Dual Diagnosis in Grand Rapids MI 616-828-4790

Drug use or alcohol abuse found with other mental health issues are co-existing disorders, also called a dual diagnosis in Grand Rapids. Dual diagnosis treatment is required in order to address the causes and consequences of both disorders simultaneously. At Alcohol Drug Treatment Grand Rapids, we can help you find rehabs that will tailor plans to fit the specific needs of patients, ensuring that long term recovery can be achieved. To find out more about dual diagnosis treatment options, call 616-828-4790.

Addictions and Mental Health Disorders

Some disorders are commonly seen together. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and meth abuse are one interaction. Meth works on the central nervous system as a stimulant and since stimulants relieve hyperactivity symptoms, people who abuse meth may also have ADHD. Another is depression and stimulant abuse. People without ADHD feel the full effects of stimulants and stimulants also relieves depression.

Addiction specialists need to find out any and all co-existing disorders to make sure a proper dual diagnosis is reached. Once all is identified, treatment programs will include addressing all issues for best results.

Mental illness in a substance abuser may develop and then illicit substance abuse begins to relieve the symptoms of mental illness. The opposite may have occurred where mental illnesses were created by substance abuse. In any case, all substance and mental illness issues must be discovered and treated together.

Addiction and Eating Disorders

Stimulation in the brain, in its reward center, occurs from enjoyable and pleasurable actions. Stimulation from substances and alcohol produces the same positive effects. Enjoyable stimulation can come from food as well. This same stimulation blocks unwelcome and negative feelings. As the brain learns that gratification blocks the negative thoughts, the need for stimulation increases; developing an addiction. When eating is the stimulus, eating disorders are created like binge eating.

Depression Disorders

Depressive feelings can also lead to substance abuse. People with depressive feelings may find relief using drugs or alcohol, which block those feelings. Unfortunately, the short-term relief dissipates and more substances are needed and an addictive cycle is then created.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

OCD, alcoholism and drug abuse all have physiological root causes with an imbalance in brain chemistry. People can turn to alcohol or drugs for relief to suppress compulsions or block obsessive thoughts. The brain chemistry imbalance and the relief of symptoms create substance addiction when the cycle is perpetuated.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

People with PTSD have experienced traumatic events which still affect them long after the experience. These lasting effects can include flashbacks, nightmares, insomnia, aggressiveness and paranoia. They may seek drugs or alcohol as an escape.

Alcohol and Depression

Alcohol and depression commonly are seen together in an abuser. Since alcohol is a depressive substance, continued use of alcohol can cause depression. In addition, depressive people may pick up alcohol for relief from depression.

Treatment of a Dual Diagnosis in Grand Rapids

Psychopharmacology: Psychiatric symptoms may stop once the substance abuse stops. Medication is needed to treat any remaining symptoms for successful sobriety.

Psychotherapy: Therapy sessions should be an element of a total treatment plan to address mental health and addiction issues simultaneously. This is needed for successful sobriety

Behavioral Management: CBT (Cognitive behavioral therapy) is therapy, in which coping skills are taught in response to negative thoughts and actions. These learned behaviors are to be used to produce positive thoughts and actions.

Alcohol Drug Treatment Grand Rapids will guide you to a facility with staff ready to help you in your search for addiction recovery.