High on Drugs, High on Risk: The Impulsive Gambler

Gambling is common in the US and worldwide. People gamble on everything from card games to sports and even casino games. For some, gambling is a harmless pastime; for others, it's quick cash. In moderation, gambling can be a fun activity. However, some people lose control of their gambling and end up being an impulsive gambler (or participating in problem gambling). And the thrill of gambling can be a much greater issue when substances are involved.

What is Impulsive Gambling?

Gambling involves risking something of value to get something of even greater value. As mentioned, people participate in sports betting, card games, etc., for entertainment. However, if a person cannot control their gambling to the level that it negatively affects their lives, they're said to have a gambling problem or impulsive gambling.

Impulsive gambling is a condition where a person cannot control their gambling behavior, despite its negative consequences. As Mayo Clinic puts it, this impulse control disorder is characterized by a persistent and uncontrollable urge to gamble and a preoccupation with gambling even when it interferes with daily life activities.

Gambling, like drugs or alcohol, stimulates the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter often associated with feelings of pleasure and reward. This can create a cycle where the brain seeks out more of that reward, leading to a desire to gamble more frequently or at higher stakes. When one has a problem gambling, they may continually chase bets that lead to losses. Eventually, they'll use up all their savings and go into debt, trying to pursue a win. They will make the extra effort to conceal their actions and even turn to fraud or theft to support their addiction.

Gambling Addiction and Substance Abuse

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Gambling and mental health issues can reinforce each other. This means that a person with a mental health issue may gamble to escape or cope with the signs and symptoms. At the same time, a person with a gambling problem might develop mental health issues due to loss, feelings of shame, etc.

Similarly, gambling addiction and substance abuse have a high co-existence rate. In fact, those addicted to substances or gambling are already predisposed to thrill-seeking behaviors.

According to one study, people diagnosed with impulsive gambling also end up having substance use disorder. This could be due to:

Environmental factors – with alcohol disorders being found to have the greatest connection to problem gambling. Gambling often happens in casinos where alcohol is served. Besides, gamblers may use alcohol and drugs to celebrate a win, cope with depression after a loss or deal with the shame and guilt of gambling.
Physiological factors – neuroscience, genetics, and psychology research over the last 20 years show that gambling and drug addiction affects the brain the same way. Compulsive gamblers and those addicted to drugs share some similar genetic predispositions for reward-seeking and impulsivity. They are vulnerable because their brain's reward center is underactive.
Psychiatric factors – people with gambling and substance use disorders also tend to have higher rates of mental health issues like antisocial personality and ADHD and risky sexual behaviors.

Besides, most casinos in the US offer free drinks for those who spend their money at slots or tables. This is a much bigger problem because, like drug abuse, problem gambling is considered a compulsive behavior.

The Effects of Being High While Gambling

Being high while gambling can have significant effects on a person's behavior and decision-making in the following ways:

When a person is under the influence of drugs, they may be more impulsive and less able to control their actions. This can lead to riskier bets, larger losses, and criminal behavior.
Substances can alter a person's perception and judgment, making it difficult to accurately assess the odds or the consequences of their actions. This can lead to unrealistic expectations, chasing losses, and even more reckless behavior.
Substances can impair a person's ability to remember and learn from past gambling experiences, leading to repeated mistakes and losses, further fueling the addiction.
The combination of drug use and gambling can be particularly dangerous for those who struggle with addiction. It can create a cycle of risky behavior and lead to financial, legal, and personal problems.

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Drugs that Exacerbate Gambling Addiction

While no specific drug causes gambling addiction, certain substances may increase the risk of developing a gambling addiction. Research shows that individuals with gambling addiction commonly abuse substances like alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and stimulants.

Alcohol and other substances can lower inhibitions and impair judgment, making it more likely for a person to engage in behavioral addictions like gambling. Data from a large study in the US found alcohol addiction to be the most common co-occurring disorder among those with pathological gambling. More than 73% of participants diagnosed with problem gambling had an alcohol use disorder.

Stimulants, such as cocaine and amphetamines, tend to increase feelings of excitement and pleasure, which may make gambling more appealing.

