Common Types of Mental Health Conditions Associated With Addiction
Mental health is just as important as physical health. For a person with a substance use disorder (SUD), it’s just as critical to treat as is the addiction. Chemical dependencies and mental health disorders often go hand-in-hand, sometimes one triggering or worsening the other. This is called dual diagnosis or co-occurring conditions.
You may not know it, though. Many people don’t realize there’s a connection that could be limiting their ability to get well. That’s where our team can help you at Victory Addiction Recovery Center. We treat both in a comprehensive program that builds a stronger way forward for you.
Types of Mental Health Disorders That Can Occur With Addiction
The more you understand your mental health conditions and the cause or worsening of your SUD, the more prepared you are to recover fully. The following are some of the most common mental health disorders tied to addiction.
Anxiety
Everyone suffers from nervousness and anxiety sometimes. For some, it creates excessive worrying, intense irritability, panic attacks, and restlessness. It can be so debilitating that you turn to substances to control it.
Depression
Major depression is a serious mental health condition, but one that may be masked through substance use. You may feel a loss of motivation and a sense of being helpless or hopeless. Some people see physical changes, such as weight loss or changes in their ability to go to work.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a debilitating mental health condition that often causes depressive episodes where you feel very low and helpless. This is then followed by manic or hypomanic episodes in which you feel intense energy and agitation. Substances often help control those ups and downs.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
More commonly referred to as PTSD, this is a condition brought on by some type of past intense trauma. A person may see flashbacks of the events, struggle with nightmares, or battle intrusive thoughts that limit their overall well-being. PTSD and addiction often share a link.
Borderline Personality Disorder
A person with borderline personality disorder struggles with periods of abandonment and emotional instability. They may have an identity disturbance or have trouble regulating their emotions.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
OCD is a very real and disabling mental health condition that causes people to engage in compulsions. These can be physical, such as having to go through a very specific process for day-to-day tasks, cleaning and washing compulsively, or engaging in repetitive behaviors. Without those behaviors, you may find intrusive thoughts and limitations on your focus.
Phobias
A range of phobias exists, or specific types of fears that can be debilitating. For some, this includes social anxiety disorders that cause the avoidance of social situations or excessive self-consciousness. Some have performance anxiety. Some suffer trauma-related phobias, such as those due to childhood trauma or emotional trauma.
Eating disorders
Eating disorders are also linked to those who have SUD. A person may experience conditions such as anorexia, binge eating disorder, or bulimia.
How We Can Treat Co-Occurring Disorders
Data show that about 21.2 million adults in the US suffer from co-occurring mental illness and SUD. But treatment is available and can be highly effective. At Victory, we offer a dual diagnosis treatment program designed to support your healing from both conditions at the same time, creating a strong path forward for you that doesn’t feel limited by both conditions. This program entails:
- A full assessment. A comprehensive assessment that allows us to build a strong understanding of what you are facing from a mental health aspect, as well as an addiction. We learn as much as we can about your background, mental history, and traumas.
- Individualized treatment. We create an individualized treatment plan for you. This often includes therapy with our licensed professionals, support groups, and medications. These work together to help you see a better outcome.
- Detox. For those in active addiction, our medically monitored detox program enables you to break away from the physical dependency of the substance while receiving support and guidance for symptoms.
You’ll work with us on a consistent basis through one of our inpatient or outpatient programs to facilitate a strong path forward. Our treatment programs are built on science-based, holistic treatments designed to support your long-term wellbeing. For many of our clients, it is the first time they can actually feel in control.
Reach Out to Find Treatment That Fits Your Needs
At Victory Addiction Recovery Center, we provide a comprehensive program designed to address each one of your specific needs. Every treatment plan fits our clients specifically, and that means you get the care best suited for your future recovery. Contact us now to request an assessment and learn more about your options.