• About
    • Insurance
    • Credentialing Partners
    • Admissions
    • Dual Diagnosis
    • Alumni Success Stories
    • Careers
  • Treatments
    • Inpatient / Detox
    • Partial Hospitalization Program
    • Intensive Outpatient Program
    • Transitional Housing
    • Family Program
    • Continuum Of Care
  • Resources
    • News & Events
    • Blog
    • Addictions
  • Gallery
  • Contact
  • Donate

Treat the whole person - body, mind, and spirit > CALL TODAY 314.631.4299

Harris HouseHarris House
  • About
    • Insurance
    • Credentialing Partners
    • Admissions
    • Dual Diagnosis
    • Alumni Success Stories
    • Careers
  • Treatments
    • Inpatient / Detox
    • Partial Hospitalization Program
    • Intensive Outpatient Program
    • Transitional Housing
    • Family Program
    • Continuum Of Care
  • Resources
    • News & Events
    • Blog
    • Addictions
  • Gallery
  • Contact
  • Donate

How to Handle Mental Illness in Addiction Recovery and Beyond

January 28, 2020 Posted by beanstalk Blog, Recovery
Person seeking advice from a medical doctor.

A quarter of people with substance use disorders also suffer from mental health issues.

More than nine million adults in the US experienced both mental illness and substance use disorder in 2018, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Known as “dual diagnosis” or “co-occurring disorders,” this phenomenon is very common, and it requires special attention in substance abuse treatment and recovery. Here’s a closer look at the situation, along with why integrated treatment is so important.

About Dual Diagnosis

In cases of dual diagnosis, neither substance use or mental illness necessarily comes first. In some cases, people experiencing mental health issues may start using drugs or alcohol to self-medicate in an attempt to alleviate their mental health symptoms. In other cases, certain substances can cause people with an addiction to start experiencing mental health symptoms.

We do know that mental disorders and substance use disorders do share some overlapping underlying causes, including genetic susceptibility, changes in brain composition, and early exposure to trauma or stress.

It’s also important to know that because of the many possible combinations of dual diagnosis, symptoms can vary significantly. Symptoms of substance use disorder may include withdrawal from loved ones, sudden changes in behavior, using substances under dangerous conditions, engaging in risky behaviors, loss of control over substance use, developing a high tolerance and withdrawal symptoms, and feeling like a drug is needed, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

The Integrated Treatment Imperative

We also know that treating both types of disorders is essential to recovery. Asserts NAMI, “The best treatment for dual diagnosis is integrated intervention, when a person receives care for both their diagnosed mental illness and substance abuse. The idea that ‘I cannot treat your depression because you are also drinking’ is outdated—current thinking requires both issues be addressed.”

Unfortunately, the professional fields of substance abuse treatment and mental health have “different cultures,” so finding optimal treatment is easier said than done.

Couple holding hands seeking advice from a rehab specialist.

Family support is an integral part of integrated treatment for people with co-occurring disorders.

A critical part of the process is understanding how the conditions impact each other, and what course of treatment is likely to be most effective. Typically, all treatment plans for dual diagnosis will include detoxification, during which an individual is weaned off substances in a way that best mitigates the effects of withdrawal; inpatient rehabilitation, in which a person experiencing both substance use and mental health issues can receive around-the-clock access to medical and mental health care, including therapy, support, medication, and health services; and supportive housing, such as group homes or sober houses.

Typically, psychotherapy – usually in the form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) – and medication may also be used both to help people learn to cope and change risky patterns of thinking as well as to ease withdrawal symptoms.

The importance of continuing care after rehabilitation cannot be overstated. In addition to the support of family and friends, self-help and support groups can be invaluable. “Dealing with a dual diagnosis can feel challenging and isolating. Support groups allow members to share frustrations, celebrate successes, find referrals for specialists, find the best community resources and swap recovery tips. They also provide a space for forming healthy friendships filled with encouragement to stay clean,” says NAMI.

If you think you or someone you love may be living with a co-occurring disorder, treatment is essential to recovery. However, all substance use treatment is not created equal — especially in the case of dual diagnosis. Enter leading St. Louis drug rehab Harris House. To learn more about its holistic integrated recovery programs for substance use and mental health issues,  contact us today.

Share
0

About beanstalk

This author hasn't written their bio yet.
beanstalk has contributed 281 entries to our website, so far.View entries by beanstalk

    You also might be interested in

    How Chronic Pain Can Lead to Addiction

    Jan 29, 2019

    An estimated 50 million adults in the U.S. have chronic[...]

    How Volunteering Can Help Addicts Get and Stay Sober

    Apr 6, 2018

    Recovering from addiction is an intensive process for which there[...]

    COVID-related Alcohol Use Found Higher Among LGBTQ Population

    May 14, 2021

    Moving back home during the pandemic has caused stress for[...]

    Recent Posts

    • The Best In-House Treatment Facility to Battle Drug Addiction
    • The Best Intensive Outpatient Alcohol Treatment Center in St. Louis, Missouri
    • What is Sober Living?
    • 4 Reasons to Consider Rehabilitation Centers in St. Louis, MO
    • Finding Effective Alcohol Rehabilitation Treatment

    Insurance Providers

    Substance use insurance coverage and benefits can be multifaceted and will vary with the different insurance companies and plans. The Harris House Insurance Department has experience working with insurance providers to get our clients the maximum benefits possible. Let our staff do the work for you. LEARN MORE

    Insurance Providers Insurance Providers Insurance Providers

    Credentialing Partners

    Harris House is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF International). Harris House is also certified by the Missouri Department of Mental Health, approved by the Better Business Bureau as an A+ accredited charity and a proud member of United Way of Greater St. Louis. LEARN MORE

    DMH Carf BBB United Way

    Contact Us

    Let your recovery begin

    We're here to help.

    Please reach out with any questions

    CONTACT US

    314-631-4299

    • About
      • Insurance
      • Credentialing Partners
      • Admissions
      • Dual Diagnosis
      • Alumni Success Stories
      • Careers
    • Treatments
      • Inpatient / Detox
      • Partial Hospitalization Program
      • Intensive Outpatient Program
      • Transitional Housing
      • Family Program
      • Continuum Of Care
    • Resources
      • News & Events
      • Blog
      • Addictions
    • Gallery
    • Contact
    • Donate

    Treat the whole person - body, mind, and spirit > CALL TODAY 314.631.4299

    Harris HouseHarris House
    • About
      • Insurance
      • Credentialing Partners
      • Admissions
      • Dual Diagnosis
      • Alumni Success Stories
      • Careers
    • Treatments
      • Inpatient / Detox
      • Partial Hospitalization Program
      • Intensive Outpatient Program
      • Transitional Housing
      • Family Program
      • Continuum Of Care
    • Resources
      • News & Events
      • Blog
      • Addictions
    • Gallery
    • Contact
    • Donate
    About Us
    Treatments
    Resources
    Gallery
    Contact Us
    Donate

    For individuals struggling with addiction to alcohol and drugs, Harris House helps people achieve sobriety and become healthy and productive individuals. Since our founding in 1961, Harris House has grown to become a top-rated non-profit treatment center.

    CALL US TODAY

    314-631-4299

    2706 S. River Rd
    St. Charles, MO 63303

    8315 South Broadway
    St. Louis, MO 63111

    © 2022 HARRIS HOUSE FOUNDATION.

    Prev Next