The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance explains that mood disorders are highly treatable – but until a person recognizes their symptoms and seeks help, they may find that their life becomes more and more unmanageable. Symptoms of prolonged sadness, changes in sleeping and eating patterns, irritability, anger, pessimism, loss of energy, inability to concentrate and so much more can already have a significant impact on a person’s daily life – but how can a person manage these symptoms while also recovering from an addiction? A major component of this is being treated for both a mood disorder and a substance use disorder (SUD) at the same time.
Mood disorders such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder (BPD) and others require specialized attention, but focusing only on a mood disorder over an SUD can make symptoms of the other condition worse. At Avalon Malibu, we treat both at the same time – and by taking a holistic approach to wellness, we’ll explore with you everything that can be done in treatment to optimize your mental, physical and spiritual health. The management of a co-occurring disorder typically involves a number of different aspects of treatment:
- Individual and group therapy
- Couple’s and family therapy
- Expressive therapies (such as art therapy, writing therapy, music therapy, etc.)
- Effective approaches (such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy and others)
- Holistic modatlies (such as massage therapy, EMDR therapy, yoga, neurofeedback therapy and more)
- Experiential activities (like ropes courses, aqua activities, etc.)
- And more
Co-occurring disorders require specialization in treating both at the same time – and at Avalon Malibu, a client is treated with utmost respect while receiving a treatment program tailored to their needs. Several years ago, a women struggling with bipolar disorder and an SUD explained her experience with Social Work Today. She stated, “I have said many, many times that I have two diseases…they both play off one another, and it’s sometimes hard to tell them apart.”
At Avalon Malibu, we take the time to get to know you and hear your story – so that we can provide as much support as possible for both conditions.
Avalon Malibu is a world-renowned, California state-licensed mental health and substance abuse recovery center. If you are ready to seek treatment to develop the tools you need to overcome life’s obstacles and be on the road towards happiness, health, and well-being, call us today at 888-958-7511 for a consultation. It’s never too late, and there are people here ready to help you.
