Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve answered some of the most common questions clients ask before their first stay with us.
A SAMHSA report from 2021 shares that approximately 9.2 million adults in the United States have a co-occurring disorder.
If you or your loved one are currently struggling with the challenges of mental health disorders and addiction, you’re not alone.
In this blog on the common mental health disorders associated with drug and alcohol addiction, we’ll answer the following questions:
A dual diagnosis refers to a person with a substance abuse disorder and a co-occurring mental health disorder. According to the Cleveland Clinic, 50% of people who experience a substance use disorder during their lives will also have a mental health disorder and vice versa. This isn’t to say that either condition was the cause of the other. It’s common for a substance disorder and mental illness to develop as a result of factors like trauma, stress, and genetics.
The physical and psychological effects of alcohol and drugs can undoubtedly contribute to developing mental health problems. Substances can disrupt the same areas of the brain that certain mental illnesses do, such as schizophrenia, anxiety, etc. Not only this, but long and short-term use of alcohol and drugs can increase depression and anxiety, mimicking the effects of mood disorders.
Substance abuse can disrupt sleep patterns, lead to poor hygiene and eating habits, illegal activity, and other lifestyle factors that affect a person’s overall mental health and stability.
People may reach for alcohol to deal with a mental disorder, increasing the problem and contributing to the onset of alcoholism. Likewise, alcohol can exacerbate and cause certain mental disorders to develop. The mental disorders typically associated with alcoholism include anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD.
Alcohol is a depressant that slows the brain and causes impaired cognitive function. Because of this, people may use it to cope with anxiety and stress, resulting in relaxing feelings. This can lead to a dangerous cycle of increased alcohol use if anxiety isn’t treated.
Alcohol also causes and increases depression. Due to the “high” alcohol offers, people with mood and depressive disorders may turn to it, worsening their depression as a result.
If you already have a bipolar diagnosis, alcohol can elevate the disorder and trigger manic episodes. Bipolar causes mood swings of emotional highs and lows and can also make it harder for you to quit alcohol and other substances once you’re hooked.
PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, can be an effect of alcoholism or be a contributing role in the development of it. Without the proper tools for coping with the stress that PTSD causes, people may turn to alcohol to suppress negative emotions.
The world of mental health disorders is no stranger to drugs or alcohol. The effects of mental illness commonly lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms; drugs are no exception. Mental health disorders most widely related to drugs include substance use disorders, anxiety, and personality disorders like borderline personality disorder, depression, PTSD, and eating disorders.
The DSM V/DSM-5 lists ten types of addiction disorders, including the following:
The disorders listed above by the DSM-5 are characterized by an ongoing pattern of problematic behavior that leads to severe impairment or suffering and a user’s choice to continue participating in the addiction despite the negative consequences. A person with one or more of these disorders may experience it on a mild to moderate to severe level, and symptoms vary from individual to individual.
At Soul Surgery, we present a variety of treatment programs that catered to your specific needs relating to mental health disorders, substance use disorders, or co-occurring conditions.
If you or a loved one is struggling, we provide support and guidance throughout the recovery process to help you to achieve a healthier, happier life through recovery.
Please contact us today to learn more about who we are and how we can help.
Take the first step in your journey to recovery.
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