Managing a Co-occurring Disorder in Recovery
When you admit into addiction treatment, you may likely get a psychiatric evaluation if there is suspicion that you may be experiencing a co-occurring disorder. You will meet with a therapist to ensure you are comfortable talking about your personal history to confirm that they have an accurate diagnosis. Generally, rehab is the best environment in which this happens. Not only are you facing your addiction, but now you can focus on the mental health aspects that may be the fuel of your substance abuse. You will be in a safe space where a full evaluation can take place with little to no outside influence that may normally occur in an outpatient setting.
Dual Diagnosis is More Common Today
If you receive a dual diagnosis, you will work alongside your therapist to come up with a treatment plan designed specifically to your needs. You will examine your past, present and future conditions that led you to drink or use drugs. In these therapy sessions, you will learn how your addiction and mental health disorder may have played a role in the volatility of your life and what steps you can take to reclaim your life. This likely includes coping strategies, setting boundaries, and medications that help manage your disorders simultaneously and a referral for a psychiatrist back home to ensure transition of care.
Recent studies show that 2 out 3 people receiving addiction treatment have some form of mental health disorder. In many cases, it’s not discovered until someone admits into an addiction treatment center.
Self-Medication Anyone?
By using drugs and alcohol to ease the pain of consuming emotional problems, you are increasing the effects of your disorder even though it may feel a brief respite. For example, if someone is drinking to offset their manic-depressive disorder, they may enjoy the numbness of the alcohol without realizing the alcohol is a depressant. Also, increasing drinking over time cause acute mood swings that results in unstable behavior. The capability to rationalize fades when one has certain mood disorders and drinks or drugs chronically. No matter what the drug of choice, your co-occurring disorder will only get worse when left untreated. As your disorder becomes unbearable, you are tempted to increase amounts. The increases then intensify the effects of the disorder, and the vicious cycle repeats, over and over. Often when the situation deteriorates to this point, loved ones tend to step in. The cycle can be broken down while the decisions are still in your hands. Admitting into residential treatment is your best option to recover.
Simple Path Recovery is an oceanside, boutique addiction treatment center located in Pompano Beach, FL. Recognized as a Top Florida Drug & Alcohol Rehab, Simple Path is committed to individualized care, 12-step integration, and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT). Their addiction helpline is available 24/7 at 855-467-3625.
About the Author
Matthew Koenig is the principal of Last Call Marketing, which devotes their efforts to Digital Marketing, Content Marketing, Website Design and SEO, primarily in healthcare and tourism concerns. Mr. Koenig is based out of South Florida. His sober date is June 10, 2013.