How to Help Cure a Gambling Addict

It can be tough to see a loved one struggle with gambling addiction. But the good news is that with help and treatment, they can go back to leading a healthy lifestyle. Here are a few tips to consider:

Encourage them to seek professional help: Gambling addiction is a severe problem that requires professional treatment. Encourage your loved one to seek help from a qualified therapist or addiction specialist.
Provide emotional support: The road to recovery can be difficult and emotional for someone struggling with gambling addiction. Provide emotional support and encourage them to stay strong and committed to recovery. Your loved one can also join support groups like Gamblers Anonymous, which can be a helpful resource for individuals in recovery.
Avoid enabling behaviors: Enabling behaviors can include giving the person money to gamble or covering up their lost money. Avoid these behaviors, as they can make the problem worse.
Consider family therapy: Gambling addiction can impact family and friends. Consider family therapy to help everyone cope with the challenges of addiction and work together to support the person in recovery. Depending on your preference, this can either be physical or online therapy.

Remember that many people who develop problem gambling also develop substance use disorders. Neither addiction is easy to manage without professional help, so it's essential to encourage the person to seek help for both issues. At More Than Rehab, we offer treatment for gambling addiction and dual diagnosis, which means addressing both gambling addiction and any co-occurring substance use disorders. We utilize evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help individuals understand the underlying reasons for their addiction and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

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Misdiagnosis of Withdrawal Symptoms as Mental Health Issues

Withdrawal symptoms are a natural and expected part of quitting addictive substances. They occur because the body and brain have become accustomed to the presence of the substance and have adapted to its effects. When the substance is removed, the body and brain need time to readjust, which can result in emotional, psychological, and social symptoms. The misdiagnosis of withdrawal symptoms, which include sweating, nausea, tremors, seizures, anxiety, depression, irritability, and hallucinations, can often mimic symptoms of mental health disorders.

For example, withdrawal from meth can cause extreme paranoia, anxiety, and hallucinations, which might be mistaken for symptoms of schizophrenia or other mental health conditions. Meth use can also cause long-term changes in the brain, which might lead to signs and symptoms that resemble mental health disorders even after the drug use has stopped.

Similarly, withdrawal from opioids such as heroin or prescription painkillers can cause anxiety, depression, and irritability, which can be misdiagnosed as generalized anxiety disorder or major depressive disorder.

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These symptoms may persist for weeks or even months after the drug use has stopped, making it difficult to distinguish between withdrawal symptoms and underlying mental health conditions. In such cases, a doctor might prescribe an antidepressant to treat symptoms. But this only worsens the situation since depression isn't the primary issue. Eventually, the patient might end up with issues like emotional blunting after stopping antidepressants.

The Negative Impact of Misdiagnosed Mental Illness

Misdiagnosing withdrawal symptoms as mental health can lead to psychological and physical health issues. It can:

Exacerbate the underlying condition

If a person is misdiagnosed with a mental health disorder and prescribed medication to treat that disorder, the medicine may not address the underlying issue of withdrawal, and the person's symptoms may persist or worsen. Moreover, when misdiagnosed with a mental health disorder, they may be prescribed medications that can worsen their withdrawal symptoms or cause new ones.

For example, benzodiazepines, often used to treat anxiety, are addictive and can worsen withdrawal symptoms if a person is already experiencing them. Misdiagnosis can also delay or prevent patients from receiving appropriate attention for their withdrawal, leading to worsening the underlying condition.

Potentially life-threatening consequences

Some withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures, delirium tremens, and respiratory depression, can be life-threatening if left untreated. But when these symptoms are misdiagnosed, and appropriate treatment is delayed or not given, the patient may end up with potentially life-threatening complications, including coma or even death.

Increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and self-harm scenarios

Withdrawal symptoms can lead to intense emotional distress and increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and self-harm scenarios. And the risk is even higher when healthcare providers misdiagnose the symptoms as mental health issues and offer inappropriate medication.

Psychological consequences

Misdiagnosis can also have psychological consequences, leading to a feeling of hopelessness and frustration for the individual. Patients with misdiagnosed mental conditions can end up feeling deflated, confused, and frustrated when they notice that the treatment prescribed is not working. Sometimes, they might feel hopeless or like failures and turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate. In extreme cases, they may self-harm or even commit suicide.

Increased risk to self-medicate

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Mental health issues often co-occur with substance use disorders. In fact, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, people with Drug abuse issues may also struggle with mental health issues like bipolar disorder, ADHD, schizophrenia, and personality disorders. This is mainly because these co-occurring disorders share the same contributing factors, including environmental and biological factors.

A misdiagnosis, coupled with a lack of access to the proper psychiatric treatment can further drive one to addiction as they self-medicate to mask the symptoms, trying to make themselves feel better. Conditions like marijuana, cocaine, and opioid use disorder are common because they bring euphoria and escape from the reality of an undiagnosed mental issue.

