Are you or a loved one struggling with addiction? Are you also struggling with a mental illness.? There is a direct correlation between addiction and mental illness. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.2 million people experience both addiction and mental health issues. In the medical field this is known as a dual diagnosis. There is help, and First Steps Recovery is here for you during your journey to recovery.
Addiction & Mental Health Symptoms
Dual diagnosis symptoms vary depending on the mental illness you or your loved one is suffering from, but there are some commonalities. Often, people who are suffering from a mental illness turn to substances to help ease the feelings of anxiety and depression. Other times, people who have an addiction can become depressed or anxious as a result of using substances. Mental health and addiction symptoms include:
- Withdrawal from social life
- Sudden changes in behavior
- Engaging in risky behavior
- Loss of control around substances
- Extreme mood changes
- Thoughts of suicide
Remember, those are just a few of the symptoms. Not all people exhibit those symptoms when they have a dual diagnosis. A mental health or addiction specialist can help make the diagnosis.
Common Mental Health Issues and Addiction
There are a few mental health issues that are commonly seen with addiction. These issues can often be the underlying cause of substance abuse. Some common mental health issues that are seen here at First Steps are:
- ADHD
- Bipolar
- Personality Disorders
- Depression
- Eating Disorders
- Anxiety Disorders
How To Treat Dual Diagnosis Patients
Integrated intervention is a popular treatment for patients suffering from mental health issues and addiction. Both issues must be addressed for the patient to fully recover. People who are diagnosed with a mental health issue are twice as likely to become addicted to a substance. Everyone is different and responds to treatments differently. At First Steps Recovery, we tailor treatment plans to the individual. There are however some foundational methods that are used for many patients who are going through treatment.
Detox: Every patient must go through detox as a first step in getting healthy. Whether you or your loved one are addicted to drugs or alcohol, detoxification is a must. Our trained medical staff will monitor patients going through detox 24/7.
Inpatient Rehab: Inpatient rehabilitation is highly recommended for patients with a dual diagnosis. Intensive therapy and support are very effective in helping patients recover. During your inpatient stay, we will get to the root of your mental health issues and teach you coping skills. In addition, medication to help ease the mental health issue may be administered and monitored.
Self Help: An important part of recovery is teaching patients tools to help them remain successful. Those might include exercise regimes, meditation, and attending support groups.
Getting Help for a Dual Diagnosis
You are not alone with your addiction and mental health issues. Getting help for a dual diagnosis is paramount to a full recovery. First Steps offers a revolutionary new program for dual diagnosis patients — online rehab! We understand that traveling to our center can be cost-prohibitive for some patients. Now, no matter where you are in the United States, we can help you recover! All you need is a smartphone or computer to participate in First Steps Online Recovery Program. You will get all the care and attention that our patients who are in the facility receive. Click here for more information on our online recovery program.
Contact First Steps Recovery Today
First Steps Recovery is your partner in dual diagnosis recovery. If you or a loved one is suffering from mental health issues and substance abuse we can help. Don’t wait a minute longer, contact us today.
