Co-Occurring Disorders Treatment

Mental health disorders or mental illness have been a longstanding battle for a lot of people. However, most sufferers' path to rehabilitation has been difficult to undertake, especially if it is coupled with underlying diseases. A co-occurring disorder is when an individual suffers from two or more illnesses--usually a pre-existing mental affliction with substance abuse disorder (drug abuse), process addiction, and other mental health disorders (post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder).

Behavioral health statistics show that 8.1 million American adults live with co-occurring disorders in 2015 alone. Without comprehensive treatment and assistance to these patients, their overall health and wellbeing may worsen over time. Recovery service providers, such as Transcend Recovery Community, offer relief and support to troubled individuals who have long suffered from these debilitating conditions. They mainly focus on providing supplemental counseling and guidance for patients with co-occurring disorders such as anxiety disorder, addiction, substance use disorder, and alcohol recovery, emphasizing post-rehabilitation mentoring.

The development of co-occurring disorders may vary depending on a variety of factors. Specialists need to identify the root causes as to how a substance use disorder manifested to help them find the right prognosis or dual diagnosis, and therefore recommend the appropriate integrated treatment for the individual. Some usual factors that may lead to fully-realized co-occurring episodes include:

Environmental Triggers

Patients may have suffered deep trauma from the past, such as sexual or physical abuse and mental health triggers. Stress from work or an abusive relationship may also contribute to an individual developing this condition.

Social Status And Poor Quality Of Life

While this does not necessarily contribute to developing mental health issues or mental health disorders, the burden of poverty and, to some extent, an extreme financial loss might be too much for other people to deal with and may affect their overall mental wellbeing.

Genetics

An individual's genetic history has a great contributing factor when it comes to someone's mental health disorders, particularly their co-occurring disorders. Some people have a particular gene that increases their risk of developing a mental illness that can be worsened by a substance use disorder.

Mental Illness

Some pre-existing mental conditions may aggravate one's state which would prompt them to resort to substance use. Certain studies find that some people resort to substance use or alcohol as a way to self-medicate.

Substance Abuse

People who experience substance use are at higher risk of developing mental problems in the future.

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If you find someone suffering from substance use disorders, alcoholism, or any other psychiatric disorders, it is highly recommended to consult a physician.

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There are substance abuse and addiction treatment programs certified by a national institute or mental health services administration when dealing with people suffering from common co-occurring disorders. What most experts and treatment centers would recommend is to either use integrated treatment for mental health conditions that co-occur or to first treat their substance use disorder.

Once a proper dual diagnosis has been made, mental illness specialists may introduce integrated treatment which may include a behavioral therapy approach to help individuals cope better and improve their habits caused by pre-existing substance abuse and mental health disorders.