Substance use and mental health go hand in hand.
It’s not always clear what starts first – the addiction or the mental health problem – but it’s understandable why there’s such a strong connection. In many cases, a person dealing with an undiagnosed mental health problem will self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. The more they use these substances, the more they have an effect on their mental health.
Using substances to escape pain is a dangerous cycle, but it’s a cycle that can be broken with the right treatment. Surfside Recovery offers dual diagnosis treatment in a luxury, beachside setting. The sea is a place of healing and restoration, so we’re proud to be just blocks away! Clients are able to work through both their substance use and mental health problems all under one roof.
What is Dual Diagnosis?
A dual diagnosis is when a person is diagnosed with both a mental health problem and a substance use problem. Roughly half of people with mental health disorders are affected by substance use at some point in their lives.
Some conditions are more likely to occur alongside addiction than others. This is why it’s important to address the symptoms of mental illness, because without treatment, it could spiral into other problems.
The most common mental health disorders related to addiction are:
- ADHD
- Anxiety disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Borderline personality disorder
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- PTSD
- Schizophrenia
Why is There a Link Between Substance Use and Mental Health?
It is widely accepted that a mental health problem can lead to the onset of addiction, and vice versa. But why is this the case, and is there anything that can be done to prevent one or both disorders from occurring?
Here are some reasons why substance use and mental health overlap:
- Genetics. Research shows that genes account for 40 to 60 percent of a person’s vulnerability to addiction. Mental health disorders are often inherited as well.
- Environmental triggers. Chronic stress, anxiety or trauma, especially at a young age, can kickstart a mental health or substance use disorder.
- Brain composition. Certain dysfunctions in the brain can also cause a person to develop dual diagnosis.
You have very little control over most of these factors. But, you do have control over how you respond to them. By seeking treatment and building a protective lifestyle, you can overcome your dual diagnosis. While there is no cure for these disorders, they can be successfully treated, and you can lead a normal life.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Huntington Beach CA
Treating two or more conditions at the same time is definitely harder than treating one, but it’s something that’s done every day at Surfside Recovery. With our intensive residential treatment program, we’re able to address substance use and mental health problems at the same time. This leads to improved outcomes for our clients.
As a residential facility, clients reside with us while receiving treatment. This is especially helpful for our dual diagnosis clients, as they often need to be removed from their environment and triggers. Our facility provides a safe space where they can explore their underlying issues, resolve past trauma and develop new skills and coping techniques.
By receiving care for your mental illness, you’ll be in a much better position to face your addiction. And, the supportive treatment team at Surfside Recovery will be here every step of the way!