When someone has a mental health issue that accompanies substance use, it’s known as a co-occurring disorder. Unfortunately, this phenomenon is fairly common, with more than 9.2 million Americans experiencing both. Here’s a closer look into why addictions often occur with other mental health disorders and how they can be treated with the help of substance abuse counseling. 

Which Mental Health Disorders Occur With Addiction?

Mood and anxiety disorders are common for people with substance use disorders. In particular, co-occurring disorders are most prevalent in people with severe mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia, but they may also occur for people with major depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, or social anxiety.

There are several reasons why these may occur together. For one, it’s possible environmental factors, such as exposure to trauma, could predispose an individual to both types of disorders. Additionally, a person with an existing mental health disorder may use substance abuse as a coping mechanism. Self-medication can worsen effects over time, but could also mask symptoms in some instances. Some people could also experience brain alterations over time as a result of substance abuse, such as due to mood disorders, anxiety issues, and impulse control.

What Are the Treatment Options?

Until recently, it was believed that co-occurring disorders had to be treated separately. Now, however, research suggests that an integrated approach in which substance abuse counseling is combined with psychiatric treatment could improve outcomes. For instance, patients experience fewer relapses and improved long-term abstinence when substance abuse counseling is combined with psychiatric care. An effective, comprehensive treatment plan may include tactics such as medications, outpatient healing programs, and individual or group therapy.

If you need substance abuse counseling for yourself or a loved one in the Rochester, NY, area, turn to White Spruce Counseling. With a supportive and experienced staff, this center offers a compassionate approach to substance abuse disorders, as well as anger control and domestic abuse. Find out more about their treatment options online or by calling (585) 424-2436.