Co-occurring disorders, or dual diagnoses, take place when an individual is diagnosed with both a mental illness and a substance use disorder (SUD). Millions of people across the U.S. have co-occurring disorders. If you are struggling with this, know that you are not alone, and you can recover. When seeking treatment for co-occurring disorders, it’s crucial to find treatment centers that specialize in treating both substance use and mental health. Many treatment centers focus only on addiction, resulting in a lack of support for those with a dual diagnosis. Unfortunately, this lack of support often leads to relapse, as untreated mental health issues tend to perpetuate addiction.
At Avalon Malibu, treating both addiction and mental health simultaneously is our top priority. By getting to know our clients and their unique experiences, we can create personalized treatment programs that meet their individual needs.
Common Co-Occurring Disorders
Often, people struggling with addiction will make countless attempts at sobriety only to find themselves using again. Unfortunately, this can often be attributed to undiagnosed co-occurring disorders. When left untreated, mental health can negatively impact recovery success. If you think you may be experiencing mental health symptoms, its important to seek education and support through the appropriate resources. It’s quite common for people to experience the following co-occurring disorders:
- Cocaine and anxiety disorders
- Opioids and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Marijuana and schizophrenia
- Alcoholism and antisocial personality disorder
One of the most commonly talked about issues about co-occurring disorders is which came first. Researchers have discovered that the answer to this question is unique to the individual. Several factors can influence the onset of co-occurring disorders, such as a person’s age, health history, mental health status, childhood trauma, personality and so much more.
Additionally, symptoms can overlap between disorders, which can amplify a person’s stress, making it more challenging to identify where symptoms are coming from. By treating the mind, body, and spirit simultaneously, Avalon Malibu can help ensure that both disorders are receiving proper care to support symptom management and long-term recovery.
Avalon Malibu: Holistic Treatment
Traditionally, treatment has been incorporated into recovery through the use of medication and therapy. While these resources can greatly help you overcome some of the challenges of addiction and mental illness, there are still countless more modalities available to integrate into your treatment program. A holistic approach to treatment combines mental, physical and spiritual healing techniques towards achieving a balanced recovery, specific to the individual’s needs. Holistic modalities may include yoga, meditation, art therapy, nutrition management, exercise, neurofeedback, acupuncture, and more.
At Avalon Malibu, we seek to understand our clients’ unique circumstances, including their social support network, daily routine, sleeping and eating patterns, among the many other aspects of daily living that impact mental, emotional and spiritual recovery. By asking questions about your life, we give you space to use your voice and advocate for your needs on your healing journey. Using your insight, our healthcare professionals create a balanced treatment plan, appropriately addressing your mental, physical and spiritual wellness.
Making the Most of Recovery
The journey to recovery varies depending on the individual. However, those with co-occurring disorders often experience specific challenges, deserving of proper care and attention. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with a co-occurring disorder, reach out. Seeking professional help, specific to your dual diagnosis could make all the difference.
Countless people in recovery experience co-occurring disorders. Unfortunately, not all of these individuals receive the support that they need and deserve. Without personalized care, symptoms of co-occurring disorders can create a lot of stress and overwhelm, eventually leading to relapse. If you’re struggling with a co-occurring disorder and you’re ready to seek treatment, speak with a professional from Avalon Malibu today at 844-857-5992. It’s never too late to make a change.
