When you have an addiction to alcohol or drugs along with a mental health problem, you have a co-occurring condition that makes rehabilitation slightly more difficult. However, there are numerous individuals with mental illnesses and addictions who are able to go through the detoxification and rehabilitation process safely. You must find a treatment facility that understands how to cope with your particular addiction and mental condition so that you can have a great outcome. If you know that you need medications for a mental problem, then you should inform the psychiatrist who is creating your treatment plan. Here are some of the mental conditions that are commonly found in addicts:
- Chronic anxiety
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Borderline personality disorder
- Panic attacks
- Anger issues
- Attention deficit
- Eating disorders
- Dementia
- Schizophrenia
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Social anxiety
You may have more than one type of mental illness that is affecting your addictive behaviors. In addition, you might not receive treatment for your addiction because you are using drugs or alcohol to cope with your feelings.
Fortunately, the experts working for detoxification and rehabilitation facilities understand how to treat your mental health issue while also helping you to overcome your addiction. Your customized treatment plan will include taking prescribed medications for a mental disorder while also receiving therapy for your problem. At the same time, you are also responsible for attending private and group counseling sessions to learn new behaviors to help you stop drinking alcohol or using drugs.
It is possible that your treatment in rehabilitation will last longer because you have more problems to address with therapy, medications, and 12-step meetings. Seeking treatment for all of your issues is vital because an addiction can make a mental health condition worse while a mental health problem can lead to an addiction. It is essential to find a substance abuse and mental health facility that can provide treatment for all of your problems, and there are many rehabilitation facilities that don’t understand how to care for a client with a mental health issue.
Importance of Long-term Treatment
You will need integrated treatment for all of your issues at one time along with having support from several medical professionals who can work together to help you with your problems. A psychiatrist will create a unique medication plan for your mental health disorder that won’t conflict with overcoming your addiction to drugs and alcohol. Speak with the professionals at Southside Medical Center in Atlanta to learn more about your options. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!