When some struggle with addiction, it is often because of a variety of factors and circumstances. Mental wellness often plays a significant factor when an individual is dealing with substance abuse. It is not uncommon for someone with an undiagnosed or untreated mental health condition to turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate. When a person is dealing with substance use disorder and a mental health diagnosis, it is called a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis. Finding a treatment program that helps you address both conditions will make a significant impact on the road to recovery.
At Washburn House, we provide a dual diagnosis treatment program to help individuals overcome addiction and learn to better manage their mental health. Our treatment center can provide you or your loved quality care and support on the road to recovery. Call us at 855.298.3104 to speak with someone about your next steps.
Understanding the Relationship Between Addiction and Anxiety
Some of the most common co-occurring mental health disorders include depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety. In some cases, a person may struggle with addiction as a result of an untreated mental illness. In other instances, an individual can develop a mental health condition after struggling with substance abuse. It is extremely challenging when someone has co-occurring disorders because the two conditions can enhance each other in negative ways. For example, when someone struggles with addiction and anxiety, the two conditions can compound each other and significantly impact their physical and mental well-being.
It is not uncommon for addiction to worsen or even cause anxiety. Individuals struggling with addiction can find themselves in financial trouble, in relationship conflict, or under significant stress. This can dramatically increase their anxiety levels or make someone’s existing anxiety condition even more unpleasant. Their increase in anxiety can cause them to continue abusing substances as a way to cope, creating a vicious and unhealthy cycle that can be hard to break. However, a dual diagnosis treatment program can help patients heal from their addiction and anxiety struggles. Treating both conditions at the same time allows individuals to understand how the two interact with each other. Understanding the causes of your addiction and mental health issues and developing healthy coping mechanisms for both is critical for lasting recovery.
The Signs and Symptoms of Co-Occurring Disorders
When someone is dealing with addiction and anxiety or another co-occurring disorder, it can be tough to recognize. This is because the signs and symptoms can vary depending on the person and the conditions. What also can happen is that friends or families identify one condition but not both. However, recognizing and treating both disorders is crucial for getting someone the help they need to heal and recover.
Some of the common signs and symptoms of co-occurring disorders:
- Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
- Mood swings
- Personality or attitude changes
- Neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school
- Poor physical hygiene
- Impaired coordination
- Loss of interest in hobbies
- Withdrawing from family and loved ones
If you recognize a combination of these signs in yourself or someone you know, do not wait to reach out for help. Letting a dual diagnosis go untreated can lead to significant consequences for your physical, mental, and emotional help. At Washburn House, we work with and screen patients to determine what programs will be best suited to their needs.
Enroll in Our Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program Today at Washburn House
Our team helps patients through each stage of their recovery journey, from detox to relapse prevention. If you are living with co-occurring disorders, you are not alone, and you do not have to keep struggling. Call Washburn House at 855.298.3104 or use our online contact form and enroll in our program today.