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Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment

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What are Co-Occurring Disorders and how are they Treated?

Anxiety and substance use disorders are among the most frequent mental health problems in the U.S. The journal Psychiatric Times reports that nearly 29% of people will experience an anxiety disorder at least once in their lifetime, while the lifetime rate for substance use disorders is 14.6%. Anxiety and substance use disorders commonly co-occur, with evidence suggesting that one disorder can often trigger the other. Both of these mental health conditions can be treated simultaneously at Bridges of Hope Treatment Center.

What are Co-Occurring Disorders and how are they Treated?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration defines co-occurring disorders as the coexistence of both a mental health and substance use disorder and may also be known as a dual diagnosis or comorbidity. About half of people who suffer from a mental illness will also suffer from a substance use disorder at some point in their lives and vice versa, says the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

When it comes to anxiety disorders specifically, research compiled by the Harvard Review of Psychiatry reveals that nearly 15% of people with anxiety disorders have also suffered from a past-year substance use disorder. At the same time, nearly 18% of people with substance use disorders have also suffered a past-year anxiety disorder — including between 33% and 43% of those who are currently receiving treatment.

How Do Anxiety Disorders Cause Substance Abuse?

Anxiety disorders are characterized by symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, irritability, muscle tension, excessive worry, and the inability to sleep. Some who suffer from anxiety disorders will abuse drugs in an effort to cope with or relieve their symptoms, such as using sedatives like alcohol or benzodiazepines to treat insomnia and sleep disorders. Over time, these individuals can become dependent on these substances because they use them regularly in high amounts to self-medicate.

Drugs and alcohol may work to temporarily relieve symptoms of anxiety disorders. However, substance abuse carries the risk of more serious problems like dependence and addiction. Many times, substance abuse can worsen anxiety disorders due to the way drugs and alcohol upset the balance of certain brain chemicals and hormones.

How Does Substance Abuse Cause Anxiety?

Bridges of Hope uses an integrated treatment approach to help people recover from co-occurring disorders. Treatment for co-occurring disorders usually combines drug and alcohol detox, pharmacotherapy, and behavioral therapies.

Medical drug detox is usually the first stage of addiction treatment that helps people recover from drug dependence and withdrawal. During or after drug detox, patients may be prescribed medications to help manage withdrawal symptoms or that treat symptoms of their mental illness. For instance, those who suffer from alcohol addiction and an anxiety disorder may be prescribed benzodiazepines that reduce the risk for alcohol-induced seizures and treat symptoms of the anxiety disorder.

Behavioral therapies for co-occurring disorders may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and assertive community treatment, among many others, says the NIDA. Each of these therapies helps people address the root causes of their substance use disorders and teaches them how to change unhealthy thoughts and behaviors that may be contributing to both addiction and anxiety.

Recovering From Co-occurring Disorders at Bridges of Hope

Bridges of Hope offers medical detox and a range of drug rehab programs that can help you or a loved one safely recover from substance abuse and co-occurring anxiety disorders. Call us today at 844-449-6392 to get started with the treatment process.

What Are the Treatments for Co-occurring Disorders?

Chronic use of drugs and alcohol can trigger short- and long-term changes in the brain that increase the risk for various mental health problems. Hallucinations, paranoia, aggression, anxiety, and depression are just some changes that occur in the brain on behalf of substance abuse. This is because drugs and alcohol interfere with brain chemicals, hormones, and pathways in negative ways that contribute to mental illness.

For example, heroin interferes with brain chemicals dopamine and serotonin. Dopamine plays a major role in feelings of motivation and pleasure, while serotonin is responsible for regulating emotions. Deficiencies in these brain chemicals can often increase the risk for anxiety and depression.

Most Common Co-Occurring Disorders With Substance Abuse

Anyone who is physically dependent on drugs and/or alcohol and needs medical care to experience a safe withdraResearch from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reveals that people diagnosed with substance use disorders are twice as likely to develop a mood or anxiety disorder than the general population. Some of the most common co-occurring disorders include:

  • Depression. Those who suffer from depression may try to self-medicate with alcohol or drugs, but this habit can become addictive over time.
  • Anxiety Disorder. Living with frequent anxiety can cause people to abuse prescription medications like Xanax, while others may turn to alcohol or illegal drugs to enhance their social skills and cope with chronic worry.
  • Bipolar disorder.A condition that causes unexpected mood swings and depressive and manic episodes. Many people with bipolar disorder self-medicate to reduce the intensity of their symptoms, increasing the risk of addiction.
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder. A condition that can develop after a person experiences events that cause extreme stress. Typically individuals with PTSD experience flashbacks and night terrors that lead to intense emotions, problems sleeping, and increased fear responses that can trigger alcohol and drug abuse.
  • Schizophrenia. A mental health condition that causes people to experience hallucinations, psychosis, and other symptoms of the illness. Many who live with this disorder lose touch with reality, turning to drugs/alcoholic beverages as a temporary form of relief.
  • Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A condition that’s characterized by an inability to focus, impulsiveness as well as hyperactive behavior. Sadly, these traits often lead those with the illness into prescription medication abuse or reliance on alcohol/drugs for self-medication purposes.

Do You Have Questions?

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“I had a great experience at bridges, would highly recommend to anyone seeking help. The facility is very nice and well kept, the staff members are amazing and treat you great. They listen to your needs and help in every way they can.”

— Zach, Alumni

“Bridges of hope is a amazing place I came here on my own and the moment I got here I wanted to leave so I can drink. So I changed my mind and it changed my life. The program is very good and you learn a lot about yourself.”

— Brayden, Alumni

“Small integrated group. Relaxed. Staff absolutely incredible. Comfortable rooms with TV was able to work in the yard and opportunities to leave the facility with Staff to ease the process of Rehab. A gym and weight room… And Awesome food!!! You won’t go hungry here… Love it 💜 Highly recommend!”

— Megan, Alumni

“This was my first time in treatment I was worried about it. But the staff is amazing they actually care about you and your sobriety. Food is amazing. But it has all been a great experience and taught proper tools to use with my recovery! I will refer anyone I know that needs help.”

— Shaun, Alumni

“I can’t even begin to express how great this place was for my fiancé and our family. Every employee I encountered with were so awesome & helpful. You can tell they genuinely care about their patients & their job. They truly saved my fiancés life & us a as a family. I hope everyone battling with addiction goes to a place like this!!!”

— Jori, Loved one