For many years, substance abuse was stigmatized, reprehended, and was primarily treated through short-term inpatient rehab and 12-step programs. Our understanding of substance abuse, its causes, and the best ways to treat it are rapidly expanding. Addiction is a disease that permeates all areas of our patient’s life and requires a complex approach to treat it.
One of the most important things we now recognize is the interplay of substance abuse and mental illness. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, approximately 7.9 million people in the US in 2014 were suffering from co-occurring disorders. People who have mental disorders are more likely to develop substance abuse problems–resulting in co-occurring disorders.
At our substance abuse treatment centers, it can be very difficult to diagnose the disorder correctly. Sometimes, there are multiple mental health issues in addition to the substance abuse disorder. It is critical that these types of patients receive comprehensive, integrated care in which the patients are able to receive treatment for substance abuse and mental illness simultaneously. Because the disorders are connected, it can be nearly impossible to treat one without the other.
Treatment for Co-occurring Substance Abuse and Mental Illness Disorders
In order for patients to achieve full recovery, it’s essential to offer them the tools necessary to maintain full well-being. If the patient treats one are while neglecting another, that area is likely to trigger a relapse down the road. Here are four components of our substance abuse treatment programs that are necessary to help patients with co-occurring substance abuse and mental illness disorders make full recoveries:
Integrated Treatment
It is essential that patients receive simultaneous, coordinated treatment for their mental illness and their substance abuse problems. When these two issues occur together—a situation often referred to as co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis—they interact in complex ways that make recovery more challenging. Substance abuse can worsen mental health symptoms, and mental illness can make a person more vulnerable to addiction. These disorders are not isolated problems; they are intertwined and interdependent. Treating them separately can lead to incomplete recovery and a higher risk of relapse. An integrated treatment approach combines mental health care, addiction counseling, medication management, and lifestyle interventions in a single, cohesive plan. This ensures that progress in one area supports progress in the other, creating a more sustainable path to long-term recovery.
Address Trauma
Many patients struggling with mental disorders have also experienced significant traumas that contribute to their current challenges. These traumas—such as childhood abuse, domestic violence, combat experiences, or major losses—can leave deep emotional scars that manifest as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health conditions. In many cases, substance use begins as a coping mechanism for managing the pain and distress caused by these traumatic experiences. Addressing the role of trauma in mental illness is therefore crucial for lasting recovery. Without processing and healing from these events, patients may continue to rely on substances as a form of self-medication. Trauma-informed therapy, which emphasizes safety, trust, and empowerment, can help patients work through difficult memories and feelings. This not only eases mental health symptoms but also reduces the emotional triggers that can lead to substance use, paving the way for a smoother and more stable recovery process.
Emphasize Group Therapy
Group therapy has proven to be particularly effective in helping patients with mental disorders and substance use issues. Mental illness often fosters feelings of isolation, shame, and disconnection from others. Group therapy counters these feelings by creating a safe, supportive environment where patients can share their experiences, offer encouragement, and learn from each other. This process helps rebuild trust in others and strengthens interpersonal skills, which are often eroded by years of illness or addiction. Group settings also provide patients with multiple perspectives on coping strategies, relapse prevention, and emotional regulation. Beyond the rehab setting, individuals who engage in group therapy are more likely to seek out aftercare programs such as peer support groups, sober living communities, or ongoing counseling. These ongoing connections are critical for maintaining progress, preventing relapse, and fostering a sense of belonging that supports a healthy lifestyle long after formal treatment ends.
Medication Management
Ensuring that patients are receiving the proper types and doses of medication is essential in aiding recovery. Taking the proper medication for a mental illness can be a huge step in treatment, but the combination of the wrong medication with substance abuse and mental illness can be extremely harmful to our patient.
Here at Recovery Centers of America, we aim to offer our patients a balanced, comprehensive treatment that addresses the many facets of substance abuse and mental illness. Our full continuum of care of our substance abuse treatment programs offer tools and ongoing support to make the difference between short-term abstinence and a sustainable recovery. To learn more about our treatment plans and our integrated approach to treating both substance abuse and mental health, call 1-800-RECOVERY.
Substance Abuse and Mental Illness | Lighthouse