Addiction is a significant issue in our country that impacts millions of Americans. Despite this, many people misunderstand addiction, and those struggling often face harsh judgments and stigma. People with mental health conditions are also stigmatized, even though nearly one in five adults live with mental illness. It is not uncommon for someone struggling with addiction to also have issues with their mental health. When a person has substance use disorder and a co-occurring mental illness, they have a dual diagnosis. It is crucial for those struggling with dual diagnosis to find a treatment program that treats both disorders at the same time. At Genesis Recovery and Wellness in Ohio, we offer dual diagnosis treatment for our clients struggling with dual diagnosis.
Addiction and Depression
It is common for a person struggling with addiction also to have depression. Addiction can trigger or intensify feelings of loneliness, sadness, or hopelessness often associated with depression. It is also not uncommon for a person with depression to self-medicate with substances which can lead to substance abuse. Addiction and depression can have similar effects on a person. It can cause a person to:
- Isolate themselves from friends and family
- Give up social activities or hobbies
- Have trouble with personal relationships
- Deny that they have a problem
Addiction and depression can enhance each other in negative ways. This can make the treatment and recovery process complicated or more difficult. That is why those with dual diagnoses should find a dual diagnosis treatment program for recovery.
How Addiction Affects Mental Health
Addiction has significant effects on a person’s mental health. People with substance use disorder are approximately twice as likely to also suffer from a mood or anxiety disorder. Different substances can affect mental health in different ways. Certain substances can cause symptoms of mental illness. For those already experiencing poor mental health, addiction can make symptoms worse. Addiction also raises the risk of mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and personality disorders.
Addiction can lead to mental health conditions such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Eating disorders
- Bipolar disorder
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Treatment
Treating substance abuse and a co-occurring mental health disorder is not an easy process. It involves treating both addiction and mental illness’s physical, mental, and emotional impacts. A dual diagnosis treatment program provides substance abuse and mental health treatment simultaneously. This is important because treating the disorders at the same time instead of separately is more effective. A trained health professional in dual diagnosis treatment understands the different issues and circumstances that clients with dual diagnosis face. There are many benefits of dual diagnosis treatment. Some benefits include:
- More focused and personalized care
- Working through past trauma
- Learning healthy coping mechanisms for triggers and stress
- Creating life goals and a plan for how to achieve them
- Learning to change your thought process
Substance abuse and mental health treatment consider how addiction affects mental health. Those struggling with mental illness often isolate themselves or push away loved ones. This is likely to affect a person’s emotional and mental well-being negatively. That is why people need to seek a dual diagnosis treatment program where they can receive treatment for the different impacts both disorders have on a person.
Begin Treatment at Genesis Recovery and Wellness in Ohio
At Genesis Recovery and Wellness in Middleburg, Ohio, we understand the impact that addiction has on a person’s mental health. We provide dual diagnosis treatment for our clients living with co-occurring disorders, so they can heal physically, mentally, and emotionally. If you are living with a dual diagnosis, our team can help you. Reach out to us at 216.331.2998 to learn more.