Causes of Misdiagnosis of Withdrawal Symptoms

There are several potential causes of misdiagnosis of withdrawal symptoms, including:

Lack of knowledge: Some healthcare providers may not be fully aware of the symptoms that can arise during withdrawal or may not be familiar with certain drugs or substances that can cause withdrawal.
Misinterpretation of symptoms: Withdrawal symptoms can often mimic other medical conditions or psychiatric disorders, leading to misinterpretation of symptoms and incorrect diagnosis.
Incomplete patient history: A thorough patient history is essential to accurately diagnose withdrawal symptoms, as a patient's history of substance use or prior withdrawal episodes can provide important clues.
Co-occurring disorders: Patients experiencing withdrawal may also have co-occurring medical or psychiatric conditions that complicate the diagnosis process.
Bias or stigma: Healthcare providers may hold biases or stigmas against patients with a history of substance use, leading to dismissiveness or inaccurate diagnoses. According to the World Health Organization, people with mental health disorders, which include addiction, often face discrimination.
Limited diagnostic tools: Limited diagnostic tools are available for withdrawal symptoms, making it challenging to differentiate between different causes of symptoms.

Prevention and Treatment

Misdiagnosing withdrawal symptoms as mental health issues can significantly affect a patient's health and well-being. However, there are steps that healthcare professionals can take to prevent misdiagnosis and provide appropriate treatment.

One of the most critical steps to prevent misdiagnosis of withdrawal symptoms is to increase education and awareness among healthcare professionals. Healthcare professionals should receive education and training on the common symptoms of withdrawal to improve their understanding and ability to recognize them. This education can help reduce the number of misdiagnosed cases.
Open communication between healthcare professionals and patients is also essential. Patients should disclose their history of substance abuse and the extent of their withdrawal symptoms. This information can help healthcare professionals make a proper diagnosis.
Proper assessment and diagnosis of withdrawal symptoms are crucial to providing the correct treatment. Healthcare professionals should assess and diagnose withdrawal symptoms properly. This assessment can help identify the root cause of the symptoms, leading to proper treatment.

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Once a patient is correctly diagnosed, the appropriate treatment can be administered. Treatment for withdrawal symptoms may include medications to manage physical symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and seizures. Behavioral therapies may also address psychological symptoms and help individuals manage their cravings and triggers. Patients can also try out natural remedies for antidepressant withdrawal.

At More Than Rehab, we offer comprehensive, evidence-based treatments to address withdrawal symptoms and support long-term recovery. Our treatment plans are personalized to meet each individual's unique needs and may include a combination of medications, behavioral therapies, and other supportive services. Therapies are especially critical in managing withdrawal as it helps patients handle stress better.

We offer a comprehensive assessment and evaluation process for misdiagnosed clients to determine the underlying causes of their addiction or related issues. This process involves gathering information about the individual's medical and psychiatric history, as well as their substance use, related behaviors and known side effects. If a client has been misdiagnosed, we work with them to re-evaluate their diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan that addresses the underlying causes of their addiction or related issues.

We aim to provide personalized, compassionate care to help individuals achieve and maintain recovery. We are committed to providing the best substance abuse treatment and ongoing support and care to promote long-term success. Call us today. We are available to help 24/7.

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Why is Addiction So Hard to Overcome?

Most people don't understand why or how other people become addicted to drugs. They may mistakenly think that those who use drugs lack moral principles or willpower and that they could stop their drug use simply by choosing to do so. In reality, addiction is a complex disease, and quitting usually takes more than good intentions or a strong will.

People with an addiction may feel compulsively driven to seek and use drugs even though they know the substance is causing them damage. They may want to stop using but feel powerless to do so. Over time, continued substance abuse changes how the brain functions, which can drive an increased need for the drug. These brain changes can be long-lasting and lead to harmful behaviors seen in people with substance use disorders.

Understanding Drug Addiction

Drug addiction is a chronic disease that affects the brain's decision-making center. It is characterized by compulsive drug seeking despite negative consequences. People with addiction often feel unable to control their drug use and continue using despite the harm it causes.

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People who become addicted to drugs often start using substances recreationally or to cope with underlying mental health issues. They may not understand the risks involved and how quickly addiction can develop. Tolerance to drugs builds up quickly, meaning that larger and larger doses are needed to get the same effect. As drug use escalates, so do the risks for negative consequences, including addiction.

