Millions of people in the United States live with a mental health condition that affects their daily lives. The symptoms of mental illness can impact a person’s health, emotional well-being, daily functioning, and more.
Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health condition. It causes mood disorder symptoms and symptoms of schizophrenia. People with schizoaffective disorder may face serious, long-term complications. This includes a higher risk of developing substance use disorder (SUD).
People living with SUD and schizoaffective disorder require comprehensive treatment for both conditions. This article will explore what to expect in dual-diagnosis treatment programs. You will learn:
- The symptoms of schizoaffective disorder
- The link between schizoaffective disorder and substance abuse
- What to expect when treating schizoaffective disorder and alcohol or drug abuse
- Where to find addiction treatment and recovery support
If you or someone you love needs dual diagnosis treatment, you are not alone. Take the first step of your recovery journey by contacting the First Step Behavioral Health specialists today. Reach out to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is Schizoaffective Disorder?
Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health condition. People with schizoaffective disorder experience the symptoms of mood disorder and schizophrenia.
There are two types of schizoaffective disorder.
Bipolar type
People with bipolar-type schizoaffective disorder experience periods of major depression and manic episodes.
Depressive type
People with depressive-type schizoaffective disorder experience only depressive episodes.
The symptoms of schizoaffective disorder can vary widely from person to person. They may include:
- Depression
- Neglected hygiene
- Odd behaviors
- Delusions (thinking and believing things that are not true)
- Hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not real)
- Periods of mania (increased energy, decreased need for sleep, erratic behaviors)
- Delayed or incoherent speech
People with schizoaffective disorder may struggle to work, attend school, or have healthy relationships. The symptoms of this condition can impair many aspects of daily functioning and reduce quality of life.
What is the Connection Between Schizoaffective Disorder and Substance Abuse?
People who have mental health conditions may have a higher risk of substance abuse and addiction. In some cases, people may use drugs or alcohol to cope with their symptoms. This is called “self-medication,” and it increases the risk of physical dependence and addiction.
However, many addiction experts believe people with schizoaffective disorder are not likely to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. Some believe that people with mental health conditions like schizoaffective disorder may have genetic and environmental roots. These underlying factors can increase the risk of addiction.
Treatment for Schizoaffective Disorder and Addiction in Florida
People who have a mental health condition and substance use disorder (SUD) have a dual diagnosis. People with a dual diagnosis require comprehensive, compassionate treatment to address the roots of both conditions.
Treatment for schizoaffective disorder and addiction typically occurs in stages. Here is an overview of what to expect during a dual-diagnosis treatment program.
Assessment and diagnosis
An accurate mental health diagnosis is essential to the treatment process. Before starting treatment, a mental health professional will assess a person’s symptoms. They will also explore their medical history and more to provide a diagnosis.
Then, people must undergo a substance abuse evaluation to determine which level of care is appropriate. This will include:
- Questions about past and current substance use
- Mental health and medical histories
- Family history of SUD
- Lab testing
- Physical exam
This information will help treatment professionals determine what treatments people need to be successful in recovery.
Medical detox
Many people begin treatment in a medical detox program. A detox program may include:
- Round-the-clock supervision
- Medications to reduce or manage withdrawal symptoms
- Emotional support
- Holistic therapies to soothe the mind and body
Detox treatment programs keep people safe and on track in the earliest days of their recovery.
Treatment
There are inpatient and outpatient dual-diagnosis treatment programs. Comprehensive dual-diagnosis treatment programs include:
- Medications to manage withdrawal and psychotic symptoms (mood stabilizers, antipsychotic medications, etc)
- Behavioral therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Individual and group therapy
- Counseling and education for family members
- Specialized mental health treatments
- Holistic therapies like nutrition support, exercise, and mindfulness
- Aftercare planning
Treatment programs include evidence-based and holistic therapies to address psychotic disorder symptoms and SUD. It also helps people connect with ongoing treatment and community resources to create a relapse prevention plan. This plan can help people maintain their addiction recovery and manage mental health symptoms.
Aftercare
Aftercare programs include therapies, resources, and support to help people stay on track in recovery. People with schizoaffective disorder must include mental health treatment in an aftercare plan.
Generally, an aftercare plan might include:
- Individual counseling
- Support groups
- 12-step meetings
- Regular mental health treatment
- Regular medical care
- Medication management appointments
- Sober living communities
- Emergency mental health resources
- Other forms of mental health and SUD treatment
Contact the First Step Behavioral Health specialists to learn more about what to expect in dual diagnosis treatment.
Find Treatment for Schizoaffective Disorder and Addiction Now
If you or someone you love lives with schizoaffective disorder and SUD, you are not alone. Find the compassionate, effective treatment you need at First Step Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team to learn more or to schedule an appointment.
References:
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Schizoaffective Disorder
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Schizoaffective Disorder
- NIH: The Link Between Schizophrenia and Substance Use Disorder: A Unifying Hypothesis
- NIH: Alcohol Use Disorder and Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder
