If you’re affected by addiction, chances are high that you also have additional, diagnosable mental health issues. Experts refer to the simultaneous effects of these conditions by either of two names. The first of these names is dual diagnosis. The second is co-occurring disorder. A co-occurring disorders treatment program is essential to effective recovery from addiction and additional mental illness. This kind of program provides multiple benefits that help you return to a functional everyday routine. Call Northpoint Colorado at 888.231.1281 to learn more.
The Connection Between Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Research shows that problems with substance abuse or addiction increase your risk for other mental illnesses. In turn, existing mental illness increases your odds of developing serious substance problems. What explains the enduring connection between mental health and substance abuse?
As it turns out, there is no single answer to this question. Instead, several factors may be in play. These factors include:
- The excessive use of drugs or alcohol to self-medicate an existing mental illness
- Addiction-related brain changes that increase your risks for other mental health issues
- Certain risks that increase the odds of both addiction and other mental illnesses
The list of these shared risks includes genetic influences. They also include regular exposure to high levels of everyday stress. In addition, they include exposure to traumatic life events.
How Often Does Dual Diagnosis Occur?
Dual diagnosis is a common fact of life for people with substance problems. The same holds true for people affected by illnesses such as depression and anxiety disorders. In fact, the overlap between these two categories is roughly 50%.
How Is Dual Diagnosis Treated?
Dual diagnosis treatment programs have two simultaneous goals. First, they provide treatment that addresses the form of addiction affecting you. At the same time, they provide treatment that targets your additional mental illness. Depending on your situation, your recovery plan may include the following:
- Addiction medication
- Medication for your additional mental health condition
- Psychotherapy for addiction or your additional condition
Two therapy options are known for their effectiveness in this role. The first of these options is dialectical behavior therapy. The second is cognitive-behavioral therapy.
The Known Benefits of Dual Diagnosis Treatment
An adequately designed addiction and mental illness care plan provides you with some essential treatment advantages. The known benefits of dual diagnosis treatment include:
- A coordinated approach to your recovery process
- Effective support for your overall mental well-being
- Higher chances of regaining your sense of health and wellness
- Access to experienced dual diagnosis treatment professionals
- A general improvement in your day-to-day quality of life
Each of these benefits is important in its own way. For example, coordinated care ensures that your addiction and mental illness treatment do not conflict. It also helps ensure that one condition does not make the other worse.
Restored well-being is not likely if you don’t receive treatment for both issues affecting you. The same holds true for any lasting improvement in your quality of life. Dual diagnosis experts have the training needed to help you get the most out of your recovery plan.
Learn More About How You Can Benefit From Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Northpoint
Want to know more about the benefits of dual diagnosis treatment plans? Talk to the professionals at Northpoint Colorado. We’re standing by to explain precisely how these kinds of programs work. We can also provide greater detail on how they promote effective recovery.
Northpoint specializes in customized dual diagnosis care. We treat all combinations of addiction and additional mental illness. Our goal is the restoration of your sobriety and general wellness. For more information, call us today at 888.231.1281 or complete our online form.