Addressing Co-Occurring Disorders

If you’re struggling with both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder, this is called having a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis. This affects many people, and it can make everyday life feel overwhelming. Understanding what co-occurring disorders are, why they happen, what warning signs to watch for, and how they can be treated can help you take the first steps toward healing and a more balanced life.

Co-occurring disorders happen when a mental health condition, like bipolar disorder or anxiety, exists alongside a substance use disorder, such as alcoholism or drug addiction. These conditions often interact with each other, making symptoms worse and recovery more challenging. It’s a bit like a vicious cycle; mental health issues may lead to substance use as a way to cope, while substance use can further intensify mental health symptoms.

Why Co-Occurring Disorders Happen

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to why co-occurring disorders happen, but several factors can contribute:

• Self-medication: Some people may use substances as a way to manage mental health symptoms. You might drink to numb anxiety, use drugs to lift your mood, or turn to substances to escape from the pain of trauma or stress. While it may seem like a temporary fix, substances can worsen symptoms over time.
• Shared risk factors: Mental health and substance use disorders often share similar risk factors, such as genetics, brain chemistry, or exposure to trauma. This means that if you’re already prone to one condition, you might be more likely to develop the other.
• Brain changes: Substances can change the way your brain functions, impacting areas involved in mood, reward, and impulse control. If you already have a mental health condition, these changes can worsen your symptoms.
• Environmental stressors: Life stressors like financial problems, relationship difficulties, or major life changes can trigger or worsen both mental health and substance use issues.

Warning Signs of Co-Occurring Disorders

If you’re dealing with both mental health and substance use issues, some signs might indicate you need additional help. These include:

• Using substances to cope: If you find yourself turning to alcohol, drugs, or other substances as a way to manage your mental health symptoms, it may be time to reach out for support.
• Worsening symptoms: You might notice that your mental health symptoms, like anxiety, depression, or mood swings, become more intense or frequent when you use substances.
• Difficulty controlling substance use: If you’ve tried to cut back or quit using substances but find it hard to stay in control, this could be a sign of a substance use disorder.
• Isolating from friends and family: If you’re pulling away from loved ones or avoiding social situations, this could indicate that your co-occurring disorders are affecting your relationships.
• Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, skipping school, or struggling to keep up with daily tasks may be signs that your mental health and substance use issues are taking a toll on your life.

How Co-Occurring Disorders Are Treated

Treating co-occurring disorders requires an integrated approach that addresses both the mental health condition and the substance use disorder simultaneously. At Creekside Behavioral Health in Kingsport, Tennessee, we can assess your condition and recommend appropriate treatment options to address the specific mental health and substance use issues you’re dealing with. This may include detox to monitor and manage the individual experiencing withdrawal symptoms from drug or alcohol addiction in a controlled, 24-hour inpatient setting. 

Additionally, other treatment options may include:

• Integrated therapy: Therapy is an essential part of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and trauma-focused therapy can help you understand the connection between your mental health and substance use, while also providing tools to cope with triggers and stress.
• Medication management: In some cases, medications may be used to help manage mental health symptoms. For example, antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications can be helpful, but they must be carefully monitored to avoid any potential interactions with substances.
• Support groups: Participating in support groups, such as Dual Recovery Anonymous or SMART Recovery, can connect you with others who understand what you’re going through. Sharing your experiences and hearing from others can reduce feelings of isolation and build a sense of community.
• Holistic approaches: Incorporating activities like yoga, meditation, art therapy, or mindfulness practices can provide additional support for your recovery journey. These approaches can help you manage stress and improve your overall well-being.

Recovery doesn’t end when treatment is over. Developing a solid aftercare plan that includes ongoing therapy, support groups, and lifestyle changes can help you maintain your progress and prevent relapse.