychiatrists, substance abuse counselors, and other healthcare professionals. It can be highly effective in treating co-occurring disorders since it addresses both conditions holistically, which results in better outcomes.
This is the approach we use at Life Line Services. We take our time to put together a treatment plan that addresses all the underlying issues that contribute to substance abuse problems. We take the time to assess each client as an individual to see what approach would be best for them.
Despite overwhelming evidence that simultaneous treatment leads to better outcomes, many treatment programs continue treating co-occurring disorders separately. Thus, seeking a treatment center that adheres to an integrative approach is necessary. A clinical diagnosis can be achieved even in the presence of multiple co-occurring disorders. This is done through sophisticated assessments designed by clinicians who understand the unique needs of people with co-occurring conditions.
By assessing your emotional and behavioral health, we can tailor cutting-edge interventions to both mental health and substance abuse issues. We can go even further to better understand how they relate to each other. This approach allows you to break through damaging patterns of emotion, thought, and behavior, leading to sustainable relief from suffering by integrating a variety of therapeutic approaches.
Co-occurring disorders can be treated despite being common, complicated, and painful. With the right program, you can unlock your inner resources and create the tranquility you desire.
Call Life Line Services if you feel you have a substance abuse disorder stemming from co-occurring issues. We would love to help determine the best approach to get you on the road to recovery. Substance abuse is very common among those with co-occurring issues, as they often feel unheard, not understood, and unloved. We are here to help with kindness and compassion. Contact us today.
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