Posted by Mike Reis
Addiction recovery isn't only about quitting substances. It's also about healing the mind holistically to prevent severe relapses. What many people don't realize is that 50% of individuals with severe mental illness will, at some point in their lives, develop a substance use disorder (SUD). This is how deep mental health and addiction are entwined.
What draws people with mental disorders to substances is self-medication. And in most of these cases, the realization of how prolonged and unprescribed substance use only worsens their issues comes late. This results in addiction co-developing with their SUD in a condition experts call dual diagnosis.
Ignoring mental health while treating addiction is counterproductive. Without holistic support, people with SUD will only fall into the same destructive patterns that led them to addiction in the first place. Hence, unresolved mental health issues are one of the leading causes of relapses.
In this guide, you'll discover the importance of addressing both mind and body in SUD recovery for lasting healing. You will also explore the facts about co-occurring disorders to understand the value of integrated treatment. As a trusted addiction treatment facility in Thailand, part of our responsibility at Sahwan International Rehab Centre is to educate individuals and their families about the complexities of addiction recovery. Read further to learn more about this condition.
Tracing the Link: Exploring the Science Behind Mental Health and Addiction Coexistence
One common misconception about substance abuse is that it solely creates psychological dependence. In truth, addiction has the power to alter the brain's chemistry. That makes healing from addiction more complex than a test of willpower.
Drugs and alcohol attack the dopamine system. This is the part of the brain that's in charge of controlling pleasure, motivation, and reward. When a person engages in excessive substance use, their brain will eventually rely on such substances to release dopamine. That also results in a higher risk of developing conditions like depression and anxiety, as mental health and addiction are closely related.
The brain tends to gravitate towards more drug rewards over natural ones. A medical article illustrates this best by likening drug rewards to shouting on a microphone, whereas natural rewards are more of a whisper. The brain adjusts to this loudness by lowering the receptors that receive signals. This explains why many people with SUD complain about not enjoying the things they once did, moving as if they are lifeless.
Psychological factors also contribute to a person's susceptibility to developing co-occurring disorders. Prolonged stress and traumatic events impact the brain's ability to regulate emotions. For instance, chronic stress increases cortisol levels. Meanwhile, trauma (especially in childhood) may cause hyperactivity in the amygdala.
Without proper intervention, people may turn to drugs for relief, which only reinforces the vicious cycle of dual diagnosis. Thus, addressing mental and emotional scars is a crucial part of holistic addiction treatment.
Recognizing Common Mental Health Conditions Associated with Addiction
People with co-occurring disorders may not realize they're dealing with mental health issues along with their substance abuse problems. Hence, identifying possible disorders can lead to a more empowering journey to recovery. Based on our experience as a world-class rehab facility, these are some of the most common conditions that develop with addiction:
Anxiety Disorders - People with anxiety may turn to drugs to calm their panic symptoms. However, self-medication will only worsen the anxiety, especially during withdrawal.
Depression - Substance use causes dopamine boosts, although it's only a short-term relief. Chronic drug use will deplete the brain's capacity to manage one's mood naturally, which can only make depression more severe.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Some trauma survivors use substances to numb hurtful flashbacks. Unfortunately, instead of addressing the root cause of trauma, using unprescribed drugs will only lead to substance dependence.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) - Those dealing with OCD may use drugs to quiet down their compulsions. Doing this will only worsen obsessive behaviors over time as substance use disrupts the brain's balance.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Individuals with ADHD may misuse stimulants to improve focus. Without professional guidance, these substances will only increase Impulsivity.
Bipolar Disorder - Depressants may help people with bipolar disorder manage emotional crashes. However, self-medication will only cause worsened mood swings and more impulsive behaviors. That makes dual diagnosis more challenging to control.
Recognizing the connection between mental health and addiction is crucial for sustainable recovery. That is why pursuing a professional, integrated approach will lead to a significantly higher chance of recovery over irresponsible self-medication.
How Dual Diagnosis Treatment Improves Recovery Outcomes
The coexistence of SUD and mental health condition fuels each other to create a complex cycle. Without proper intervention, individuals with co-occurring disorders are at a disadvantage when pursuing recovery. Some of the added challenges that arise in the absence of professional treatment include persistent symptoms, intensified cravings, and difficulty maintaining sobriety.
Alarmingly, only 10% of adults receive treatment for both conditions. When addiction and mental health disorders are separately treated, relapse risks increase. Focusing solely on SUD treatment will leave a person vulnerable to the same triggers that led them to addiction. Conversely, concentrating only on mental health recovery will lead to slow recovery progress, as substance abuse may interfere with therapy and medications.
Without an integrated approach, even professional treatments become a temporary fix. Here are some ways dual diagnosis treatment fosters a more holistic recovery plan:
Addresses the Root Cause of Addiction - Some people turn to self-medication to treat mental health issues. Integrated treatment provides healthier coping mechanisms while uncovering underlying issues.
Reduces Relapse Risk - A more comprehensive treatment approach strengthens a person's mental stability. That helps prevent setbacks, especially when cravings arise.
Improves Medication Effectiveness - Continued substance use weakens the impact of mental health medications. Dual diagnosis treatment ensures a safer detox process. This approach includes stabilizing a person's brain chemistry for better medication response.
Strengthens Long-Term Recovery - Most integrated treatment plans include post-rehab care. Ongoing support, such as our facility's monthly checkups, empowers individuals to remain drug-free. A study even proved that individuals receiving recovery management checkups (RMC) enjoy better treatment outcomes than those receiving the treatment-as-usual (TUA) approach. One such benefit is faster treatment reentry after a relapse.
By addressing both mental health and addiction problems, people have a more stable foundation for their recovery.
