Mental Health

Drug addiction and alcoholism are serious problems in the United States. According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), nearly 15 million Americans aged 12 or older suffer from alcohol use disorder.[1] Additionally, the CDC reports that 1 in 7 Americans suffer from a drug use disorder at some point in their lives.[2]

When you are suffering from drug or alcohol addiction, there are usually underlying causes that contribute to your desire to abuse substances. To put it simply, you don’t just become addicted to a substance because you were looking to have some fun. Oftentimes, addiction stems from untreated childhood trauma or underlying mental health conditions.

The National Institute of Drug Abuse estimates that 7.7 million adults suffer from co-occurring disorders.[3] Co-occurring disorders occur when you have a mental health condition and a substance use disorder at the same time.

Co-occurring disorders must be treated simultaneously, otherwise, the symptoms of the untreated condition will cause a relapse in the other. Many drug and alcohol rehab centers in Massachusetts, including Woburn Wellness, are equipped with the dual diagnosis treatment services required to help individuals overcome co-occurring disorders.

What are Co-Occurring Disorders?

A co-occurring disorder (also referred to as dual diagnosis) occurs when you suffer from a mental health condition and an addiction at the same time. For example, if someone has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and suffers from meth addiction, they have a co-occurring disorder. Similarly, someone with an anxiety condition who struggles with alcoholism also meets the criteria for co-occurring disorders.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) says the most common mental health conditions to co-occur with addiction include:[4]

• Anxiety and mood disorders
• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorder
• Major depressive disorder
• Conduct disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

However, it is important to note that any mental health condition can co-occur with any substance use disorder. When you struggle with both a psychiatric illness and an addiction, it can be extremely difficult to recover. Thankfully, there are professional treatment programs that specialize in helping people overcome a dual diagnosis.

How are Co-Occurring Disorders Treated?

Co-occurring disorders must be treated at the same time. If you were to only receive treatment for your addiction, the untreated symptoms of your mental health condition could lead to an addiction relapse. As a result, co-occurring disorders are treated in dual-diagnosis rehab programs that specialize in treating both psychiatric conditions and substance use disorders.

During a dual-diagnosis treatment program, you will receive a combination of the following services depending on your personal needs:

• Medical detox to overcome withdrawal symptoms
• Evaluation and diagnosis of mental health conditions
• Evidence-based behavioral therapy to address addiction
• Various types of individual therapy for your specific psychiatric disorder
• Group therapy and counseling for both addiction and mental health
• Holistic treatments that lessen the symptoms of addiction and mental illness
• Relapse prevention planning to ensure that you can navigate triggers outside of treatment without reverting to substance abuse
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid or alcohol addiction
• Medications to help manage the symptoms of mental health conditions that are therapy-resistant

How Do I Know If I Need Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders?

Sometimes it can be difficult to determine whether you need treatment for co-occurring disorders. You might be aware that you suffer from mental illness and substance abuse issues, but are unsure of whether professional treatment is necessary. On the other hand, you might not be aware that you are suffering from a specific mental health condition.

Either way, there are signs and symptoms to be aware of that can help you determine whether you require dual-diagnosis treatment. These signs include:

• Turning to alcohol or drugs to cope with uncomfortable feelings or situations
• Experiencing drastic changes in your personality or mood
• Withdrawing from your friends and family
• Behaving erratically
• Being unable to complete daily tasks due to mental health symptoms or addiction
• Changes in sleeping or eating habits
• Experiencing significant weight loss or weight gain that cannot be explained by exercising or eating habits
• Periods of intense sadness or extreme energy
• Symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, or psychosis
• Having a hard time remembering important dates, information, or everyday things
• Periods of emotional detachment
• Experiencing symptoms of withdrawal when you do not use a substance
• Having to routinely increase the dosage of a substance you are abusing (developing tolerance)
• Craving substances when you are not using them (dependency)

There are several other signs you may notice if you are suffering from co-occurring disorders, but these are the most common. If you experience any changes in your mood, or personality, or develop physical symptoms of substance abuse, you should consider attending a dual-diagnosis treatment program. If you are still having a hard time determining whether you need help, you should reach out to your doctor, therapist, addiction specialist, or a trusted friend for advice.

Where Can I Get Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders in Massachusetts?

There are tons of options when it comes to treatment for co-occurring disorders in Massachusetts. Because co-occurring disorders are so common, a lot of drug and alcohol rehab programs specialize in dual diagnosis treatment. However, finding the right program for your personal needs can be difficult, especially if you’ve never been to a treatment facility before.

If you are looking for dual diagnosis treatment in Massachusetts, there are a few ways to make the process easier. First, if you have health insurance you should contact your provider to receive a list of in-network treatment facilities. This list will provide you with all of the local dual diagnosis rehab centers that accept your insurance.

If you do not have health insurance, you should look for programs that offer payment plans. Many co-occurring disorder rehab programs offer sliding scale fees or scholarships to individuals who cannot afford the care they need. If you decide to go this route, make sure to look at reviews and testimonials, become familiar with the treatment techniques they use, and consider touring the facility before committing.

