Having mental health concerns and substance abuse disorders can be confusing and overwhelming, and treatment for co-occurring disorders will help you understand your disorder and how to cope differently. WellMind Therapy Center strives to provide you a personalized, caring approach based on your needs, concerns and recovery goals.
What Are Co-Occurring Disorders?
Mental health and substance use disorders that happen at the same time in a person are called co-occurring disorders. For instance, an individual might have depression and substance abuse, anxiety and prescription drug misuse, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in addition to problematic substance use.
These factors can all influence each other. Some individuals turn to alcohol or drugs to manage with challenging feelings or substance use can contribute to increased symptoms of anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties and more. Either condition can be caused by genetics, trauma, stress, and more.
It is important for both issues to be identified, as symptoms may overlap. A thorough investigation can aid in identifying your feelings and what type of help you may require.
Why is Integrated Care Important?
Patients may only be treated for one problem but not the other. Treatment for co-occurring disorders emphasizes treating mental health and substance use problems together, in a more holistic manner.
Integrated care is a treatment approach that links services for mental health and substance use rather than providing them as distinct issues, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This strategy can help with better symptoms, functioning, recovery and quality of life.
WellMind Therapy Center can assist you in understanding how your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, relationships and drug and alcohol use are interconnected. It is possible to find a pattern, learn coping skills and set goals with a provider.
What Does Co-Occurring Disorders Treatment Involve?
The correct plan will depend on the individual. There are multiple types of support that can be available for the treatment of Co occurring disorders, depending on your symptoms and needs.
Comprehensive Assessment
Treatment usually starts with a mental health evaluation, substance use and medical evaluation through a comprehensive psychological evaluation, understanding what concerns you, and how you function in your everyday life. To make suitable recommendations, one needs to be familiar with the complete story.
Individual Counseling
An advantage of individual therapy is that it will highlight the patterns you have in how you feel and act. It could also offer tangible tips for stress management, challenging emotions, cravings, relationship issues and situations that may lead to relapse.
Evidence-Based Behavioral Approaches
For some people, alternative behaviors may be helpful, if they have concerns too. Empowering coping skills, shifting unhelpful patterns and boosting motivation for change can be achieved through interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and others that have been proven to be effective.
Medication Support When Appropriate
Some mental illnesses and addictions may be treated using medicines. If necessary, a healthcare provider can assess your needs, discuss your options and track your response through psychiatry services and medication management. Always consult with a licensed health care provider regarding medication.
Coordinated Care
Some individuals might be assisted by two or more providers. Providing linkages between mental health, medical and substance use disorder treatment providers can help ensure coordinated and efficient care. SAMHSA’s description of important models of working with individuals with co-occurrence disorders includes coordinated and integrated models.
Who May Benefit From Co-Occurring Disorders Treatment?
Those who are experiencing mental health symptoms and who are using alcohol and/or drugs may want to seek an evaluation. Symptoms consist of sadness, nervousness, erratic moods, sleeping problems, poor relations, problems with responsibilities, drug or alcohol abuse, or inability to stop using drugs.
If you don’t have serious problems yet, it’s not too late to get professional mental health support. Early support can help to ease anxiety about what is happening and determine the next steps.
Take the Next Step Toward Support
You don’t have to do everything by yourself. If mental health symptoms and/or substance use are having an impact on your life, give WellMind Therapy Center a call to discuss your concerns and find out if an evaluation or counseling could be beneficial to you.
How Can Co-Occurring Disorders Be Managed?
Successful care can vary from person to person at times. Counseling, behavioral strategies, medication (where appropriate), care coordination, family therapy, and/or referral to additional services may be used as a treatment for co-occurring disorders.
After the recovery process starts, it will take some time, and may happen in an unconventional way. The individual plan can be amended to reflect changes in needs. The aim is to enable you to gain practical skills and support which are appropriate to your lifestyle.
If mental health and substance use disorders are occurring together, SAMHSA recommends that treatment is addressed in an integrated fashion.
Why Choose WellMind Therapy Center?
Sometimes, it’s difficult to request help, especially if you’re not certain if your concerns are linked. WellMind Therapy Center’s goal is to provide a place to express your feelings in an unbiased way.
Treatment of co occurring disorders should focus on the person and not the disorder. Knowing how mental health and substance use are interconnected will help you and your provider set realistic goals and find healthier ways to cope.
When in trouble or on behalf of someone you can contact someone for a good first step.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are co-occurring disorders?
Co-occurring disorders are disorders that co-occur, in this instance a mental health diagnosis with a substance use disorder. Problem alcohol or drug use can be accompanied by depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues.
Can co-occurring disorders be treated together?
Yes. Integrated care can be used to treat mental health and substance use problems simultaneously. Specific strategies, including counselling, behavioural strategies, medication (where appropriate), care co-ordination and ongoing support as per each child’s needs.
What happens during an evaluation?
Evaluation generally involves a discussion with you regarding your symptoms, your drug use, your medical and mental health history, how you live your life and what you think. This information allows the qualified professional to grasp your situation and suggest to you the next steps.
Is recovery from co-occurring disorders possible?
Yes. With appropriate treatment, many individuals can improve their mental health and substance use disorders. The journey to recovery is different for everyone and may involve ongoing counseling, medication, support groups, and any other professional care or services needed to make lifestyle changes.
When should I seek help?
If symptoms of mental health or substance use are interfering with relationships, work, school, health or daily living, seek professional assistance. Don’t wait till an emergency is severe to seek assistance.