There are a lot of factors that influence drug and alcohol addiction. This disease hijacks the brain and causes intense cravings as well as withdrawal symptoms if a person tries to quit. For rehab to be successful, it must address the physical ramifications of addiction. Yet, addiction doesn’t just come out of nowhere. Sometimes, an underlying mental health disorder is closely linked to a person’s substance misuse.
At Gateway Foundation in Carbondale, IL, we understand how the disease of addiction and a person’s mental health can be connected. If you struggle with both substance misuse and a mental health disorder, co-occurring disorder treatment could offer you your best chance at a successful recovery.
If you struggle with an addiction to drugs or alcohol and a mental illness like PTSD or depression, this diagnosis is called a co-occurring disorder. Also referred to as dual diagnosis, the combination of these two conditions are often closely linked.
Sometimes, the symptoms of one disorder precede the other. Yet, whether addiction or the mental health problem came first, one condition tends to worsen the other. This makes it nearly impossible to tell which symptoms are caused by which disorder. For example, many people use alcohol to self-medicate mood disorders like depression. However, the reverse is also true — using drugs like heroin can alter a person’s mood and cause psychological symptoms.
Dual diagnosis treatment at our Carbondale center is an excellent solution for those struggling with co-occurring disorders. By addressing both conditions at the same time, we help patients embrace sobriety while improving their overall health. Contact Gateway Foundation in Carbondale, IL, to learn more. Or, give us a call at 618-323-3379 to explore our dual diagnosis treatment options.