Find Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders in Massachusetts Today

Living with untreated co-occurring disorders can be extremely difficult, and in some cases, put you at risk of life-threatening situations like overdoses or suicide attempts. With that being said, receiving professional treatment is extremely important. If you or a loved one suffer from comorbid mental health and addiction issues, Woburn Wellness is here to help.

To learn more about our dual diagnosis rehab center in Massachusetts, contact Woburn Wellness today.

References:

1. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/alcohol-facts-and-statistics
2. https://www.cdc.gov/stopoverdose/stigma/index.html?s_cid=DOP_Stigma_Search_Paid_001&gclid=Cj0KCQjwk7ugBhDIARIsAGuvgPZwdViFwgYfh2_dd6Ofomwy4zOKRAHrstmo5RHpSf20Zadu_MPYBEkaAmFYEALw_wcB
3. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/trends-statistics/infographics/comorbidity-substance-use-other-mental-disorders
4. https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/medications-counseling-related-conditions/co-occurring-disorders

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that is caused by experiencing a traumatic event. The effects of PTSD can be debilitating, between the mood swings, flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety associated with the condition. Unfortunately, untreated PTSD often causes people to self-medicate with alcohol, leading to the development of alcoholism.

According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, women with PTSD are 2.5 times more likely to develop alcoholism than people without the condition. Additionally, men with PTSD are 2 times more likely to suffer from alcoholism.[1]

Because alcoholism and PTSD often co-occur, treatment centers need to provide programs that include recovery services for both conditions. Thankfully, if you suffer from these co-occurring conditions, there are dual-diagnosis treatment programs that can address both your PTSD and alcoholism.

What Should Treatment for PTSD and Alcoholism Include?

Treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and alcoholism must include a combination of services for both conditions. If you struggle with both conditions you should always seek help from a dual diagnosis program, as these rehab centers integrate substance abuse and mental health treatment tactics.

For alcoholism, treatment services should include:

• Medical detox services to help you overcome the symptoms of withdrawal
• Addiction education groups that teach you about the disease of addiction, how it affects you, and how to overcome it
• Individual therapy and group counseling that addresses the psychological and emotional factors that played a role in the development of your alcoholism
• Relapse prevention skills that teach you how to identify your triggers for alcohol abuse and provide you with coping mechanisms to overcome unavoidable triggers
• Services that allow you to develop important life skills, such as vocational training, self-care tips, and how to foster healthy relationships with others

For post-traumatic stress disorder, treatment tactics should include:

• Individual therapy methods that help you safely process your trauma without the risk of re-traumatization
• Counseling groups that allow you to realize you are not alone and display how others are finding healing from their PTSD
• Evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) teach you how to process your emotions in a healthy manner[2]
• Options for medications that help treat the symptoms of PTSD on a short or long-term basis depending on your needs

Both the treatment services for PTSD and alcoholism should be combined in a comprehensive dual-diagnosis program to ensure that you recover from both conditions simultaneously.

If you only treat your drinking problem, unresolved trauma can result in alcohol relapse. Dual diagnosis programs provide healing for PTSD and alcoholism at the same time, ensuring that you are ready to integrate back into everyday life.

How to Find a Treatment Program for PTSD and Alcoholism

Choosing the right alcohol rehab center is essential for your sobriety. Finding a facility that meets all of your treatment and financial needs can be difficult, however, there are ways to make the process easier.

Work With an Addiction Counselor

Addiction counselors specialize in helping people recover from substance use disorders. They can provide an array of services, all of which allow them to provide you with a support network throughout your recovery process.

When you first connect with an addiction counselor, they will get to know you and your history to get a clear picture of what you need and what your goals are for recovery. An addiction specialist can refer you to a PTSD and alcoholism treatment center that suits all of your individual needs.

Ask Your Doctor or Therapist for Recommendations

If you have a primary care physician or a therapist whom you trust, you can ask them if they have any recommendations for inpatient or outpatient treatment programs.

Speak to People in Your Local Recovery Community

If you already attend self-help groups or know people who are active in the recovery community, they probably have experience in attending professional treatment. You could ask your friends and peers if they have any recommendations on reputable treatment programs for PTSD and alcoholism. Sometimes, the best way to find a professional treatment program is through word-of-mouth, because this way you will know someone personally who has gone through the program and found success.

Reach Out to Your Insurance Provider

Another great way to find a PTSD and alcoholism treatment program is to contact your insurance provider. They can provide you with a list of local treatment centers that accept your insurance. Using this method will ensure that the program you choose will be paid for by your insurance, saving you money and connecting you with a professional and reputable facility.

Find Treatment for PTSD and Alcoholism Today

If you or a loved one suffer from trauma and alcoholism, you know how difficult it is to live with these conditions without support. Both PTSD and alcohol use disorder can be debilitating, making it hard for you to function in your daily life. Attending a trauma-informed alcohol rehab program can provide you with the support you need to heal and the tools you need to maintain long-term recovery.

