Substance abusers commonly have mental health disorders. Drug or alcohol abuse with other mental health issues are termed co-existing disorders or a dual diagnosis. A dual diagnosis has to be treated for all issues for successful recovery.
There are common groups in dual diagnosis. ADHD is commonly seen with meth abuse. Meth affects the central nervous system as a stimulant and stimulants relieve hyperactivity symptoms. Meth abusers frequently also have attention deficit issues. Another is depression and abuse of stimulants. People without any attention deficit diagnosis feel the full effects of stimulants, which also relieves depression symptoms.
Addiction specialists need to discover all co-existing disorders to ensure a comprehensive dual diagnosis is reached. After complete identification, rehab programs need to treat all issues for successful recovery. To learn more about how these programs can help treat your disorders or those of your loved one, please call the Irving drug treatment centers today at (877) 804-1531.
A substance abuser may have mental health disorders and use substances to relieve the symptoms of mental illness. Conversely, mental illnesses were created by illicit substance abuse. In any case, both issues must be treated together.
The brain's reward center is stimulated by enjoyable actions. Substances and alcohol are stimulators. Enjoyable stimulation can come from food as well. This stimulation also blocks unwelcome feelings. As the brain learns gratification and blocks the negative, a craving for stimulation increases, developing an addictive cycle. When eating is the stimulus, an overeating disorder can be created.
People with depression can find relief from depressive thoughts and feelings by using drugs or alcohol. When this short-term relief dissipates, substance abuse feeds upon the depression by creating cravings for more relief, creating a cycle.
OCD, alcoholism and drug abuse may all be caused by an imbalance in brain chemistry. People may turn to alcohol or drugs for OCD symptoms relief, suppressing compulsions or blocking obsessive thoughts. A brain chemistry imbalance combined with the relief of OCD symptoms may create substance dependency.
People with PTSD experienced traumatic events with long-term and lasting effects. These effects can include flashbacks, nightmares, insomnia and hostility. Drugs or alcohol can offer relief from these painful symptoms.
Anxiety disorders make social situations difficult to deal with. Drugs or alcohol may bolster courage and decrease anxiety. This coping mechanism for people with anxiety disorders can easily lead to addiction.
Statistics show common co-existing disorders. Alcohol and depression commonly appear together. Alcohol is a depressive substance, prolonged use of alcohol may cause depression.
Opiate addiction and OCD appear typically together. Opiates block intrusive thoughts and compulsive actions, so opiates give a person with OCD relief.
A treatment plan needs the following elements:
Psychopharmacology: Medication is needed to treat any remaining psychiatric symptoms after detox.
Psychotherapy: Group and individual therapy are needed to address mental health and addiction issues simultaneously.
Behavioral Management: Cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches coping skills to respond to negative thoughts and actions by replacing them with positive behaviors.
Drug treatment centers can help users find relief in the uphill battle against drugs and alcohol. Qualified professional staff can diagnose co-existing disorders and offer complete assessments for each individual to ensure an accurate dual diagnosis. Comprehensive treatment plans are then developed and relapse prevention plans for continued success are also implemented. Dual diagnosis professionals and successful treatment are available to help. Call Irving drug treatment centers today to learn more . Dial (877) 804-1531 today.