Why does it make sense to discuss psychological disorders when talking about substance abuse? For starters, there’s a good chance that a mental illness may be one of the reasons for someone’s struggle with addiction. Secondly, the presence of mental health disorders can get worse during times of substance abuse. What conditions should you be aware of?

Stigma Leads to the Absence of a Diagnosis

Although mental illness is very common, it isn’t common for most people to admit that their is a problem. For various reasons, individuals who have psychological disorders or simply battle with their mental health, often they hesitate to come forward. They may not feel comfortable seeking out a diagnosis because no one really wants to admit that they may not be “normal”. As a result, they cannot adequately meet their mental health needs and more often than not, they person will begin self-medicating with drugs and/or alcohol keeps unwelcome thoughts and feelings at bay, keeping the person in a vicious cycle of mental illness and substance abuse.

Below is a list of the most common mental disorders that lead to dual diagnosis:

Most Common Co-Occurring Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)

In a lot of cases, addiction and substance abuse appears to actually be the cause of common mental disorders, while in other cases, the opposite may occur.

Several common mental disorders come from similar factors such as addictive disorders; family history, brain chemistry and trauma in ones’ life. When it comes to recovery from co-occurring disorders and dual diagnosis, treatment must target both the mental illness AND the addictive disorder in order to produce effective, lasting and long term sobriety.

Common Psychological Disorders Frequently Affect Substance Abuse Patients

In the absence of a mental health checkup, subsequent psychological disorder diagnosis, and eventual overall health treatment, individuals often feel helpless because they often confuse addiction as just that, addiction. In more cases than not, it’s a missed dual diagnosis of a mental illness or mental disorder that leads to the addiction or substance abuse.

They may know that something’s wrong but attempt to deal with the addiction or substance abuse on their own. Self-medication with drugs or alcohol is the most common result because of the stigma attached to psychological disorders. For this and the following reasons, a dual diagnosis treatment center can mean the difference between remaining an addict and long term mental health healing:

Is it possible to undergo inpatient or outpatient treatment without a dual diagnosis? Although you could most certainly seek out this type of treatment, most would only only spot-fix the symptoms creating a much higher chance of relapse. While you might be able to give up the drug and/or alcohol for a little while, the underlying condition remains in place. Before long, there’s a high probability that you’ll return to using for self-medication and only increasing the severity of the psychological disorder and substance abuse.

The co-occurring condition (dual diagnosis) approach offers you a long-term way out of addiction and mental illness and helps pave the way to sobriety and sanity. Sure, there might still be setbacks along the way, but the therapies work to help you cope with REAL life. As you continue your mental health treatment and substance abuse counseling, you have a greater chance of remaining on track with rehabilitation aftercare which leads to long term sobriety and a healthier mind.

Is Mental Illness & Substance Abuse Adversely Affecting You?

It is possible that a mental disorder or illness is contributing to the substance abuse problem you may be experiencing right now, if you have the “not so” common ability to recognize that – then now is the time to seek REAL and lasting mental health treatment. Getting treatment for a common psychological disorder with dual diagnosis, will be stressful; but it doesn’t have to be difficult; let us show you how.

Consider this your first real step to taking back control by seeking only the best professional help, and get your life back! One quick call to the qualified staff at First Step Behavioral Health can put you on the road to sobriety. Call (855) 425-4846 now or contact us here!

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