If you or someone you love is suffering from alcohol or drug abuse and a mental illness (known as co-occurring disorders), you’re far from alone. There’s a lot of overlap between addiction and mental health conditions. In fact, roughly 37 percent of alcoholics and 53 percent of those with a drug addiction have at least one serious mental illness, according to the Journal of American Medical Association. And about 50 percent of people with severe mental illness – namely depression and bipolar disorder – also suffer from abuse or dependence.
Although it’s a growing problem, however, few people seek proper help. At 10 Acre Ranch, we know that a healthy mental state is crucial for battling addiction. We also understand that the symptoms of one disorder can exacerbate the symptoms of the other. For example, many men mistakenly turn to alcohol or drugs to temporarily dull anxiety. But this type of self-medicating actually worsens symptoms of anxiety.
Do You Know the Signs of Co-Occurring Disorders?
Diagnosing a dual diagnosis isn’t easy, especially since symptoms vary depending on your specific addiction and your mental illness. For example, the signs of anxiety disorder and cocaine addiction will differ from, say, alcoholism and PTSD.
In general, however, co-occurring disorders make performing daily tasks more difficult and can cause the following, according to Mental Health America:
- Extreme mood swings or an inability to control your emotions
- An inability to maintain employment
- An inability to maintain functional relationships
- Legal problems
- Financial issues
Getting the Help You Need
If you are showing signs of a co-occurring disorder, it’s important to know that help is out there. At 10 Acre Ranch, our counselors, social workers, and addiction specialists can develop a personalized dual diagnosis treatment plan to help you manage both addiction and mental illness. This will optimize the chance of long-term recovery and treatment success. For more information, call us today: 877-228-4679.