Effective alcohol rehab is available to men and women of all ages in Woburn, MA and all surrounding areas. If you or someone you love has been suffering at the hands of an alcohol use disorder of any severity, reach out to Woburn Wellness Addiction Treatment today.

References:

1. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/related/problem_alcohol_use.asp
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8672952/

Struggling with drug addiction or alcoholism is always difficult. However, dealing with a substance use disorder becomes even more challenging when you suffer from more than one issue. Recovery from two or more conditions, whether it’s addiction or a mental illness, requires an intensive and highly customized treatment program.

When you have a mental health condition and suffer from addiction, that is referred to as having co-occurring disorders. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “7.7 million adults have co-occurring mental and substance use disorders.”[1] Because comorbid addiction and mental illness is so common, dual diagnosis treatment programs were created to help you and other individuals who need support.

Dual diagnosis programs use an integrated approach to addiction and mental health treatment. These programs combine evidence-based addiction treatment techniques with mental health recovery practices to create a program that can address any and all of your co-occurring disorders at one time.

Four benefits of attending dual diagnosis treatment in Massachusetts are:

1. Uncovering the Root Causes of Your Addiction

In most cases, substance abuse issues are caused by underlying mental health issues and unresolved childhood trauma. According to research posted by the National Library of Medicine, “Early traumatic experience may increase risk of substance use disorders (SUDs) because of attempts to self-medicate or to dampen mood symptoms associated with a dysregulated biological stress response.”[2]

If you are going into a dual diagnosis program, you may not be aware of which mental health conditions or traumatic experiences contributed to the development of your addiction.

A dual diagnosis treatment program will provide you with the therapy you need to unpack the root causes of your addiction. This is an extremely vital aspect of substance abuse recovery, as treating the root cause of your substance abuse issues is the only way to ensure that you will not suffer from a relapse in the future.

2. Integrated Treatment for Addiction and Mental Health

Dual diagnosis treatment centers in Massachusetts use an integrated approach that combines mental health and addiction treatment methodologies. By addressing both your addiction and mental health conditions, you increase your chances of long-term sobriety and recovery. After all, it is very difficult to stay sober if you are still dealing with untreated mental health symptoms.

When you are forced to recover from your addiction before receiving care for your mental health condition, you are denied the chance to truly recover. To explain, it is common for people to abuse substances and develop an addiction as a result of self-medication. As your symptoms of your mental illness arise, you begin to use drugs or alcohol to calm them.

If you do not treat the underlying mental illness, you will continue to feel the need to self-medicate, but dual diagnosis treatment centers address both your addiction and your mental health condition at the same time..

3. Learning New and Effective Coping Skills

Healthy coping strategies help you deal with difficult situations or emotions healthily and productively. When you do not have healthy coping skills, your negative emotions become extremely difficult to navigate. This is often the reason why you begin to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol.

During a dual diagnosis program in Massachusetts, you will learn new and effective coping skills that work for you. The benefits you will experience by learning these skills include:

• Lowered levels of anxiety and stress
• The ability to learn new things and accept change
• Increased self-confidence
• Reduced health risks
• Lowered risk of substance abuse and relapse
• The ability to effectively deal with and bounce back from negative situations and emotions
• Being able to let go of your emotions associated with a negative situation

Everyone has their own unique way of coping, but it is important that you use healthy methods rather than harmful ones. Attending a dual diagnosis treatment center will allow you to learn how to identify negative patterns of behavior and employ positive coping mechanisms when needed.

4. Aftercare Services that Increase Your Chances of Long-Term Sobriety

Ordinary mental health treatment facilities or addiction treatment programs usually do some discharge planning to prepare for a client’s last day. However, dual diagnosis programs understand how difficult it is to transition from treatment to everyday life.

Rather than just having you sign some papers and sending you on your way, dual diagnosis treatment centers in Massachusetts provide you with aftercare planning services to increase your chances of long-term recovery.

Common aftercare services include:

• Identifying triggers and writing a list of coping mechanisms to use in each possible situation
• Alumni programs you can attend to stay in touch with your treatment program and fellow patients
• A list of recommended self-help and support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery
• Continued therapy and medication management
• Referrals to sober living programs can help ease the transition from treatment to normal life

Aftercare services are designed to help you cope with your mental health conditions and avoid resorting back to addiction when times get tough. Aftercare can prevent you from experiencing an unnecessary relapse and help you learn how to cope with everyday life after treatment.

Get Connected With a Top-Rated Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center in Massachusetts Today

If you or a loved one suffer from addiction and a co-occurring mental health condition, help is available. Going to a dual diagnosis treatment center can allow you to receive the support and treatments you need to recover from both conditions simultaneously.

If you are interested in dual diagnosis treatment, contact Woburn Wellness today. We can help you get back on track to living a happy and healthy life. Call now to get started.

References:

1. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/trends-statistics/infographics/comorbidity-substance-use-other-mental-disorders
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3051362/