Co-occurring disorders, also known as dual diagnosis, are conditions where you struggle simultaneously with a mental health disorder and addiction, or another combination of disorders at the same time. You may find that you are suffering from any combination of more than two SUD, personality disorders, and mental disorders.
Our team is standing by to address your questions. Your call is confidential and no obligation is required.
Our team is standing by to address your questions. Your call is confidential and no obligation is required.
Suffering from a mental illness puts you at a higher risk of having co-occurring disorders, unlike people who do not have a mental illness. The medications used in medication-assisted therapy (MAT) can have adverse effects when combined with anxiety medications, meaning that those who take these medications need to be careful of developing co-occurring disorders as well.
Co-occurring disorder signs and symptoms are those associated with substance abuse disorders and mental disorders. For example, if you have depression and an alcohol use disorder, the symptoms you will exhibit are those associated with depression and alcohol, which will be different from those you may experience if you suffer from anxiety and a drug addiction.
These genes pass from parent to child, which is exactly why an individual with a parent struggling with co-occurring disorders has a high chance of their child developing the same.
It is best to treat all conditions if you have been diagnosed with co-occurring disorders. The treatment only becomes effective when you cease using substances and alcohol. You may also need psychotherapy and support groups to cope. 3
The treatment plan involves a comprehensive model referred to as integrated combined therapies (ICT). This approach gives you access to interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, twelve-step facilitation, and support groups as recommended in the co-occurring disorders treatment manual. You will also receive pharmacotherapy or MAT to ease your recovery journey. 4
Patients suffering from co-occurring disorders have different qualities. Everyone requires a unique combination of mental and medical support.
Integrated treatment may involve combining some of the following evidence-based therapies for the co-occurring conditions:
Always keep a positive mind. However hard it may seem, a comprehensive co-occurring disorder treatment program is the way to a complete recovery. It is best to adhere to the treatment plan and follow all the recommended treatment approaches for a safer and faster recovery.
Contact Essence Health and Wellness today if you or a loved one need help recovering from co-occurring disorders.
At EHW, we accept health insurance plans from most providers. If you are covered by a private or commercial insurance policy, your plan may cover your substance use and mental health treatment costs.