Recovering While Having Mental Illness

Article written by Adam Durnham, a freelance blogger from Bloomington, Illinois that specializes in addiction, mental health, and recovery.

Many people can attest that the journey to recovery is not a steady and straight road. Rather,
there are setbacks, new discoveries, and ups and downs. However, with time, it’s very possible
to look at where the journey began and the progress made despite the discouragements and
setbacks. Each time you reach a milestone, you will realize that you have recovered a part of
your life. And this gives you the strength and motivation to go on. Full recovery while having a mental illness is a process that takes time. But in the end, it’ll be worth it.

Addiction and Mental Illness
Dual diagnosis is a term used to describe a person who has been diagnosed with a mental
health illness in addition to being addicted to drugs or alcohol. In such a situation, the patient has two illnesses which require a special treatment plan. One situation can lead to the other.

Moreover, someone with a mental health illness can turn to alcohol and drugs as an escape,
despite research showing alcohol and drugs worsen mental illness symptoms.
In fact, an untreated mental health illness will almost certainly trigger a relapse even after
recovery. In the US alone, 7.9 million people experience a substance abuse disorder and a
mental illness simultaneously.

The Connection Between Drug or Alcohol Addiction and Mental Health Illness
Even though drug and alcohol abuse may occur at the same time, it’s hard to tell which one
affected you first. Research shows that one problem may cause the other.

Mental health disorders may lead to drug or alcohol addiction. A person with depression,
PTSD, anxiety, or bipolar disorder may turn to alcohol and drugs in an attempt to get relief.
However, such temporary relief often results in other problems.

Drug use may cause mental health issues. For example, using drugs and alcohol can lead to
anxiety and depression when the effects of the drugs wear off. Also, some people may become
depressed when they realize they are addicted to drugs.

In some cases, people begin abusing drugs after having a traumatic experience like an accident,
a divorce, or a break up to temporarily relieve their pain.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Co-Occurring Disorder?
Many a time, it’s difficult to know whether you have an addiction problem and a mental health
illness. The signs and symptoms of a co-occurring disorder depend on the substance being
abused and mental health disorder. For instance, the signs of marijuana abuse and depression
could look quite different from the signs of alcohol abuse and schizophrenia. That said, there
are general signs and symptoms if you have a co-occurring disorder, and they are as follows:

● Is there anyone in your family that has had or is struggling with a mental health
illness or drug or alcohol abuse?

● Do you use drugs or alcohol to help you cope with negative feelings or
memories, to control your moods or pain, to face frightening situations or to help
you stay focused?

● Whenever you’re sober do you feel anxious or depressed?

● Is there a relation between your mental health and substance use? For example,
do you feel depressed whenever you drink?

● Have you ever been treated for your mental health illness or addiction problem?
Did the treatment plan fail or did you relapse as a result of complications from
your addiction or mental health disorder?

All in all, the only way to know for sure if you have a co-occurring disorder is through proper
diagnosis by a professional doctor. And if you have a dual diagnosis, you should be treated for
both at the same time.

The Recovery Process
Treatment plans are usually tailored to deal with both ailments. Recovery will be ineffective if
only one problem is treated. A return to a full and productive life is much more possible if both disorders are dealt with together.

Dual Diagnosis Rehab
You can recover from your addiction and mental health illness at a dual diagnosis rehab. Dualdiagnosis treatment facilities treat substance abuse and mental health disorders using an
integrated approach.

The dual diagnosis rehab will help you return to a normal life. Their main goal is to equip you
with the resources and tools you need to successfully cope with the mental health illness
without using drugs or alcohol.

A lot of people shy away from getting the help they need because of the stigma associated
with substance abuse and having a mental health disorder. But once you accept things as they
are and seek assistance, you are well on your way to recovery.

If you’re diagnosed with a mental health illness, it’s very important to get the proper
treatment and not engage in substance abuse as a coping mechanism. Using drugs or alcohol
will only worsen your mental state.

What Should You Expect in A Dual Diagnosis Rehab?
If the rehab center has an inpatient program, depending on your diagnosis and extent of
addiction, intensive care can last anywhere between 4 and 6 weeks. During this period, you’ll
focus on your drug or alcohol addiction problem as well as your mental health illness. You’ll
also receive treatment from psychiatrists and therapists in private psychotherapy and group
therapy sessions.

One advantage of an inpatient program is that you will be in a caring and safe environment
away from distractions and physical triggers.

The treatment program in a dual diagnosis rehab may include:

● Initial Intake and Mental Evaluation: During this process, it is important that
you’re completely honest so that the staff can come up with the
best-personalized treatment plan for you.

● Detox Process: You’ll be closely monitored by medical professionals during
detox. Depending on your type of addiction, medication may be given if
necessary to help alleviate the withdrawal symptoms.

● Addiction Treatment: A number of treatment methods are used including CBT
(Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). CBT will help you learn new strategies to cope
with the addiction problem. It will also teach you how to turn your negative
thoughts into positive and productive ones.

● Mental Health Treatment: Usually, a psychiatrist will treat your mental health
illness.

● Aftercare: This comes once you are done with the rehab program. It includes
psych doctors and support groups. Aftercare helps you maintain your sobriety
even after you leave the rehab facility.