Mental Health and Co-Occurring Disorders
In the U.S, substance use disorders affect millions of people. Those struggling with addiction face many hardships in life — their health and relationships suffer, they often encounter financial difficulties and many are exposed to dangerous or compromising situations daily. What many don’t realize is that individuals with substance use disorders often face mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, more than half of those with addiction suffer from at least one serious psychiatric condition. Mental health disorders can make it difficult to cope with the demands of everyday life by interfering with a person’s moods, feelings and thinking patterns. When addiction is added to the mix, these difficulties are compounded. Known as a dual diagnosis, patients with co-occurring disorders face unique obstacles and challenges in recovery.
Finding addiction treatment that addresses mental health can be complicated, but it is possible. Patients with a dual diagnosis need access to care that gives them the time, guidance and space to take a step back from their lives and develop a strategy for lasting recovery. Valiant Living Detox and Assessment is a safe landing place where those with co-occurring disorders can find solace and begin to heal. We understand that living with a mental health disorder is often difficult. We know that it can be frustrating and isolating, leaving many unsure what their options are or where to turn. Our goal is to provide dual diagnosis patients the comprehensive, supportive and integrated care they need to find their footing and regain a sense of balance in life. Once patients are stabilized, we put them on a path to wholeness and recovery by creating a plan of action and coordinating appropriate aftercare options.
Understanding Mental Health Disorders
Mental health is frequently overlooked in favor of physical ailments — diseases or injuries with obvious effects on the body have always been considered more urgent and promptly treated. It wasn’t until the 19th century that the field of psychology emerged and doctors began to take psychiatric disorders seriously. Now, we understand that mental health disorders have a significant impact on one’s well-being, disrupting neurochemical pathways that govern patterns of thinking, moods, emotions and more. When processes in the brain are thrown off balance, it can produce severe symptoms that negatively impact a person’s daily life, leading to chronic depression, constant anxiousness or worry, paranoia, difficulty concentrating, irrational thinking and more. Some of the most common co-occurring mental health disorders include:
Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health concerns that produce feelings of stress, worry and fear. Individuals with an anxiety disorder experience such extreme distress from their symptoms that quality and enjoyment of life can be severely impacted.
Depression
Depression is one of the most well-known mental health disorders, characterized by chronic and persistent feelings of sadness and emptiness. For those with depression, the symptoms they experience are often debilitating and severe enough to interfere with daily life, personal relationships, professional goals and more.
PTSD
PTSD is a mental health disorder often triggered by terrifying or distressing events, affecting individuals who experience or witness them in various ways. Those with PTSD may have trouble adjusting and coping with symptoms, which often include flashbacks, nightmares, intense anxiety, depression and a fixation on the triggering event.
Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder affects an individual’s moods and emotions. Patients experience extreme highs (manic episodes) followed by extreme lows (depressive episodes) that interfere with daily life and functioning.
ADHD
ADHD, known as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, affects concentration, learning and behavior. Those with ADHD often have difficulty focusing on tasks, remaining still and controlling impulsive behavior. Untreated symptoms can make it difficult to maintain a steady job or manage daily responsibilities.
Treating and managing mental health disorders is just as important to overall health as physical conditions. Psychiatric concerns require comprehensive care, long-term planning, individualized therapy and medications when appropriate to maintain a sustainable mental balance that promotes long-term wellness. Our programs offer this and more, helping patients take back control of their daily lives and move toward lasting sobriety and improved mental health.
Mental Health Treatment at Valiant Living Detox and Assessment
Mental Health Treatment at Valiant Living Detox and Assessment
Mental Health Treatment at Valiant Living Detox and Assessment
Those with co-occurring disorders often don’t receive appropriate care due to a number of obstacles. Sometimes mental health issues go untreated or aren’t properly diagnosed, or patients begin addiction treatment at a facility that emphasizes physical aspects of substance use. In fact, fewer than 20 percent of addiction treatment centers and 10 percent of mental health facilities in the U.S. meet the criteria for providing dual diagnosis care. The limited scope of most treatment centers is a substantial barrier for patients with both psychiatric and addiction issues, as those with interwoven disorders require specialized, targeted treatments that encompass their physical, emotional and mental health needs. Other barriers to recovery that patients with mental health disorders experience include:
- Social stigmas
- Lower motivation to change
- Less likely to seek treatment
- Lack of access to health care
- Financial and insurance barriers
- Limited support for co-occurring disorders
- Communication challenges
At Valiant Living, we recognize the link between mental health and substance use disorders. Our experienced clinical team utilizes an integrative approach to detox that focuses on treating and managing the psychiatric symptoms of dual diagnosis patients while addressing their substance use issues. By employing a variety of psychotherapies, holistic modalities, medication management and more, we promote a more favorable treatment outcome by ensuring that patients are thoroughly prepared for the remainder of their recovery journey once they complete detox.
Continuing Care After Detox
Continuing Care After Detox
Continuing Care After Detox
In addition to expertly managing mental health concerns at our facility, we also coordinate and organize post-detox treatment. Our dedicated team collaborates with patients, their families and other treatment centers to find the appropriate level of care for each individual. For those with co-occurring disorders, this includes ensuring that patients are transitioned into a facility with the credentials, knowledge and expertise to provide effective, comprehensive care for both substance use and mental health concerns. This is important because untreated psychiatric conditions prevent deep and meaningful progress in recovery and increase the likelihood of a relapse. If a patient used drugs or alcohol to cope with their mental health condition, the symptoms they experienced will remain after discharge. By integrating psychiatric and substance use disorder treatment, patients will learn how to manage their symptoms, discover new coping skills, gain insight into their behaviors and develop healthier habits, empowering them to achieve sustainable sobriety long after treatment has ended.