For some people, drug and alcohol addiction are just one component of the problem. They may also struggle with mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. When a person is struggling with both, we call these co-occurring disorders. It can happen for many reasons, but the one key thing to remember is that it is critical to obtain proper care for both conditions. At Foothills at Red Oak, we can help you achieve this. Contact our team today at 866.300.5275 for more information.
Could You Have Co-Occurring Disorders?
Co-occurring disorders are somewhat common. When they occur, it becomes critical that a person receives the right type of care for their needs. Dual diagnosis treatment is the most effective way of helping those with this condition. The first step, though, is realizing there is a problem. Here a few of the most common signs.
1. Using Drugs to Deal with Depression and Anxiety
One of the most common signs of co-occurring disorders is using drugs to deal with the symptoms of mental health. A person who is depressed, anxious, or experiencing PTSD is more likely to self-medicate using alcohol or drugs. A good way to know if this is happening is to consider what happens when you are not using substances. Do you find yourself dealing with anxious feelings? Do unwanted thoughts come into your mind?
2. Trouble Maintaining Responsibilities
Many of those who have this condition also struggle to maintain the responsibilities they have. This includes things like school or meeting obligations at home. You may forget school assignments or be unwilling or unable to do what you say you will.
3. Withdrawal and Cravings Occur
Addiction can lead to dependency. That means a person continues to use drugs and alcohol because the brain requires it. When you stop taking the drugs or drinking, you may have intense pain, headaches, agitation, and cravings for it. This is an indication of addiction. This, coupled with depression or anxiety, can make it very hard to stop using on your own.
4. Social Trouble
Are you struggling to fit in at home or at school? Do you feel like you cannot make yourself be social? This is not uncommon. It is very common for a person with co-occurring disorders to become more and more isolated, causing you to retreat from your friends and family members. Often, there is also a need to use more of the same drugs to have the same relief from mental health concerns, which can make you feel like you need to hide it from the people around you.
5. Medical Concerns
The prolonged use of drugs and alcohol leads to health problems. This may include concerns related to liver and kidney disease. It may also result in heart damage, cognitive function decline, and a heightened risk of memory loss.
Where Can You Get Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
At Foothills at Red Oak, we offer a wide range of options for co-occurring disorders. If you see the signs of this condition in yourself, now may be the best time for you to get help. Our team offers a range of options for adolescent boys to allow you to get the help you need. Once you stabilize your addiction and treat the mental disorder, you can start to see improvements to your quality of life. Let us help with programs such as:
- Drug addiction treatment
- Alcohol addiction treatment
- Depression treatment
- Anxiety treatment
- Co-occurring disorders treatment
Reach Out to Our Team for Immediate Help
Co-occurring disorders can happen to many people. The only way to overcome them, though, is with the help of a professional. Our team offers dual diagnosis treatment, designed to give you every tool possible to recover and achieve your best outcome. Reach out to Foothills at Red Oak today to learn more about how we can help you. Contact us at 866.300.5275 today.
