Treating Substance Abuse and a Co-Occurring Disorder

Life is a series of challenges for all of us. For some, the obstacles may be financial, found in our relationships, or even the challenge of struggling in school as a young pupil. But for others, the struggles in life may be health-related. Alcohol and drug addiction are serious medical conditions. They are huge weights to carry when battling your way through functioning. Couple either with a co-occurring mental health condition, and it may feel overwhelming at times.

At Oxford Treatment Center, an American Addiction Centers’ facility, we treat both substance use disorders as well as co-occurring mental health conditions. Our levels of care include medical detox, partial hospitalization program (PHP), residential treatment, standard outpatient, intensive outpatient program (IOP), and even a sober living facility—rightfully named Resolutions. Resolutions Sober Living helps those still in need of care and guidance, a smoother transition from treatment into rejoining the world once again.

Located in Etta, Mississippi, individuals are greeted with the welcome and charm of the South as they face taking on their addiction and co-occurring disorders.

Co-occurring disorders describes circumstances where an individual is diagnosed with two or more disorders simultaneously. For example, having to battle with both a substance addiction and a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety. Individuals are carefully screened and assessed for co-occurring disorders due to the fact that addiction and mental health disorders tend to be associated with one another. Co-occurring disorders are also referenced as “comorbidity” or “dual diagnosis.”

Common-place co-occurring disorders:

• Alcohol use disorder and schizophrenia.
• Alcohol use disorder and major depression.
• Polydrug addiction and borderline personality disorder.

At times the mental health disorder will lead to an individual using a substance, and eventually becoming addicted to that substance. Other times, the abuse of a substance directly leads to a mental health disorder. And yet, there are times when, even after an assessment, a medical professional can’t tell which condition was first experienced by the individual. However, some believe that undiagnosed/unmanaged mental health conditions more than likely have symptoms that are experienced by individuals, and that these individuals often choose to use substances as a way to minimize the effects of the symptoms.

Examples of mental health disorders:

• Personality disorders.
• Depressive disorders.
• Anxiety disorders.
• Psychotic disorders.
• Anxiety disorders.

In order for patients to have the greatest success when facing a substance disorder with a co-occurring mental health disorder is to not only have a thorough medical and psychiatric assessment, but to be properly diagnosed. Treating one issue and not the other will leave the individual with an unmanaged and untreated disorder that may lead to further complications. Treating both disorders concurrently is optimal.

Oxford Treatment Center provides an integrated approach when it comes to co-occurring disorders. Backed with a team of experienced medical professionals, we help support you with a tailored treatment plan to fit your specific needs, circumstances, substance of abuse, and co-occurring mental health condition. Through the four stages of engagement, persuasion, active treatment, and relapse prevention, individuals will be on a path to living a life of long-term sobriety.

It’s never too late to reach out for help. If you or someone you love is struggling with the devastating side effects of addiction and are unsure of where to turn, call us today at . Oxford Treatment Center, American Addiction Centers’ rehab in Mississippi, is ready to help you get the treatment you need today.