Unfortunately, overcoming addiction is not as easy. One cannot just snap out of it; attempting to quit cold turkey could lead to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. In fact, many addicts will go back to using because the withdrawal symptoms are too difficult to bear.

Why Do Some People Develop Drug Addictions?

Most experts agree that addiction is not caused by a single factor but is instead the result of a combination of genetic, biochemical, and environmental factors. Addiction can also be due to psychological reasons. This means that some people are more vulnerable to addiction than others, even if they're exposed to the same risk factors.

But just because someone has one or more of these risk factors doesn't mean they will necessarily develop an addiction. Likewise, not having any risk factors doesn't mean someone won't become addicted. Still, the more risk factors a person has, the greater their chance of developing an addiction.

Psychological Reasons for Addiction

People with mental issues like anxiety, depression, ADHD, guilt, shame, or bipolar disorder are more likely to turn to drugs as a form of self-medication. Drugs tend to temporarily relieve the symptoms of these underlying mental disorders.

For example, people with anxiety may use marijuana to relax, while someone with depression may temporarily use stimulants to feel happier. However, using drugs in this way can lead to addiction and make the underlying mental disorder worse.

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Biochemical Reasons for Addiction

When someone uses drugs or drinks alcohol, it triggers a dopamine release in the brain. Dopamine is a chemical that is associated with pleasure and rewards, and it helps to reinforce certain behaviors. As a result, the person feels good when they use drugs or drink alcohol and is more likely to repeat the behavior.

Over time, the brain's reward system becomes less sensitive to dopamine, and the person needs to use more drugs or alcohol to achieve the same level of pleasure. This can lead to biochemical addiction, as the person cannot control their use despite negative consequences.

Environmental Reasons for Addiction

Exposure to alcohol and drugs at an early age can increase the risk of developing an addiction later in life. This is because the developing brain is more susceptible to the effects of drugs and alcohol.

In addition, stress and trauma can also lead to addiction. People who cannot cope with their problems may turn to drugs or alcohol to numb the pain. These environmental factors can greatly increase the risk of developing an addiction.

The Challenge of Beating a Drug Addiction

Addiction is a serious issue that affects millions of people around the world. It is a complex condition that can profoundly impact every aspect of an individual's life. Despite the challenges, it is important to remember that addiction is treatable and recovery is possible. Beating addiction is hard, but it is not impossible.

There are several reasons why overcoming addiction is so difficult.

First and foremost, addiction changes the way the brain functions. Repeated drug abuse alters the brain's circuitry, making it difficult to stop using even when an individual wants to.
Additionally, addiction can lead to physical dependence, meaning that the body becomes accustomed to functioning with the drug and begins to experience withdrawal symptoms when it is not present. These withdrawal symptoms can be extremely unpleasant, making it difficult for someone to stay sober for any time.
Finally, addiction often co-occurs with other mental health problems, which can complicate treatment and make a recovery all the more difficult.

Despite the challenges, however, treatment is possible, and many people do go on to lead healthy, drug-free lives.

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How to Overcome Addiction

Overcoming addiction requires a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses the underlying causes of addiction, as well as the addict's individual needs. Treatment should be tailored to each person and may include detoxification, therapy, and relapse prevention.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating addiction, as each person’s experience is unique. However, certain principles are essential for all successful treatment programs. These principles include:

Recognizing that addiction is a chronic brain disease that requires medical treatment.
Providing individualized care based on each person’s unique needs.
Using a combination of medication and behavioral therapies addresses addiction's physical and psychological aspects.
Building a support network of family members and friends provides encouragement and motivation during treatment and recovery. Support groups can also be instrumental.
Participating in long-term follow-up care to prevent relapse and promote sustained recovery.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, don't give up hope. Help is available, and there is light at the end of the tunnel. With treatment and support, it is possible to recover and lead healthy, drug-free lives.

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What Is A Dual Diagnosis?

Unfortunately, addiction or substance use disorders are very common in our country. Nearly 21 million Americans struggle with this disease every day. Sadly, out of those 21 million people, only around 10% of them will ever receive treatment for their addiction or substance use disorder. For those who are able to receive treatment, they know that it can sometimes be a bumpy road to recovery. But ultimately, they know that recovery is also very rewarding, especially once they are able to get to a point where they can manage their addiction and achieve meaningful sobriety. This can be especially difficult in the case of a dual diagnosis, where an underlying mental health problem is compounding their own personal struggle with addiction.

What is a dual diagnosis, exactly?

