In many cases, people with mental health issues will also develop a substance abuse problem. This is called dual diagnosis.
This can be a dangerous combination. If you or someone you know are experiencing both an addiction and a mental health issue, it is essential to seek treatment immediately.
Dual Diagnosis
Dual diagnosis is when a person has a mental health disorder and a substance abuse problem. This is common in people with mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder and can be particularly difficult to deal with.
While dual diagnosis can be challenging, recovery is possible for individuals with the proper care and support. Education, therapy, and medication can help people overcome their symptoms and move forward with a more productive life.
A dual diagnosis can affect the relationships between a person and their family members, friends, and caregivers. It can also cause isolation and loneliness.
Research has shown that people with dual diagnoses benefit from programs like Impact Recovery Center that treat their mental health disorders and substance use problems. These are often called integrated treatment programs. They can include therapists for mental illness and substance abuse problems and may even be supported in supportive housing.
Self-Medication
Many people feel tempted to self-medicate when overwhelmed by everyday life’s stresses. They may deal with family problems, work woes, or financial issues.
They may also struggle with mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.
Using drugs and alcohol to cope with stress and emotional pain can lead to addiction, worsening your mental illness.
The use of drugs or alcohol to manage a mental health problem can be dangerous, and it’s important to recognize this early on. Once it becomes an issue, you’ll need professional help to address the substance abuse and the underlying mental health issues.
Triggers
Triggers are people, places, smells, and other external stimuli that remind someone of their past substance abuse. These triggers can lead to cravings and the desire to use drugs or alcohol.
Identifying and avoiding addiction triggers can be an important part of long-term recovery. It is also an essential component of relapse prevention.
Various factors can cause relapse, but stressors in the individual’s life often trigger it. Getting adequate rest and managing stress are vital to maintaining sobriety in the long term.
A trigger diary can help you track these events and build coping strategies for future situations. It can also help uncover underlying emotions and environmental factors that may trigger use or cravings.
Professional Intervention
Professional intervention, also known as family intervention, is a way for people who care about an addict to confront the individual about their drug addiction. It can be a complicated process and should be done with the help of an addiction specialist.
The goal of intervention is to get the person in recovery to take action and seek treatment for the addiction. Often, loved ones will try to stage an intervention on their own without the help of a professional.
However, the results are not always positive. Studies have found that the sooner someone receives mental health and substance abuse treatment, the better their chance of success. A good drug and alcohol rehab program will provide a continuum of care, including support and referral services, that helps patients stay in treatment for as long as necessary. The goal is to minimize relapse and to help people learn new ways of coping with stressors.
