Someone with a co-occurring disorder abuses substances and also has a mental illness. This kind of disease occurs when an individual is diagnosed with substance abuse and at least one or more mental illnesses. According to studies, mental health conditions affect an estimated 7.9 million people in the US. As such, it’s critical to get a satisfactory solution for everyone who continually wonders – what are co-occurring disorders?
Addiction does not discriminate; regardless of gender, occupation, social status, or race, anyone can fall into substance dependence. However, statistics show that those with a mental illness have higher chances of struggling with addiction than their counterparts.
Several factors can increase your risks of suffering from a co-occurring disorder, such as:
- Not accepting mental illness diagnosis
- Mental illness in the family history
- Past trauma
- Failing to treat chronic substance abuse
- Lack of the right treatment
What Are Co-occurring Disorders? What You Need to Know
People with mental health issues, such as psychotic conditions and schizophrenia, don’t have protective factors when it comes to addiction and drug abuse. The majority of people suffering from mental health disorders often use drugs as a way of finding some relief. Unfortunately, the chronic use of substances worsens the symptoms, and the consequences may be life-threatening.
Therefore, you must seek the right treatment from healthcare professionals who can offer a variety of options, including:
- Dual-diagnosis treatment program
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Dialectical behavioral therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- 12 step program
People with adverse mental conditions are also more likely to use tobacco and marijuana when compared to the general population. According to research, although the use of tobacco has significantly reduced, it’s still one of the major causes of preventable deaths in the US.
Those with co-occurring disorders should get treated for both conditions. If they don’t get full medical attention, they’ll have a decreased life expectancy and many health issues.
Get Treatment for Co-occurring Disorders at Rehab
Are you still asking – what are co-occurring disorders? Well, once you understand what these disorders are, the next step is to start the treatment journey by finding the right rehab center. In a certified rehab, therapists will examine your condition to establish the proper treatment plan for a successful recovery.
Qualified mental health experts understand how helping you, regardless of the severity of your drug addiction and mental health condition, benefits society at large.
For the desired results, an inpatient program in a high-quality rehabilitation facility is recommended. In the facility, you’ll undergo therapy under the 24/7 supervision of qualified and experienced therapists.
However, what may work for one addict may not necessarily apply to another person. This is why it’s crucial to emphasize on a customized treatment plan that will address your unique situation.
The Takeaway
People may want to know what comes first between the two disorders – mental illness or substance abuse. The answer depends on the person in question. However, many people may start substance abuse as they try to escape the suffering that comes from mental illness. For such people, they’ll experience unpleasant symptoms that can be overwhelming and unbearable.
If you’re having a mental health issue, don’t use drugs as an escape route. The consequences will be worse, and you’ll sink deeper into addiction. Are you struggling to overcome co-occurring disorders? Without proper treatment, this condition can impact your life negatively. Fortunately, at Northern Illinois Recovery Center, our therapists are ready to offer you holistic treatment and provide an answer to – what are co-occurring disorders? Don’t let mental health disorders ruin your life. Contact us today at 855.786.1978 for more information about co-occurring disorders and addiction treatment.