For those who are new to recovery, or for those who have never received professional help for their addiction or substance abuse, they may be unaware of these underlying mental health problems that only serve to amplify their issues with their alcohol or drug addiction. This is commonly referred to as a dual-diagnosis. Many who are new to recovery often have this very same question, what exactly is a dual diagnosis? Put simply, a dual diagnosis is when someone has both a substance use disorder and an underlying mental health disorder at the same time.

The combination of a substance use disorder and mental illness can become a vicious cycle. Mental health issues, especially if a person is unaware that they are suffering from one, can often drive people to self-medicate, which leads them to abuse drugs or alcohol in order to cope with the symptoms of their mental health disorder. The same goes for people who abuse drugs and alcohol. Substance use disorders can lead to mental health issues even if they weren’t there before that person began using drugs or alcohol. If someone has been diagnosed as having a dual diagnosis, usually the best course of action is to treat them at the same time, as they often play into each other.

What is treatment for a dual diagnosis like?

If you have recently been told that you have a dual diagnosis, or if you have a loved one or family member who has recently been diagnosed with a mental health issue as well as a substance abuse disorder, then please know that you are not alone. A dual diagnosis is very common. A 2019 study found that among adults 18 and onlder, approximately 9.5 million people who had any mental illness (AMI), also suffered from a substance use disorder (SUD). Other studies show that nearly half of all people with a mental health issue will also have a substance use disorder as well. This is perhaps in part due to the related risk factors of both mental health issues and substance use disorders, such as things like genetics, stress, environment, and current or past trauma.

How can doctors tell if someone has a dual diagnosis?

Keep in mind that the majority of health professionals will only be able to accurately diagnose a mental health disorder once the person is clean and sober with no drugs left in their system. This is because many drugs are known to cause side effects that can manifest as mental health issues. However, there are many different mental health disorders that can lead a person down the slippery slope of addiction--many end up trying to self-medicate, either when they are unaware they have a problem, or if they simply are not getting the proper care. However, here are a few mental health disorders that are very common to those who also suffer from substance use disorders:

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): People with ADHD or even ADD (attention-deficit disorder) very commonly also suffer from substance use issues as well. Many turn to drugs or alcohol in an attempt to self-medicate but many are also prescribed stimulants like Adderall, which can be very habit forming and addictive.
Borderline Personality Disorder: Borderline personality disorder is usually characterized by unstable moods, relationships, and behavior with a wide range of symptoms. Many studies show there is a strong connection between borderline personality disorder and substance use disorder, with as many as ⅔ of people turning to drugs or alcohol at one point in their lives.
Bipolar Disorder: As with many other mental health disorders, drugs and alcohol may serve as a reprieve for the emotional highs and lows associated with having bipolar disorder. It is estimated that about half of people with bipolar disorder also struggle with addiction as a way to cope with emotional situations and manic episodes.
Depression: Depression is also another common mental health issue that is combined with a substance use disorder, or a dual diagnosis. Unfortunately, it is estimated that around 1 in 10 adults report suffering from depression, leading many people to try and self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. Just as with any other mental health disorder, this often makes the abuse of substances much worse.
Eating Disorders: Eating disorders such as bulimia-nervosa or anorexia-nervosa are also seen with people who have a drug or alcohol addiction. Eating disorders are common with people who suffer from extreme lack of self-esteem or inferiority. Drugs or alcohol are commonly abused to help people deal with these feelings.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD is very common with people who suffer from a substance use disorder. According to research, PTSD can cause issues like the brain producing less endorphins, which leads people to using drugs or alcohol in order to feel happy again.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): GAD or other anxiety disorders are also seen in a lot of people who have an addiction to alcohol or drugs. Around 18 percent of the adult population have this disorder. Unfortunately, many turn to substances to help cope with this underlying mental health issue.

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Of course, there are many other mental health issues, such as schizophrenia, that if left untreated can cause someone to begin abusing drugs or alcohol.

As mentioned earlier, treatment planning for someone with a dual diagnosis works best when it is specialized to the individual. While it may seem impossible, we can assure you that it is not. For the best dual diagnosis treatment possible in the Texas area, More Than Rehab can show you the ropes to a successful sobriety while also being able to manage your mental health problems at the same time. There is hope for recovery, and we understand that we could all use a little help, especially in times like these! Call us today. We are open 24/7.

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Mental Health and Addiction Treatment

Dual diagnosis is the treatment of addiction with another co-occurring disorder.

