Co-Occurring Disorders

What Is a Co-Occurring Disorder?

Co-occurring disorders often require dual diagnosis treatment. The simultaneous presence of mental health issues and substance addiction characterizes this disorder. Co-occurring disorders dual diagnosis can pose a significant challenge for individuals, their loved ones, and healthcare providers. The complexities of co-occurring disorders necessitate a comprehensive understanding of their impact on the people involved to provide the most effective treatment.

In California alone, half of the state’s residents over the age of 12 have reportedly used alcohol in the last month, and 20% have used marijuana in the last year. The rate of fentanyl-related deaths also increased by ten times from 2015 to 2019. Meanwhile, 1 in 7 California adults suffer from a mental health illness. Considering drugs and alcohol are often used as coping sources for those with mental disorders, it’s easy to see the connection between addiction and co-occurring disorders. 

The widespread use of drugs and alcohol alongside mental illness has made it essential to educate society on the dangers of these substances and the treatment resources available. At Resurgence Behavioral Health, we offer a variety of inpatient and outpatient dual-diagnosis treatment services ready to help anyone experiencing co-occurring disorders. 

What Is the Connection Between Addiction and Mental Health?

The connection between addiction and mental health is complex and multifaceted, often described as a bidirectional relationship where each condition can influence and exacerbate the other. Roughly 8.5% of California residents experience co-occurring mental health challenges, indicating the issue may be more prevalent than most would think. 

Here are some key points that further explain the connection between addiction and mental health:

• Predispositions: Genetics, environmental influences, trauma, and stress can all increase a person’s risk of addiction and mental disorders. For example, people with a history of trauma may be more susceptible to developing mental health issues like anxiety or depression and coping with drugs and alcohol. 
• Self-Medication: Many people with mental health disorders turn to substances as a way to cope with their symptoms. This self-medication can provide temporary relief but often leads to increased dependency and worsened mental health outcomes.
• Neurobiological Factors: Addiction and mental health disorders can both affect the brain’s reward and stress systems. Changes in neurotransmitter levels, such as dopamine and serotonin, can contribute to both conditions. This can lead to a cycle of substance use and declining mental health.
• Ineffective Treatment: Here at Resurgence Behavioral Health, we know treating co-occurring disorders requires an integrated approach that addresses both addiction and mental health simultaneously. When one condition is treated without addressing the other, it can hinder recovery and lead to relapse.
• Societal Stigmas: People suffering from co-occurring disorders are sometimes deterred from seeking help because of social stigmas. This barrier complicates their recovery journey and leads to a further decline in mental health and increased substance abuse. 

Resurgence Behavioral Health offers a dual diagnosis treatment tailored to a person’s specific challenges. Our levels of care include medical detox, inpatient/outpatient treatment, and aftercare services to avoid the likelihood of a relapse. 

What Mental Illness Is Most Associated With Addiction?

Mental illness can be a painful experience, creating feelings of hopelessness and despair. It’s not a surprise that millions of people suffering turn to drugs and alcohol to alleviate their symptoms, according to co-occurring disorders statistics in California. 

Depression is the most prevalent mental disorder associated with addiction. However, several others are linked to substance abuse. 

• Anxiety Disorders: Anxiety can be a crippling disorder, causing feelings of fear and dread. As a result, many people with anxiety may turn to alcohol or drugs to manage their symptoms, leading to a heightened risk of developing substance use disorders.
• Bipolar Disorder: People with this mental health condition suffer from extreme mood swings, shifts in energy levels, and concentration issues. Those with bipolar disorder may misuse substances during manic or depressive episodes, which can complicate their treatment.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): People with PTSD often use substances to cope with traumatic memories and emotional distress, increasing the likelihood of addiction. Veterans who have experienced intense combat sometimes need professional support to overcome PTSD-related addiction. 
• Schizophrenia: This is a chronic mental illness that can cause hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. People with schizophrenia may use drugs or alcohol to cope with their symptoms.

At Resurgence Behavioral Health, we treat dual-diagnosis co-occurring disorders with our carefully designed treatment program. Our services, such as medication-assisted treatment (MAT), cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, rational emotive behavioral therapy, and more, allow us to create a treatment plan for your needs.

How to Help Someone with Addiction and Depression

As with most things, education can be a critical first step in helping someone with addiction and depression. Initially, educating yourself can allow you to understand better what your loved one is experiencing and help you provide informed support. Then, educating the user about the long-term risks associated with their addiction and the treatment resources available can further the process. 

However, above all else, compassion, understanding, and a supportive approach will be crucial in helping someone recover. Creating a safe space to discuss their struggles can encourage them to share their feelings and emphasize your unwavering support. Encouraging healthy activities like active hobbies and a new routine can also make a person more productive.   

Through this process, it’s often best to enlist professional help like what’s available at Resurgence Behavioral Health. Our team of experts is ready and willing to help anyone suffering from co-occurring disorders, also known as dual diagnosis. 

Is There a Link Between Anxiety and Addiction?

People suffering from anxiety often experience severe feelings of stress, fatigue, a constant state of being ‘on edge,’ difficulty concentrating, irritability, and problems sleeping. This discomfort can lead many to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol, leading to abuse and dependence on either substance. 

A cyclical relationship with drugs and alcohol can also develop when self-medicating. Substance use may initially reduce anxiety but can lead to withdrawal symptoms and increased anxiety when the substance is not used. 

Understanding the connection between anxiety and addiction can be crucial to recovering from co-occurring disorders and creating a dual-diagnosis treatment plan. 

How to Find Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders Dual Diagnosis in California

Co-occurring disorders dual diagnosis can create a vicious cycle of addiction. It can be challenging and feel impossible to break free of the disorder. If this occurs, it’s often best to seek professional medical care. Resurgence Behavioral Health operates three treatment facilities in California, located in Riverside, Braddock, and Huntley. Our main facility in Jurupa Valley offers inpatient treatment, and our team of compassionate addiction specialists is ready to help anyone successfully recover from a dual diagnosis. So, call us today at 855-458-0050 to help you or someone you know to take control of their mental and physical health.