7.7 million people in the United States suffer from a co-occurring mental health disorder alongside a substance use disorder, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Substance use disorders can make recovery from alcoholism and drug addictions more difficult, and subject addicts to a greater risk of relapse.
Unfortunately, only 9.1% of these people receive treatment for their addiction and mental health issues simultaneously. For the other 90% of addicts, treating one illness at a time puts them at a higher risk for cravings, and eventually for relapsing on their drug of choice.
Hotel California by the Sea understands the importance of treating addiction and mental health issues at the same time. Integrated care at a substance abuse treatment center makes treatment for co-occurring disorders more effective and decreases the chances of relapse.
Continue reading to learn more about co-occurring mental health disorders, and how Hotel California by the Sea prioritizes treating them. Recovery from addiction and mental illness is possible with the proper support.
Ways To Treat Co-Occurring Disorders
If someone isn’t treated for each of their conditions at the same time, relapsing in one could lead to relapsing in the other, perpetuating a dangerous downward spiral.
Substance abuse and mental health conditions go hand-in-hand. Mental illnesses are common in the United States, with nearly 20% of the population, or one in five people, currently suffering from a cognitive disease. Mental illnesses can also cause people to self-medicate and thus cause substance abuse issues.
For example, Hotel California by the Sea offers tons of therapies for people that suffer from mental illnesses and many forms of trauma, including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
- 12-step programs, such as AA, NA, and other support groups
Medications
Sometimes, it is necessary for clients in treatment programs like HCBTS’ to take medications while they recover from substance abuse issues and their dual diagnosis.
Medication can be an important component in an integrative treatment approach. At Hotel California by the Sea, we believe it’s essential to approach our clients’ treatment from a well-rounded and dynamic perspective. Sometimes, this means implementing multiple types of therapy and wellness treatments.
Medications can help people recover from depressants, amphetamines, and other types of drugs. They can also help lessen the severity of depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses.
Other medication options for substance use disorders include Medication-Assisted Treatment (or MAT). Hotel California by the Sea offers extremely helpful Medication-Assisted treatment options for our clients, including the Vivitrol shot.
The Vivitrol shot was developed to help people in recovery from opioid use disorder and alcoholism reduce their cravings and avoid relapse. It proves highly useful for many people in recovery from substance abuse issues for reducing cravings. The Vivitrol shot also blocks the pleasurable and euphoric effects of these substances, making it less appealing to use or drink.
Sometimes, clients will enter addiction treatment without being aware that they suffer from another mental health condition. We empower our clients with the knowledge of their condition, and thus further understanding of themselves and the way their brain may function.
Medications are meant to complement a dynamic treatment plan – not serve as the sole treatment method. When combined with other therapies, medications can help immensely. Of course, the choice to take medications is always up to the client and their treatment provider and healthcare team.
Get Inpatient Treatment For Dual Diagnosis
Inpatient treatment facilities often focus soley on the drinking and drug use, but addressing the underlying issues, or co-occurring disorders, plays a vital role in long term recovery. Hotel California by the Sea specializes in treating dual diagnosis and co-occurring disorders along with addiction, so we can heal the whole person.
In residential treatment, clients can focus on fighting each of their illnesses simultaneously in an intensive, supportive, and structured environment. While in treatment, our clients get the opportunity to meet 1-on-1 with our board-certified therapists and physicians and are monitored 24/7 for any mental health issues that could arise.
After residential treatment, clients can transition to lower levels of care for the treatment of their addictions and mental illnesses, like partial hospitalization treatment and intensive outpatient treatment.
For someone to recover permanently from addiction disorders and mental illnesses, or continue on their recovery path, they need a highly-supportive network of like-minded peers.
Our team at HCBTS is trained in the treatment of many mental health disorders, including bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and other distressing conditions. At the same time, we target addiction to drugs or alcohol.
We’re prepared to help you recover for good.
Learn more about our residential and outpatient programs here.
If you or a loved one is suffering from a mental health condition and co-occurring addiction, reach out to us today! Our specialists are ready to assist you at all times.