Have you a loved one, family, or friend who suffers from co-occurring disorders? This is typical for those who have a history of serious substance abuse. The resultant mental issues include anxiety, depression, and even bipolar disorder. If you see someone suffering from co-occurring conditions, you might want to ensure that they get the best treatment. The best way to do so is by having them thoroughly assessed and diagnosed at a treatment centre, such as Haven House.
What are co-occurring disorders?
Firstly, it is important to understand that alcohol and drug addiction come with many severe consequences. For instance, it causes a serious impact on the affected individual’s mental and physical health. Consequently, they lose their ability to function properly and normally. This can ruin a stable home and work life for many of the affected people. Not to mention the damage of their personal and interpersonal lifestyles, they can face isolation and severe depression as they lose contact with their relations.
Alcohol or drug addiction is all-consuming. This means that if not timely intervened, it can make life complicated and utterly miserable. Not to mention the fact that co-occurring disorders can also worsen each other. In the absence of proper treatment of a mental illness, drug and substance abuse can worsen. Furthermore, if substance abuse increases, mental health issues will spike as well.
How common are co-occurring disorders caused by a substance or alcohol abuse?
You might be surprised to know that around 50% of people suffering from co-occurring disorders are equally impacted by substance and alcohol abuse. More than 50% of drug abusers suffer from at least one mental illness; whereas, more than 35% of alcohol-abusing individuals suffer from at least one severe mental illness. Suppose we were to assess all individuals suffering from mental health issues. In that case, at least 29% of these are the result of drug and alcohol abuse. That said, it is best to never have the co-occurring mental health issues ignored. The longer these prevail, the worse it gets with time. Certain steps can be taken to recover soonest.
The best way to solve an addiction is by getting to the root cause of it. Most people turn to alcohol and substance abuse for the numbing of their mental and emotional anguish. They use alcohol and drugs as a sort of self-medication.
There are certain things to include in your lifestyle that can help in recovery. For instance, you might want to conquer your inner demons by getting support from a trauma centre. You can also work on repairing your estranged and broken relationships that cause you distress and anxiety in the first place. Co-occurring disorders can be overcome with the right kind of help. Alcohol and substance addiction doesn’t necessarily have to last for the rest of your life. Never be afraid of reaching out and extending your hand to the community, ready to solve your issues and assist you in getting your life back on the right track.
Dennis Relojo-Howell is the founder of Psychreg.
