Healing from chemical dependency involves several factors that are outside of what we normally think of as being substance abuse-related. One of those factors is the reality of mood disorders. Mood disorders are sometimes one of the contributing factors leading to chemical dependency, while other times a mood disorder is the result of chemical dependency. Understanding mood disorders and their relation to chemical dependency is essential in the integrated model used by Recovery Ways.
Mood Disorders and Substance Abuse
The clinical definition of the term mood disorder is a disturbance in a person’s mood which is, or eventually becomes, the underlying cause of a detrimental physical or mental condition. One of the most well-known mood disorders is clinical depression, which can be the underlying cause for a host of physical maladies including extreme fatigue, joint and muscle pain, and more. Addicts suffering from mood disorders are frequently misdiagnosed as hypochondriacs or attention-seekers, but mood disorders are very real. Some well-known mood disorders are: depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and substance induced mood disorders.
A mood disorder is considered substance-induced if its roots can be traced directly back to the physiological effects of specific substances the person is using. For addicts, quite often such mood disorders first come to light during the process of withdrawal, although that’s not always the case. In some addicts, mood disorders occur simultaneously with a substance abuse disorder; a condition known in the medical community is having co-occurring disorders.
Recovery Ways Treatment of Mood Disorders
Regardless of whether a mood disorder exists simultaneously with substance abuse, or doesn’t begin to show itself until withdrawal, dealing with the disorder is just as important as dealing with the substance abuse. If mood disorders are not properly treated, addicts are much more likely to relapse at a later date. Recovery Ways understands the direct link between chemical dependency and mood disorders, and strives to treat both effectively.
As part of the healing process at Recovery Ways, every client participates in our clinically proven treatment program that addresses both the substance abuse and mood disorder issues. A licensed medical staff diagnoses mood disorders and medically stabilizes each client before the withdrawal phase of treatment begins. As a client progresses through their substance abuse treatment, they are also treated for their mood disorder in a way that aids their overall recovery.
Recovery Ways also works with the family members of our clients to help them understand the underlying mood disorder. By giving them the knowledge and tools they need to deal with the disorder, they are much better equipped to help the client in his or her long-term recovery. The Recovery Ways integrated approach is a proven model that has seen great success.
Recovery Ways specializes in treating a wide variety of addictions and co-occurring disorders, for more information on how to get you or your loved one help, call us toll- free: (888) 986-7848.
