The links between health disorders and addiction have been debated many times over the years. As technology advances, the information and data involving the brain have helped researchers and scientists over the years to understand the connection between co-occurring disorders and addiction. However, the full answer is still unclear. There are connections and links between the two, but the way they integrate is still very complicated.
Many health disorders share risk factors with addiction and substance use disorders. For example, people with mental health diagnoses may be more inclined to develop substance use concerns, but addiction symptoms can be similar to initial signs of mental illness. This similarity makes it challenging to treat and spot co-occurring disorders, especially when one or the other goes unaddressed.
Dealing with co-occurring disorders is difficult for individuals who suffer from addiction, especially when one of those disorders is misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. Both mental health disorders and substance use disorders exist and can simultaneously, affecting people from different walks of life.
The illnesses are common and can be serious. However, they are treatable if they are properly diagnosed. Those that have both health disorders and suffer from addiction may have a more difficult time functioning on a day-to-day basis. The co-occurring disorder can alter how decisions are made. For example, if an individual has a mental illness or behavioral disorder, it can limit or impair their social function in a community activity or outing.
When a substance use disorder is present with a behavioral or mental illness, there is a significant impediment to work, school, and social gatherings that can cause health concerns and trouble focusing. Reducing the impact of a health disorder or addiction’s existence can be achieved through a responsible and dedicated recovery center. Additionally, multiple providers and treatments are available to diagnose both the health disorder and the addiction at once.
Health disorders and addiction are not necessarily caused by each other, but they can influence each other. When an individual suffers from a co-occurring disorder, the symptoms of both influence each other to develop additional concerns. When an individual suffers from a health disorder, it’s important to find help or treatment to detect and diagnose the underlying mental health condition.
Many individuals who have both a health disorder and addiction may struggle with relapse even if they are committed to their long-term sobriety. Evidence-based programs can get to the root of both the addiction and the health disorder in one setting.
Health disorders and addiction can get treated simultaneously with a proper treatment plan. NIH determined that the risk factors contribute to both sides of the disorder and the addiction. Some studies performed by NIH explain that addiction alters the brain's neurological functions, making individuals more likely to develop a health disorder. That does not necessarily mean that they are caused by each other, just that there is more risk involved when one of the other disorders is part of the health circumstances.
When individuals have a health disorder and an addiction, they should be diagnosed together rather than separately because the core issues could be closely related. Due to overlapping symptoms, though, it can be a challenge to diagnose both sides of the story accurately. In treatment, the approach that the professionals take is individually tailored.
There are a variety of health conditions or health disorders that can get treated with a co-occurring disorder. Evidence-based programs get to the core elements of both the health disorder and the addiction in one setting to better understand the relationship between the two. Professionals will diagnose both sides and treat them simultaneously to help the individual have a longer-lasting recovery plan.
Some of the co-occurring conditions include:
Co-occurring health conditions that can also impact an individual include:
This is not an exhaustive list; many more diagnoses and health conditions impact individuals suffering from addiction. Any of these conditions can lead to long-term infections, impairment, or increased health concerns. The treatment for both the addiction and the co-occurring condition will be multi-disciplinary and performed in a healthcare setting with a team working to treat them together.
For those with a co-occurring health condition, addiction and that condition may manifest similarly with the other. When an individual struggles with addiction, their brain is rewired by the substance to function differently. However, when an individual adds a co-occurring health concern or health disorder, the symptoms may increase the level of risk in different ways. Diagnosing both the health disorder and addiction together enables individuals to find the appropriate help for the underlying condition. Then, they can seek substance abuse help from someone they trust.
Treating co-occurring conditions is vital to success in long-term recovery. The health concerns and addiction can persist if left untreated, making treatment harder to accomplish. When our clients at NorthStar Transitions learn about the co-occurring disorders and their relation with substance use disorders, they can develop recovery plans to manage the stresses and symptoms without the use of substances. We take the time to implement a fresh new path of healing your existence in personalized treatment plans. In addition, clients will learn how to manage triggers and resist temptation while integrating treatment for both the health disorder and addiction. With proven modalities, our professionals utilize resources and tools to teach and treat our clients to work through co-occurring disorders. They resolve the underlying cause of the addiction itself. If you or your loved one suffers from a health disorder and addiction, getting the right help is important. You can reach out to NorthStar Transitions to get more information or call us at (303) 558-6400.
