Understanding Co-occurring disorders between addiction and mental health is an essential first step. There are several factors that increase the risk of co-occurring disorders. This article will discuss some of these factors and how to identify and treat them. It will also outline treatment options for co-occurring disorders. This article has been written with the goal of educating patients about the links between mental health and substance use disorders. It will also discuss how to identify and treat co-occurring disorders, as well as provide insight on co-occurring mental health and addiction conditions.
Co-occurring disorders
Having a co-occurring disorder can be devastating for a person's daily life and relationships. In addition, untreated mental health problems can exacerbate a substance abuse problem, and both can worsen each other if left untreated. In fact, nearly half of people suffering from a serious mental disorder also suffer from a substance abuse problem. Consequently, treatment is essential for the recovery of both.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, there are more than 57 million people worldwide who have at least one disorder. Many of them are experiencing a dual diagnosis of a substance use disorder and a mental health problem, such as anxiety or depression. Although co-occurring disorders can affect individuals differently, they usually occur in the same person. As a result, they may impact each other's ability to function normally.
Because co-occurring disorders are often difficult to diagnose, they are often not properly treated. Untreated co-occurring disorders can lead to homelessness, jail time, medical illness, and suicide. They can also make it difficult to obtain sobriety. If you suspect that you or a loved one has a co-occurring disorder, seek treatment immediately. You may be surprised at the range of options available to you.
Risk factors
Although not all teenagers are at risk for developing a substance use disorder, those who have one or more of the following risk factors are more likely to do so. Although there is no 100% guarantee that your child will develop a problem with drugs, knowing the risk factors will help you take preventive steps. Prevention is a process of reducing risk factors and strengthening protective factors. If you suspect your child has one of these risk factors, it's important to seek out treatment as soon as possible.
Other risk factors for substance use include peer pressure, which can be subtle or overt. This peer pressure creates an environment for "experimentation" with substances and can result in addiction. Availability of substances also plays a role. Alcohol is easily available in many college campuses and other social settings where alcohol is popular. Moreover, many children have access to substances. The availability of substances also has a profound impact on risk for addiction.
One of the most important risk factors for addiction is early drug use. The brain is still developing during the teenage years and the introduction of drugs during this time can have lasting consequences. In addition, ninety percent of people who develop addiction did so during their teenage years. The risks associated with early drug use are far greater for individuals with these risk factors. Even though these risk factors are not absolute, they do provide a starting point for preventing addiction.
Treatment
People with mental illness may first develop addiction. They may use alcohol and drugs as a form of self-medication, which exacerbates the symptoms of the mental health condition. While alcohol and drugs aren't the only dangers associated with addiction, they may also create an environment of social isolation. Seeking treatment for these co-occurring disorders can help you achieve the healthy life you've always dreamed of.
Depending on the severity of addiction, longer-term residential treatment may be required. These programs typically focus on staying drug-free and resuming function in social situations. Licensed residential treatment facilities provide a 24-hour, supportive environment with medical staff. Short-term residential treatment focuses on detoxification and prepares the patient for a longer stay in a therapeutic community. Acamprosate and Disulfiram can also be used to address mental health conditions.
People with a mental illness may also be prone to addiction. Undiagnosed mental health conditions may result in self-medicating. While pharmaceutical medications can be dangerous when used without medical supervision, they are often effective for relieving psychological issues. Drugs may also help patients with schizophrenia, depression, or anxiety. These conditions may also be associated with environmental issues. If the cause of the disease is not known, the treatment will be difficult and require professional help.
