It’s common for those seeking addiction treatment to suffer from co-existing conditions. In many cases, these co-existing conditions may be various forms of mental illness that create a unique treatment situation. However, what are co-occurring disorders? How can you recognize this complex situation?
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What are Co-Occurring Disorders?
Co-occurring disorders describe a situation in which an individual suffers from addiction and a mental health condition at the same time. In fact, it doesn’t really matter which condition appears first. In order to get better from both problems, they both must be recognized and treated. Therefore, a high-quality facility with experience in handling co-existing disorders can be very helpful.
Signs of Co-Occurring Disorders
There are many signs that can accompany co-occurring disorders. By paying attention to the clues in the following list, you’ll be more likely to recognize this unique situation:
Withdrawal
Those struggling with a co-existing condition may withdraw from their friends and family in favor of spending time alone. Furthermore, seclusion from others sometimes indicates an accompanying problem with crippling depression.
Changes in Eating Habits
Both addiction and mental health issues can affect the appetite. Moreover, someone facing a dual diagnosis might experience changes in their eating habits or their weight.
Problems with Daily Routine
Maintaining a normal daily routine can prove very difficult for those dealing with addiction and mental illness. Simply bathing or caring for one’s personal needs is sometimes too much to keep up with in this situation.
Worsening Depression or Anxiety
Depression or anxiety that continues to get worse is always a clue that professional treatment is vital. In addition, depression and anxiety can prevent the person from functioning in a normal manner.
Reckless Actions
Those facing a co-existing condition may begin to engage in behaviors that are dangerous or illegal. For example, such actions could include theft, driving under the influence, engaging in careless behaviors, and many similar actions.
Sleep Problems
Those struggling with a mental illness or addiction may not be able to sleep normally. However, some people sleep too much. Others struggle to sleep at all. Sleep issues can be a direct result of powerful addictive substances. In other situations, these problems can result from accompanying mental health challenges.
Treatment Options for Co-Occurring Disorders
Treatment options for addiction continue to advance and improve. Most treatment facilities offer a broad array of treatment options, including:
Although many treatment centers exist to help you tackle your problems, some people find the process to be difficult. However, this is a perfectly normal feeling. Taking the initiative to get help demonstrates a true desire to improve your life.
Denver Recovery is a drug rehabilitation treatment center in Denver, Colorado. The compassionate treatment team at Denver Recovery offer a variety of addiction treatment programs to meet the unique needs of each client.
Don’t let addiction control your life. You can win the fight against co-occurring disorders by seeking help from a quality treatment center. Call Denver Recovery at (844) 602-3175 to learn how our treatment professionals can help you reach your goals.
