Understanding the Link Between Co-Occurring DisordersIndividuals suffering from substance abuse disorder oftentimes also struggle with mental health problems, such as depression, bipolar disorder, and/or anxiety. When this happens, professionals refer to this as a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis. Trying to overcome a substance abuse disorder can be extremely difficult but also having mental health issues makes the battle twice as hard.

Co-occurring disorders both produce unique symptoms that prevent individuals from functioning properly at work or school, maintaining a healthy home life, handling life’s spontaneous difficulties and relating to others around them. What makes co-occurring disorders more complicated is that mental health issues and drug addiction affect one another. The longer individuals go without mental health treatment, the more likely their substance abuse disorder gets worse, and vice versa.

How Substance Abuse Disorders Affect Mental Health Disorders

It’s important to understand that although mental health disorders and substance abuse disorders are closely linked, one doesn’t necessarily cause the other. But it’s important to note that individuals often rely on drugs and/or alcohol as self-medication for their mental health issues. Because most substances are known for producing euphoric feelings, people often rely on them when they’re unable to deal with their difficult emotions. However, the more drugs and alcohol they consume, the more their bodies rely on them and need increased dosages to produce the same feelings they crave. In the long run, this makes their mental health problems worse even though they may feel temporary relief at the moment.

What Causes Mental Health Disorders?

There are many factors that contribute to the development of mental health disorders, such as genetics, the environment, and traumatic life experiences. However, using drugs and alcohol as a means to cope with life’s problems puts individuals more at risk of developing mental health disorders. For those already dealing with mental health issues, using drugs or consuming alcohol can trigger new symptoms or increase the symptoms that are already present. Even those who may be taking specific treatment like antidepressants, anti-anxiety pills, and mood stabilizers, consuming drugs and alcohol can counteract with the medication and render them ineffective.

If you believe your loved one may be suffering from a co-occurring disorder, it’s important to understand that even though it will be difficult, treatment is possible. With determination, discipline, and support, those suffering from co-occurring disorders can overcome their addictions and keep their mental health intact. There are several treatment options to consider, the most popular being rehabilitation centers and alternative treatment centers.

Alternative Treatment Centers in Tennessee

Discovery Place is an alternative treatment center located in Burns, Tennessee, known for helping victims of substance abuse disorder overcome their addiction and move on to living happy lives. We offer several different treatment programs for those in need of our services. Some of our programs include a 30-Day Alternative Residential Addiction Recovery Program and a Long-Term Alternative Addiction Recovery Program. If you would like more information about our programs, call us today at (800)-725-0922 to schedule a free consultation.

Testimonials

  • Discovery Place was the answer for my son. He did the 90 day and then the step down program and sober living. We give this organization 10 stars. They met my son where he was …emotionally, mentally, physically. They helped him put his life back on track. Discovery Place employees care about their guests. If your son, brother, nephew, grandson or husband needs excellent supportive care THIS is indeed the facility.

    Kim Morton
    Alumni Parent
  • I have remained sober and it is because of DP. DP is the best place there is, hands down. I keep everyone there in my prayers, and I encourage everyone there to take what they are practicing and do it in their lives, after.

    Roy Mantelli
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    Matt Kassay
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place means the world to me. They showed me the tools that I’ve tried to use everyday in my life to think less often of myself, and more frequently of others. I am learning to lend a hand when I am able and to have a honest and humble relationship with God and the people around me. Not only am I clean and sober, but also I am happy and fulfilled.

    Tommy Parker
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place and the men who work there made recovery attractive, and more importantly, fun. There is strength in the struggle. I am forever grateful for my time at Discovery Place.

    Creed McClellan
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  • When I got to Discovery Place my whole life was in shambles, but I didn’t know it. I spent 6 months in their programs, participating in all three phases, and was met with kindness and love all along the way. It is unbelievable to me, where I am now relative to where I was when I arrived at DP.

    Lance Duke
    Alumni
  • I can never say enough good things about Discovery Place and the people who work there. Before checking in to DP, I was out of options and out of answers. Fortunately, Discovery Place has a solution. Taking suggestions from the staff at DP saved my life, and as a result, I’m now more content and hopeful about life. I’m grateful for Discovery Place showing me how to live a healthy life so that I can become a better man and help the next guy.”

    Tyler Buckingham
    Alumni

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