In many cases, substance use disorders (SUDS) or mental illness don’t occur alone; whether we realize it or not, it’s possible that both may be present at the same time. Co-occurring disorders, also known as co-morbidity or dual diagnosis, is defined by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) as, “Two or more disorders or illnesses occurring in the same person…Comorbidity also implies interactions between the illnesses that can worsen the course of both.”
A few years ago, an individual shared their story of living with a co-occurring disorder via the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). They explained that for 23 years, they experienced a variety of situations and symptoms that disrupted their life, such as:
- Moving from job to job
- Moving from relationship to relationship
- Going from one drug to the next
- Difficulties with anxiety, moving, talking, thinking, etc.
- Hypnomania symptoms
- And more
This person had been battling both bipolar disorder and SUDs at the same time, for years without even knowing it – and it’s all because many people believe that what their going through is “normal”, even when it truly isn’t. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) explains that the sooner a person seeks help, the greater their chances are of reducing the symptoms and distress that come from those symptoms; unfortunately, not seeking treatment could lead to worse conditions.
There are a variety of treatment options that can help a person recover from co-occurring disorders, but it’s important that both be treated at the same time. Not doing so could lead to the exacerbation of symptoms for one or both conditions – and with a holistic approach, those in recovery are likely to receive the care they truly need. Samuel L. Jackson once stated, “I understood, through rehab…that creating whole people means knowing where we come from, how we can make a mistake and how we overcome things to make ourselves stronger.”
If you’re ready to be on the path towards wellness, 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
