Addiction is something that impacts the lives of tens of millions of people in America. Regrettably, the number of people struggling with addiction has increased significantly since the beginning of the pandemic. Problems with mental health are arguably one of the biggest influences on people turning to substance use.
Just as mental health problems can lead to an addiction developing, addressing them during the recovery process and beyond is critically important when it comes to overcoming an addiction. Focusing on mental health in order to live a long and healthy life of sobriety is critically important to the success of an individual.
Recognizing Co-Occurring Disorders is Crucial
The unfortunate truth is that approximately 40% of people who are addicted to some type of substance also deal with some type of mental health problem. Regrettably, more than half of these people have never received mental health care or substance use treatment. These alarming statistics outline the importance of receiving care for both problems in order to live a happy and healthy life.
Having the ability to recognize if you or a loved one is suffering from co-occurring disorders is important, especially when it comes to developing a strong treatment plan for dealing with both. By being able to address both mental health conditions and addiction simultaneously, people are better able to develop coping skills that can help them resist their urges and make healthier decisions instead.
Some of the ways that you can determine if a person is suffering from co-occurring disorders include taking the following into consideration:
- Is your loved one utilizing drugs or alcohol in order to cope with an unpleasant memory or feeling that they have?
- Do you recognize any relationship between substance use and the mental health of the person?
- As your relative men struggling with alcohol or drug abuse as well as a mental health disorder over their lifetime?
- Do you recognize your loved one experiencing anxiety, depression, or feeling out of place while they are sober?
- As your loved one struggling with addiction received any treatment for mental health or addiction in the past?
If you are able to answer any of these questions positively, it could mean that your loved one is struggling with addiction and a co-occurring disorder. Recognizing this problem can go a long way when it comes to helping them get the help that they need to overcome their addiction.
How Mental Health and Substance Abuse Are Treated
Struggling with either mental health conditions or substance use can be incredibly challenging. Suffering from both conditions at the same time makes the situation even more difficult. Thankfully, there are many treatment programs available that are designed to treat both of these conditions at once.
In order to overcome an addiction and mental health disorder, a person will begin their treatment program by undergoing detoxification. In most cases, patients will go benefit most from an inpatient treatment program that is designed to allow them to receive the most intensive form of care. Medical professionals will oversee the detox process and work with patients to develop care plans while they remain in the facility.
After detox, treatment programs will be implemented to include therapy, medication, health services, and support. These treatments will all be designed to address all aspects of addiction and mental health problems. Most patients will undergo some form of cognitive behavioral therapy. They also utilize individual and group therapy.
Many therapy programs will implement healthy alternatives or holistic treatments. These can include exercise, art or music therapy, and even nutritional courses.
The overall goal is to recognize the mental health disorder that is leading to the person utilizing substances in order to combat their emotions. The next step is to help them overcome the challenges of turning to substance use in order to deal with their mental struggles. Patients will learn healthy habits through therapy that they can incorporate into their lives.
Addressing Mental Health for a Successful Recovery
Mental health will always play a critical role when it comes to the long-term success of a person in recovery. This is due to the fact that mental health has an overwhelming impact on a person’s social makeup in their emotional health and well-being. Having a positive experience, being able to successfully cope with stress, and making positive life choices are critical when it comes to living a happier and healthier life.
When a person is recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction, incorporating mental health into their care program can make a world of difference. The person will be able to learn how to cope with things that make them stressed. They will learn to develop ways that they can overcome the challenges they face without having to turn to substance use.
Mental health is also critically important in recovery as it provides people with the confidence that they need to overcome their addiction and face challenges head-on. Developing a positive mentality can carry you through your sobriety and keep you on the road to recovery.
Developing Healthy Relationships
Many people who struggle with mental health disorders and addiction often have strained relationships with friends and family. By getting the help that you need to tackle your mental health condition and your addiction, you will be able to build and maintain healthy connections with other people.
Having strong relationships is incredibly important when it comes to helping you maintain a life of sobriety. Having people that you can turn to during very difficult times can help to ensure that you are able to make good decisions when it comes to dealing with triggers in order to prevent a relapse.
Mental Health Treatment in Chattanooga, TN
If you struggle with addiction and a co-occurring mental health disorder, you can depend on our team at Iris Wellness Group to help you tackle both problems at once.
Our team offers mental health therapy treatment that is designed to help patients who struggle with co-occurring disorders get the help that they need to live a positive and healthy life.
Contact our team at your earliest convenience to discuss the options that are available to help you move forward today.
