Mental Health Disorders and Addiction: What You Need to Know About Dual Diagnosis

Substance use disorder is a common condition in America. Consequently, so are mental health issues. Sometimes mental health disorders and addiction co-occur in the same individual at the same time. When this happens, a dual diagnosis is needed to treat both conditions simultaneously. If you or someone you love struggles with addiction and mental health problems, help is available with Integrative Life Center‘s dual diagnosis treatment program in Nashville, TN.

Commonly Occurring Mental Health Disorders And Addiction

What is a mental health disorder? It’s a condition that affects how we think, feel, and behave. It can make us feel sad or angry, manic, or fearful. But when it co-occurs with addiction, life becomes very complicated. Anxiety commonly co-occurs with substance use disorder. Depression does, as well. For example, other commonly co-occurring conditions include:

• Schizophrenia

• Antisocial personality disorder

• Post-traumatic stress disorder

• Trauma

• Panic

In some individuals, the mental health condition arises first, and substance use happens as a result. In other instances, the situation is reversed. The drug use causes mental health disorder. Regardless, both conditions must be addressed and effectively treated for recovery to be successful. So, if you suspect your friend or family member may be suffering from substance use disorder complicated by a mental health condition, encourage them to contact one of the friendly and compassionate representatives at Integrative Life Center in Nashville today.

Effective Treatment For Mental Health Disorders And Addiction

We recommend an integrated approach for the treatment of dual diagnosis. Integrated care treats both the addiction and the mental health issue concurrently. Effective treatment for this unique condition usually requires several elements, including:

• Medication such as antidepressants

• Psychotherapy such as CBT or DBT

• Holistic treatments that include meditation, yoga, or experiential therapies

If you need help to handle your dual diagnosis, reach out to Integrative Life Center today. We’re located in scenic Nashville on a wooded campus that’s conducive to relaxation and healing. Clients who recover at Integrative Life enjoy top-quality accommodations and excellence in behavioral healthcare. Meals are farm-fresh and prepared by skilled chefs who understand the importance of balanced nutrition to recovery. We’ll help strengthen your body through good food choices and your mind through a full range of treatments to guide you gently into recovery from substance use disorder or mental illness.

Symptoms Of Co-Occurring Disorders

While substance use disorder comes with its own set of signs and symptoms, indicators of mental illness may be all over the place. Sometimes it’s difficult to tell that a second condition exists because symptoms so closely mimic addiction. But if you’re worried that a loved one may have a mental health issue, common signs include:

• Persistent sadness

• Restlessness

• Delusions

• Suicidal thoughts

• Fear of social interactions

• Self-imposed isolation

Mental illness can swiftly become debilitating if left untreated. Consequently, it’s important to encourage your friend or family member to seek treatment if you suspect something serious may be wrong.

Mental Health Disorders And Addiction At Integrative Life Center

Since 2010, Integrative Life Center in Nashville has offered excellence in behavioral health care for those battling mental health disorders and addiction. Through the use of evidence-based, holistic, and traditional therapies, we’ve helped thousands of adult men and women change the courses of their lives. For instance, our therapy programs include:

• Acupuncture

• Breathwork

• Self-Reflection

• Massage therapy

• Equine therapy

• Brainspotting

These, along with more traditional offerings like behavioral counseling and trauma-informed therapy, help new clients every day, move from addiction to recovery. So if you’re ready to recover from substance use disorder, mental health issues, or both, call us today at 615.378.8806. We’ll work with you to design a treatment plan that genuinely works.