When an individual struggles with substance addiction, they frequently also have a mental health disorder. It is not uncommon for addiction to develop alongside another condition. When addiction and mental health disorders appear together, they are called co-occurring disorders. There are several types of co-occurring disorders, and it is important to find a qualified dual diagnosis treatment center Northern California offers that is able to treat the addiction and mental health issue at the same time.
How Do Co-Occurring Disorders Begin?
Addiction and mental health disorders feed into each other and can worsen each other’s symptoms. Typically, mental health conditions develop first. Without proper treatment and counseling, the individual may turn to substances to alleviate the symptoms they experience. However, over time, they may come to rely on the substance for relief. Eventually, this will become an addiction.
Types of Co-Occurring Disorders
There are several common types of co-occurring disorders due to the ways the effects of drugs can complement the symptoms of a mental health condition. Since these mental health conditions and substance use disorders commonly occur together, it’s important to be mindful of the signs of these disorders.
Depression
Depression can cause low energy, apathy, and depressed moods in individuals with this mental health disorder. It’s typically difficult for those with depression to accomplish their daily tasks and fulfill roles of obligation. Therefore, those struggling with depression may turn to alcohol or drugs to lift their moods.
However, substances can be addictive, and what starts off as a method of feeling better can turn into an addiction.
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders, such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Social Anxiety, can make a person feel panic and fear in certain situations. Their heart rate increases, their thoughts race, and they may even experience a panic attack. Anxiety disorders can be debilitating and can adversely affect a person’s quality of life.
As with depression, those suffering from anxiety disorders might attempt to alleviate symptoms by using alcohol or other substances. The danger is that what starts off as an attempt to feel better can ultimately become a life threatening problem.
PTSD
As with Anxiety Disorders, those struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder often rely on substances to calm unwanted thoughts, soothe panic, or alleviate insomnia.
Veterans and active duty military personnel suffer from PTSD at a disproportionately higher percentage compared to other groups. Additionally, veterans and military personnel may experience chronic pain, thus making opioids more readily available to them. Unfortunately, since opioid medication is highly addictive, individuals who have been prescribed prescription pain medication for pain can become addicted, resulting in a co-occurring disorder.
Bipolar Disorder
Individuals struggling with Bipolar Disorder experience mood swings, unwanted thoughts, risk taking behaviors, and emotional highs and lows. It is not uncommon for individuals struggling with Bipolar Disorder to also abuse substances, thus exacerbating their symptoms and making recovery more difficult.
Finding Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders
With so many types of co-occurring disorders, it may seem difficult to find a facility that will treat these complex conditions. Luckily, New Bridge Foundation® in Berkeley, California is here to help those in need. We offer several specialized programs, including:
- Co-occurring disorder treatment
- LGBTQ+ addiction treatment program
- Active military and veterans services
- Hearing impaired services
- Family program
To learn more about the programs offered at New Bridge Foundation®, call today at 8667728491.