Treatment of drug and alcohol addiction is seldom as simple as merely addressing the particular chemicals addict is taking into his body. More often than not, addicts suffer from other disorders in conjunction with their chemical dependency. The clinical reference to such a condition is called co-occurring disorders. Recent medical studies have shown that the vast majority of addicts who enter residential treatment programs are suffering from a variety of mood or personality disorders in addition to their substance abuse problems. So treating co-occurring disorders together is a vital part of recovery.
As part of the treatment process, Recovery Ways employs family therapy, engaging the loved ones of the patient in helping the recovery process. Family members are taught how to recognize triggering circumstances and ways to avoid issues before they occur. They also learn specific methods of supporting their loved one and helping him or her move through the recovery process even after residential treatment concludes.
Understanding co-occurring disorders is vital to the proper treatment of chemical dependency clients. If all co-occurring disorders are effectively dealt with, there’s no reason why the addict should not regain their life as a drug-free member of society.
Which Came First?
In discussing co-occurring disorders the question is often asked, which disorder appeared first? The answer to the question is irrelevant where treatment is concerned, but when talking about prevention, it’s entirely a different matter. As an example, research indicates that teens suffering from bipolar disorder are much more likely to develop substance abuse issues than their healthy peers, if left untreated. In this case, the fact that bipolar disorder often predates substance-abuse gives the medical community a leg up in developing intervention techniques that will prevent a bipolar teen from dabbling in illicit drugs.
In cases where substance-abuse is the cause of another disorder, it’s important only to the extent that those who treat such disorders, and their clients, need to understand that breaking the drug a cycle will not necessarily prevent the continued occurrence of the other disorder. For example, in the case where long-term cocaine use caused a client to develop chronic anxiety disorder, breaking free from the cocaine habit will probably not reduce the level of anxiety all by itself. Additional therapy will be needed to deal with the anxiety disorder, not only during the recovery program, but well into the future.
Common Co-Occurrences with Addiction
There are three mood disorders that commonly co-occur with chemical dependency: depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. In addition, there are many personality disorders that also can co-occur with substance abuse. They include, but are not limited to:
- Antisocial personality disorder
- Borderline personality disorder
- Obsessive-Compulsive personality disorder
- Narcissistic personality disorder
- Paranoid personality disorder
Treatment of Co-Occurring Disorders
Co-occurring disorders present specific treatment challenges depending on what combination of disorders are being dealt with. Recovery Ways specializes in identifying the co-occurrence of substance abuse, mood disorders, and personality disorders and then effectively treating them appropriately. Treatment programs are designed to break the addiction cycle, stabilize moods, and teach the addict how to cope with mood and personality disorders effectively.
Dual Diagnosis
Having a dual diagnosis means that you are affected in two ways: you are chemically dependent and experiencing an emotional or psychiatric illness. In particular, alcohol and drug problems tend to occur with: Depression, Anxiety, Personality Disorders.
Research and clinical findings have found over 60% of patients in treatment for substance abuse have a co-existing mental disorder.
At Recovery Ways, we can help you stop the pain and confusion of having a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder by treating both conditions simultaneously. From the moment you enter the doors, you are treated with warmth and respect. We take a realistic approach to helping your recovery by:
- Treating both the substance abuse and the emotional or psychiatric illness
- Providing individual attention to the core issues that are below the surface.
- Developing a personal recovery program that will support the needs of both.
To get better, someone with a dual diagnosis must treat both conditions. After the patient has gone through titration and stabilization, the next step is rehabilitation for the substance problem and treatment for the mental disorder.
