Mental health issues affect large numbers of Americans. Many of these issues fall under the heading of drug and alcohol problems. Others fall into a range of other categories, including depressive illnesses and anxiety-related illnesses. The combination of a substance problem and any other mental health problem is widely known as a co-occurring disorder. This combined condition requires special focus in rehab programs. What exactly does co-occurring disorders treatment involve? There are both general and specific answers to this important question.
How Are Co-Occurring Disorders Treated – The General Approach
If you have a co-occurring disorder, you’re dealing with two overlapping health issues. There are several notable consequences to this situation. These consequences typically include such things as:
- Harmful interactions between the two conditions
- More symptoms than a single condition would cause
- A greater negative impact on your overall well-being
- Greater difficulty recovering your well-being in treatment
These facts help explain the general approach to co-occurring disorder treatment. This approach is based on an integrated model of care. Some of your treatment plan will focus on your substance recovery. Other parts of that plan will focus on recovery from the co-occurring illness.
The Importance of Integrated Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment
Integrated treatment is essential to your recovery from co-occurring disorders. Why? If your treatment plan ignores one of the conditions affecting you, that second condition can:
- Get worse, not better
- Interfere with the usefulness of the treatment you do receive
- Slow down or effectively halt your recovery
These kinds of outcomes are clearly counterproductive. A well-developed plan helps you avoid them. Not only does it provide coordinated resources. It helps ensure that all the treatments you receive provide a true recovery benefit.
How to Treat Co-Occurring Disorders – Addressing Substance Problems
What kinds of treatments are used to support substance recovery for those with co-occurring disorders? That depends on your situation. You may need to start with a period of drug or alcohol detox. Therapy is also a common part of an effective plan. In addition, some people receive medication.
Detox can help you quit drinking or using drugs. Therapy can help you meet any number of recovery needs. That includes everything from following your treatment plan to preparing for life after rehab. Medication can support your sobriety. In some cases, it may also help your brain recover some of its normal function. The specific methods used to support substance recovery vary from person to person.
Treating the Second Condition Affecting You
How are co-occurring disorders treated on the other side of the recovery equation? That depends on the nature of the second illness affecting you. Statistically speaking, you’re most likely to need help for co-occurring depression or anxiety. But you may also need help for bipolar illness, PTSD, or another condition.
Therapy typically plays a big part in this aspect of your treatment. Some of the therapies used for substance treatment may also help you here. However, you may need other forms of help.
Medication for the second condition affecting you is often important. The most widely used options include antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines. You may also benefit from another option or have a condition that doesn’t call for the use of medication.
Seek Guidance Today at Northpoint Colorado
How are co-occurring disorders treated? As a rule, specialists rely on a customized version of integrated care. This allows them to adapt general recovery principles to the details of your situation.
Want to find out more? Seek guidance today from Northpoint Colorado. We specialize in co-occurring disorder recovery. No matter your question, we’re happy to provide the answers you need. Call us today at 888.231.1281 or complete our online information form.