Dual Diagnosis and Withdrawal

Mental illness is often a precursor to drug and alcohol addiction and equally, ongoing substance abuse can lead to psychiatric disorders. Addicts are frequently given a dual diagnosis. When co-existing disorders are at play, a program which addresses both must be employed. Special dual diagnosis centers seek to support recovery by simultaneously treating the addiction and the illness. Dual diagnosis groups operate in many communities to provide an ongoing support and after care network for people recovering from a combination of addiction and mental illness.

To get help for you coexisting disorders, call drug addiction centers in Nashville.

Depression is a common example of a mental disorder that can be combined with addiction. People suffering from depression are often drawn to alcohol because of the euphoric feelings it can bring and because it offers them the ability to shut out the world and its problems. Unfortunately, this is something of a trap because alcohol is a depressant in itself and will intensify feelings of depression, increasing dependence. Similarly, a person who has been through traumatic events and suffers from PTSD may be drawn to substances like THC as a means of blocking out memories. The THC, in fact, increases anxiety and paranoia and aggravates the existing condition.

Alcohol Withdrawal

Because of its social acceptability and widespread availability, the effects of alcohol withdrawal are often underestimated. Alcohol detoxification tends to have strong physical and psychological effects. Sufferers can be a risk to themselves and the community because of depression, insomnia or hallucinations. It can be very dangerous for alcoholics to try and end their dependency without professional support. People recovering from ingrained alcohol addiction should seek medical detoxification in dedicated alcoholism treatment centers. Recovery from alcoholism is a lifelong process and ongoing support from organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous is important to avoid relapse.

Addiction and drug abuse are complex diseases which require professional treatment and ongoing support. Personalized addiction treatments which take into account the type of substance, the severity of the abuse, mental health conditions and use triggers must be tailored to fit the individual. People suffering from chronic addiction need comprehensive care and it is often best for them to go into residential rehab, particularly during the detoxification phase of their treatment.