Mental health and substance use disorders commonly co-occur. These conditions feed into one another and can make healing from them difficult. It is important to understand details about both mental health disorders to understand what is comorbidity.
What Is Comorbidity?
Comorbidity is the appearance of two conditions in one person. Commonly, this refers to mental health conditions and substance use disorders. Comorbidity is complicated because it means that the conditions feed into one another. Only treating one can eventually cause a relapse in the other.
A common example is anxiety and alcoholism. If a person struggles with social anxiety, they have difficulty going out in public without experiencing symptoms of anxiety. Common symptoms of anxiety include:
- Restlessness
- Nervousness
- Sweating
- Excessive worry
- Thoughts of impending doom
- Nausea
As a depressant, many people turn to alcohol because it slows the central nervous system and lowers inhibitions. Therefore, a person may feel more comfortable being in social situations if they drink. However, as a person comes to understand what is comorbidity, they will understand why this is dangerous. Over time, the person will develop a dependence on alcohol to engage in social situations. This can eventually turn into an addiction.
What to Expect in Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Once a person understands what is comorbidity, they may realize that they need help. However, someone with comorbid conditions should not seek help at any treatment facility. Rather, they need a dual diagnosis treatment program.
Dual diagnosis treatment in Berkeley, CA addresses both the mental health and substance use disorders concurrently. If a person tries to seek solely mental health or substance abuse treatment, the untreated condition may eventually cause a relapse in the other.
Dual diagnosis treatment addresses both conditions through a variety of techniques. This includes several therapy modalities, such as individual counseling, group counseling, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Each of these treatments helps a person develop coping mechanisms that they can rely on in stressful situations. This way, when a person experiences something that triggers their mental health condition, they have coping techniques ready that they can turn to instead of substance abuse.
Furthermore, a treatment facility can help a person better understand their mental health condition so they can receive ongoing assistance. While dual diagnosis treatment only lasts the duration of the treatment program, many people need ongoing support. The treatment facility can help individuals with finding support groups or therapists in their area that can help them manage their symptoms and recovery.
The Road to Recovery Begins with New Bridge Foundation®
Understanding what is comorbidity is just the beginning of the journey. At New Bridge Foundation®, we have the skills and expertise to guide those looking to heal from co-occurring conditions. In addition to our dual diagnosis treatment in Berkeley, CA, we also offer:
- Detoxification
- Short-Term Residential Rehab (Helios)
- Short-Term Outpatient Rehab (Helios)
- Long-Term Residential Rehab (START)
- Free Aftercare for Life
For more information about New Bridge Foundation® and our compassionate team, call us today at 866.772.8491.
