Mental health and addiction are connected. Studies show that at least half of people living with addiction also have co-occurring mood disorders like anxiety, bipolar disorder, or depression. Unfortunately, stigmas prevent many people from seeking co-occurring disorders treatment. Studies also show that improving mental health through the treatment of co-occurring disorders reduces addiction triggers and prevents relapse.
Are you looking for co-occurring disorder treatment in the greater Boston area? A Better State can help. Our Braintree, MA clinic provides Norfolk County with comprehensive addiction and mental health treatment. Call us now at 781.412.1488 to learn more about our co-occurring disorder treatment programs and get started now.
Why Is Co-Occurring Disorders Treatment Crucial?
Studies show that addiction does not exist on its own. This means that all aspects of a person’s life affect their risk of addiction, behavioral tendencies, and risk of relapse. Mental health, stress, and unprocessed trauma develop substance use and dependence. Co-occurring disorders are a leading cause of addiction.
Co-occurring disorders are disorders that happen at the same time as one another. This means someone can struggle with depression while living with drug or alcohol dependence, PTSD, and other co-occurring disorders. Dual diagnosis treatment uses a holistic approach to healing by assessing a person’s entire mental, physical, and behavioral health. Life history, belief systems, and thought patterns all affect the diagnosis and treatment of co-occurring disorders. During dual diagnosis, a client will undergo various types of therapy and may also go through changes in exercise routines, diet, and other lifestyle changes to support mental, physical, and behavioral health.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Once someone develops one co-occurring disorder, they may develop others. This means that people with untreated depression or anxiety will likely develop substance use disorders. That’s why it’s vital to understand co-occurring disorders and what to do when someone displays symptoms of mental illness and addiction disorders. The most common mood disorders include:
- Depression – There are several types of depression characterized by a depressed mood, hopelessness, and numbness.
- PTSD – Post-traumatic stress disorder can affect anyone at any time in their life, causing adverse effects related to traumatic events.
- ADHD – This mood disorder can make it hard for people to focus on tasks or sit still without medication.
- OCD – Obsessive-compulsive disorder can often lead to self-medicating.
- Anxiety – Anxiety puts the body into a fight-or-flight response when there is no present danger.
- Bipolar Disorder – A type of depression, bipolar disorder shifts between states of high-energy mania and depression.
Unfortunately, a lack of mental health education, stigmas, and lack of mental health resources lead many people to struggle with undiagnosed co-occurring disorders. Drug and alcohol use often temporarily relieve co-occurring disorder symptoms, making self-medicating a popular choice among people of all ages. However, symptoms often worsen with prolonged use of drugs and alcohol.
Begin Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment Today in Massachusetts
Co-occurring disorder treatment can help patients understand how their thoughts, behavioral patterns, and belief systems affect their mood, daily life, and addictive tendencies. Mental illness, mood disorders, and addiction are treatable. If you or someone you love is struggling with co-occurring disorders, know you are not alone. A Better State can help. Our PHP, IOP, and traditional outpatient programs for mental health and addiction include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Art therapy
- Yoga therapy
- Trauma therapy
- Mindfulness meditation therapy
- 12-step recovery
- Anxiety treatment
- Depression treatment
- PTSD treatment
With a range of individual, group, and family therapy programs, A Better State is here to help you and your loved ones recover from mental health and addiction disorders. We know addiction recovery isn’t linear. Our individualized programs provide step-down support to help clients safely transition from rehab to home life. If you’re ready to experience the difference in co-occurring disorder treatment, call us at 781.412.1488 to learn more and get started today.
