There is a strong connection between mental health conditions and drug addiction. In instances where a mental issue and drug problem occur together, it is crucial to treat both conditions at the same time as soon as possible. A worsening addiction can often worsen an individual’s mental health and vice versa, which is why concurrent treatment, otherwise known as dual diagnosis treatment, is essential. Please call Red Oak Recovery® today at 866.457.7590 for information about our dual diagnosis treatment center.
The Connection Between Mental Health and Addiction
Millions of Americans have co-occurring mental health and addiction concerns. Among individuals struggling with these, a very high percentage of people do not receive treatment for either condition, while only a few receive treatment for both conditions. Unfortunately, people who receive treatment for only one condition often end up relapsing. These individuals may require rehab throughout their life, simply because they continue to struggle with both conditions without adequate treatment.
Medical experts have established a clear relationship between mental health and addiction issues. While the correlation is clear, it can be harder to identify the core issue, except on an individual basis. Sometimes even that is not possible, but that doesn’t have to hinder treatment. There are a variety of reasons people begin using addictive substances or suffer from mental health disorders. Although it is often unclear what exacerbates the other, these issues present together at an alarming rate.
Mental health conditions can appear in a range of forms. For example, some of the most common mental health conditions include:
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Anxiety disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Obsessive-compulsive disorders
- Phobias
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
These underlying mental conditions are important to consider when treating addictions. Additionally, drug use can lead to a mental health issue that was not clearly present before. Therefore, addressing underlying mental health concerns is essential for an individual to enter long-term recovery.
How Circumstances and Mental Health Conditions Lead to Addiction
Many people begin using addictive substances as a means to escape their circumstances. For this reason, many drug users are also suffering in some way from conditions such as:
- Mental illness
- Poverty
- Abuse
- Neglect
- Work stress
- Peer pressure
- Social expectations
- Physical ailments
Many times, there is more than one aspect of life a person desires to escape. The cruel irony is that while drugs can help ease pain in the short term, they most often lead to the conditions that end up causing people to use them even more unmanageable. It can be a vicious cycle that seems resistant to change. Even though it is not possible to change every set of circumstances, mental illness is not one of them – especially when properly diagnosed and appropriately treated. Most mental conditions are highly treatable with a combination of therapy and medicine.
The Importance of Dual Diagnosis Treatment
If you or someone you know is suffering from addiction and an underlying mental health condition, attending a mental health program for addiction can be vital to recovery. Co-occurring disorders are generally more dangerous than any single condition, as they generally lead to the worst recovery outcomes without treatment. Increased risks include:
- Incarceration
- Violent events
- Preventable diseases
- Overdose
- Suicide
When someone has an addiction alongside a mental health issue, a dual diagnosis treatment program is essential. The staff at a dual diagnosis treatment center is equally familiar with mental health and addiction and understands the interaction between them. They know that co-occurring issues dictate treatment and impact recovery. A high level of expertise is required of staff that work with co-occurring problems.
Find Treatment at Red Oak Recovery® Today
At Red Oak Recovery®, we are pleased to provide treatment for mental health conditions, trauma, and addiction. Our clinician-led men’s addiction treatment center can provide the tools our clients need to grow and overcome their challenges. Please get in touch with Red Oak Recovery® today to find out more about dual diagnosis treatment options by calling 866.457.7590.