In the field of addiction treatment, when someone has a substance use disorder, coupled with another form of mental health issue, we call this a co-occurring disorder or a dual diagnosis. Sometimes addiction treatment alone is not enough. We have helped many people in the Houston, Texas area by identifying a co-occurring mental health issue that was adding to their substance abuse problem. In a dual diagnosis treatment program, your treatment plan is customized to meet your specific individual needs. A personalized addiction treatment plan is the best chance for a successful recovery in these cases.

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For someone who has silently struggled with a mental health issue for years, often the only solace they find is to self-medicate with alcohol and drugs. Many patients say this helps quiet the voice in their head telling them that everything is wrong. People with depression may experience a boost of confidence when they use, even if it is only temporary. For someone dealing with and trying to hide their own troublesome internal thoughts, an addiction can develop quickly. If they receive treatment for their substance use disorder, but not for their mental health issue, they will be more likely to drop out of treatment, or even relapse into abusing drugs and alcohol.

Since mental health issues can lead to someone abusing substances, it is often hard to tell which one caused the other. Withdrawal symptoms can sometimes look like a mental or behavioral disorder to the untrained eye. Feelings of lethargy, depression, hopelessness and sudden weight gain are common signs of clinical depression. These same mental and physical symptoms can come from the early acute withdrawal symptoms from alcoholism. In most cases, it is not entirely clear if the mental health of the patient led them to abuse drugs and alcohol or if the abuse of substances created the mental problems they are experiencing.

Detox from drugs or alcohol is the first step in diagnosing an underlying mental health issue.

Cognitive impairment from long term drug and alcohol abuse can often interfere with the proper diagnosis of a mental illness. Once a patient undergoes a full medical detox, cleansing the chemicals from the body and mind, clinicians can start to assess the patient’s underlying mental health. This is a crucial part of addiction recovery, as many patients might not even realize they have been living with a mental health disorder. Some people have been using drugs or alcohol on a daily basis, filling up most of their daily life with intoxication. This can go on for years and years, without them ever realizing they have an underlying struggle with mental health.

When a patient finally experiences sobriety for the first time in a long while, the emotional stress can be very difficult to overcome. Stress, anxiety, sadness and guilt are all commonly experienced when someone first enters addiction recovery services. This is why it is important for someone who struggles with drugs or alcohol to seek rehab from a professional treatment facility. These facilities should offer detox and recovery services for addiction treatment while a dual diagnosis drug rehab will offer help with emotional recovery, medication management, stress reduction and other crucial mental health services. With the support of the right program it is entirely possible to transform your life and rebuild yourself from the ground up.

How mental health and substance abuse can develop together.

The US Department of Health and Human Services notes that, mental health and substance use disorders may share similar, underlying causes for their development. These include changes in brain chemistry, genetic vulnerabilities and childhood exposure to extreme stress or trauma. These problems are further compounded when the person begins using drugs or alcohol to hide their symptoms. Studies have shown that people who struggle with anxiety or mood disorders are almost twice as likely to struggle with addiction than the average person is.

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The four most common mental health issues where substance abuse is more prevalent are:

Schizophrenia
Anxiety disorders
Depression
Personality disorders

These types of disorders, when complicated with drug or alcohol abuse are often very difficult to treat. They may require months or even years for someone to fully recover towards a high-functioning state of well-being.

How is a dual diagnosis treated?

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Treatment for co-occurring disorders at a drug rehabilitation facility will commonly include a variety of physical, mental and behavioral therapies. These are designed to work together on an individual basis, to help the patient with their mental health and to overcome their addiction. These will typically be conducted through a combination of individual and group therapy sessions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an individual therapy session that helps the patient identify and change negative behaviors and thought patterns.
Integrated Group Therapy (IGT) is specifically for patients who experience bipolar disorder and substance abuse.
Therapeutic Communities (TCs) are focused on the reintegration of the individual into society. They integrate broad-based community programs and help the patient learn how to socialize and function outside of an institutional setting.
Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) will emphasize the treatment of severe mental disorders with outreach to patients in small, community-oriented group settings.

Your treatment providers will work with you during your stay at rehab to formulate an aftercare plan that will help you stay focused on your recovery after you leave their direct care. Outpatient programs, 12-step support groups and relapse prevention strategies will help you during the crucial, early phase of your recovery.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, consider seeking treatment right away. The pain experienced through a mental illness can have devastating consequences when left untreated. We employ a social model of addiction recovery in the Houston, Texas area. More Than Rehab is available 24/7, so we can get you the help you need, right away. Please call us: