From depression to anxiety, to trauma, there are several mental disorders that affect more people than you may realize. Mental illness is the elephant in the room that few people dare to address. While few ever receive treatment, a surprising number of people deal with these conditions. Did you know that psychological disorders and drug abuse often go hand in hand? Frequently, people with anxiety or depression don’t realize they need professional help and self-medicate instead. Does this situation sound familiar?
Connecting Psychological Disorders with Addiction
It’s unclear which came first. For some, there was a mood disorder already in place before an addiction began. For others, the condition materialized after substance abuse started. Even in the latter scenario, it’s unclear if the disorder wasn’t already there in a rudimentary fashion.
Experts now recognize that drug use can be a form of self-medication to shut out unwelcome, intrusive thoughts. Numbing the mind and body with a substance can accomplish this. In some situations, stressors or trauma can contribute to both conditions. During addiction therapy, this understanding requires a specialized approach.
Substance Abuse and Dependence are Primary Conditions During Treatment
Although they may be contributing factors, management of psychological disorders can’t replace rehab treatment. Addiction is a primary brain disease, and it requires specific therapy. However, when experts in the field recognize the presence of a mood disorder, it’s vital to address the condition. Without addressing such a disorder it can resurface later or even bring back the substance abuse issue. Treatment might introduce various modalities that include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Psychotherapy program
- Family therapy program
Failure to treat addiction as the primary condition can result in continuous relapse. The problem arises from the fact that brain disease will adversely affect the mood disorder. These flare-ups lead to the need for self-medicating behavior.
How a Dual Diagnosis Affects Your Treatment
Rehab facilities frequently have psychiatrists on site. This expert is in the position to make a professional assessment of your condition. At this time, it’s possible to begin addiction treatment of the illness.
It’s important to remember that you will require treatment for the condition after rehab ends. A good-quality rehab facility will support your continuation of care with a referral. You may need non-narcotic prescription medication to manage the condition. Furthermore, it’s vital to remain under a psychiatrist’s care.
While you’re still at the facility, counselors and therapists work with you on overcoming the cravings for the drug. They’ll assist with the development of coping mechanisms and stress reduction strategies. Yoga therapy and nutritional counseling are crucial during the process of clinical care. In fact, holistic methods may be something you respond to in unprecedented ways.
Do you think you may be a good candidate for treatment due to addiction and a psychological condition? If so, you don’t have to stay in the vicious cycle of drug abuse and addiction. Reach out for help at Crest View Recovery Center by calling 866-327-2505 today.