Exploring Possible Medical Treatment Methods for Co-Occurring Disorders
Withdrawal from substances can be a physically and psychologically intense experience. In some cases, this may even lead to severe health complications. Considering all this, supervised withdrawal management becomes essential for health and safety.
Medically supervised detox is the first step to overcoming addiction in a safe, controlled, and comfortable way. The process starts with a thorough health assessment. It is during this phase that medical professionals ask crucial questions, such as about a person's mental health and addiction history. Once sufficient data has been collected, the professionals create a personalized detox plan. That includes which medications to prescribe.
In some cases, a person may need to live in a rehab facility to increase the chances of healing. There, they benefit from round-the-clock supervision to address withdrawal symptoms. Medical insight will prevent withdrawal symptoms from causing further complications.
From our experience, some of the most common symptoms are nausea, tremors, and anxiety. In severe cases, these challenges manifest as seizures, with 9% of status epilepticus cases attributed to a drug or poison. Such seizures can be life-threatening when not addressed in time, in the right way.
Beyond medical supervision, prescription medications also play a vital role in dual diagnosis recovery. These medications help stabilize brain chemistry, reduce cravings, and manage psychiatric symptoms.
For addiction, certain medications assist in regulating withdrawal symptoms to prevent relapse. As for the mental health aspect, specific treatments may be prescribed to help a person with SUD manage mood disorders, anxiety, and other issues without resorting to substance use.
Among the various treatments for co-occurring disorders, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) stands out as one of the most promising methods. At its core, CBT helps individuals identify and correct negative thought patterns and behaviors. Addressing these underlying beliefs empowers people to develop healthier coping mechanisms. They can also improve how they regulate emotions and build resilience.
Through maximizing medical support and therapies, CBT offers an evidence-based pathway to dual diagnosis recovery. The long-term coping skills individuals learn from CBT equip them to break through the cycle of addiction and mental health challenges.
The Power of Therapy and Mindfulness in Promoting Dual Diagnosis Recovery
Long-term recovery also depends on retaining healthy thought patterns and responses. Therapy helps by strengthening neural pathways associated with self-control and healthy decision-making. It counters the brain changes imposed by mental health and addiction disorders.
Through evidence-based methods, a person's destructive habits get replaced by positive coping strategies. Such methods may range from behavioral therapy to trauma-focused interventions. Therapy also promotes neuroplasticity. If this sounds unfamiliar, it refers to the brain's ability to create or strengthen neuro-connections to facilitate learning. For people with co-occurring disorders, neuroplasticity helps by reframing past experiences and managing stress without drug use.
Aside from therapy, mindfulness and meditation also help with healing. These practices encourage individuals to be in the moment and respond to triggers with awareness. Consider the following:
Mindful Breathing - The process involves focusing on deep, slow breathing. Anchoring one's attention to breathing brings a sense of calmness. Doing this will help individuals regain control over their racing thoughts and cravings.
Body Scan Meditation - This guided practice entails scanning one's body for tension or discomfort. It is a strategy that can help a person recognize stress responses before they escalate. Thus, this type of meditation promotes self-awareness while promoting relaxation.
Urge Surfing - In this mindfulness technique, individuals observe their cravings like ocean waves. The goal is to acknowledge these cravings without acting on them. Over time, this method helps weaken addictive impulses.
Loving-Kindness Meditation (Metta) - This practice involves directing passion and positive affirmations to oneself and others. It is a strategy that helps heal emotional wounds—an impactful step in treating dual diagnosis. This meditation also fosters a supportive mindset for sustained recovery.
Those admitted to our rehab program learn these strategies and more at our facility. By integrating mindfulness into the recovery program, these practices become empowering tools for emotional balance and long-term sobriety.
How Our Treatment Facility in Thailand Paves the Way for Holistic Healing
Sahwan International Rehab Centre offers world-class treatment services to help individuals overcome their mental health and addiction problems. Being part of Phufa Enterprise Pty Ltd means our center represents Thailand's leading treatment methods. Since its founding in 2002, we at Phufa Enterprise have collectively treated 1000+ patients. Among these numbers, 98% were able to complete our rehab program.
Aside from our expertise, we offer our clients a breathtaking space for healing. Our resort-style facility is situated in Hua Hin, which is a drive away from Bangkok. Away from possible triggers, our clients can focus on the scenic hinterland environment while enjoying our amenities. We even organize excursions to local hotspots to give everyone something to look forward to while in rehab.
Our team is also central to the success of our dual diagnosis recovery program. We consist of addiction recovery specialists who will ensure each personalized rehab plan is well followed. Aside from their credentials, they undergo regular training for continuous growth. Should emergencies arise, our 24/7 supervision will deliver timely medical responses. Finally, our professionals also uphold Thai hospitality, promising to promote each client's comfort and satisfaction.
Upon completing our program, we help clients sustain sobriety through our aftercare services. A month after finishing rehab, we conduct monthly check-ups to monitor progress. Should our clients experience relapse, we can give them professional guidance to return to being sober.
For all these reasons and more, Sahwan Rehab is one of the top choices for those seeking co-occurring disorders in Thailand and abroad. By choosing our services, we leverage our expertise and commitment to help ensure you or your loved ones break away from the damaging cycle of addiction.
Experience Effective Dual Diagnosis Treatment While on a Retreat-Style Rehab!
Complexities may arise when treating co-occurring disorders. However, we promise expert care in each step of the recovery process. Seeking our professional help means you or your loved one trusts our team to empower you on the journey to sobriety. We will repay your trust with only the best methods available for treating mental health and addiction problems.
Please contact us when you or your loved one is ready to receive our professional help. With our support, we'll make your journey to sobriety more manageable and empowering. Allow us to help you overcome your co-occurring disorders and get your life back.
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