Mental health challenges frequently have addictive behaviors as symptoms. However, you may not realize that your chemical dependency is masking a more serious problem. Getting help for both can provide real solutions. What do you need to know about mental health and substance abuse treatment?

How Did an Addiction Come to Be?

Man in need of substance abuse treatmentYou’re relying on a drink to take the edge off. Stressors are making it difficult to cope with life right now. Alcohol numbs you to anxieties and other worries. As a nervous system depressant, it buys you a few hours of respite.

Unfortunately, the chemicals worsen the stressors and the underlying problems. The same is true for other drugs. Undergoing substance abuse treatment undoes some of these challenges. Focusing on dual diagnosis treatment offers a chance at a sustainable recovery.

How Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment Go Together

Co-occurring mental health disorders and chemical dependencies feed off one another. It’s sometimes impossible to tell which condition came first. Frequently, the chemical dependency brought a mental health challenge to the forefront. Often, people struggling with mental health disorders look to drugs in order to self-medicate.

Some individuals don’t recognize that they’re dealing with a mental health issue. They just realize that something doesn’t feel right. The chemicals in the drugs make them feel better for a little while. Because they don’t provide a lasting solution, the problem escalates.

Attempting treatment for only one condition would be foolhardy. Because both intertwine on numerous planes, it’s vital to treat the diseases together. Failure to do so can result in a relapse. It can also lead to a worsening of the mental health condition.

What Does Treatment of Co-Occurring Conditions Look Like?

Pharmacological support assists with ending the physiological addiction. You withdraw from the drug without pain or significant discomfort. Concurrently, you receive help for mental health treatment for co-occurring psychiatric disorders.

Therapists customize their approaches to meet your individual needs. Examples include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy that helps you recognize unhealthy patterns and then provides tools for changing them
  • Dialectical behavior therapy that benefits program participants who must deal with emotionally charged situations they can’t change
  • Group therapy sessions that introduce a peer support component for healing and future relapse prevention
  • Anger management sessions that assist with diffusing triggers and stressors in healthy ways

Mindfulness Training Supports Healing

Anxiety, depression, and substance abuse treatment greatly benefit from the lessons of mindfulness training. This modality helps you to focus on being present in the moment. In the process, you take the wind out of the sails of anxiety. You also lessen the need for drugs or alcohol as a means for dealing with life’s situations.

Medication often supports this therapy. It enhances your ability to focus on the here and now. This level of support also enables you to put into practice breathing techniques and stress management tools. Mindfulness training comes into play with eating as well as behavioral disorders, too.

Getting the Help You Need Today

Don’t put off substance abuse treatment. You’ve tried self-medicating yourself, and it’s not working. When you’re struggling with a dual diagnosis, it can seem especially hard to get a handle on resolving the problem. However, there’s assistance right around the corner.

With the help of the Houston behavioral health services that PACE Mental Health Houston provides, there’s hope. Caring therapists understand the importance of dealing with co-occurring conditions the right way. Compassionate care comes with attention to detail and customization of therapies to meet your needs. Work with a treatment specialist today on putting together your care protocol by dialing 866.971.8423 now.