According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), approximately 7.9 million people throughout the United States experience both a mental illness and a substance use disorder (SUD) at the same time. This is also known as a co-occurring disorder, comorbidity, or dual diagnosis. Unfortunately, many people miss seeking treatment altogether because they don’t believe their symptoms are that serious; in many cases, however, symptoms can overlap and while experience can feel “normal”, they may not be – especially if they’re interfering with a person’s mental, physical, spiritual and social wellbeing.
An article published by Social Work Today described the story of a 32-year-old man who battled both SUDs and a severe psychological condition – but without a proper diagnosis and treatment, his symptoms would’ve only gotten worse. Even once in treatment, there are still challenges individuals may face:
- Battling symptoms while maintaining motivation to work through treatment
- Understanding of medication prescribed and how/when to take it as directed
- Discovering what works versus what doesn’t for treatment
- And more
The best forms of treatment will be personalized to fit an individual’s unique needs; from there, proper structure and support can provide a person with enough motivation to continue attending and participating in recovery-related activities that could set them up for success. Mental Health America (MHA) notes that those with co-occurring disorders are also at greater physical safety risk – and having a formalized treatment program along with a group of caring, supportive healthcare professionals can ensure that those seeking help are well taken care of.
If only one disorder is treated, symptoms from the other disorder could become exacerbated – so it’s critical that both be treated simultaneously and that a program be tailored to fit the needs of the client. If you’re currently searching for a treatment center aimed at providing the best possible care for optimized health and restoration, speak with a professional from Alta Loma today.
If you’re ready to begin taking great strides towards your health and wellbeing, speak with a professional from Alta Loma today. Mental illness should be taken seriously and, if not treated early on, more severe conditions can arise. The best way to promote happiness and health is to seek help – and to begin using effective interventions for treating the problematic symptoms a person is experiencing. Don’t wait any longer to seek the help you need. Please call Alta Loma today – and you’ll be surrounded by a healthcare team who truly cares about your recovery. 866-457-3843.
