Upset man with hands to face doesnt understand his comorbidity and addictionDoctors use the term “comorbidity” for people with two medical conditions at the same time. In addiction treatment, the term usually relates to having an addiction as well as a mental illness. Comorbid conditions of addiction include depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder and ADHD.

Comorbidity includes the two conditions, each with varying symptoms. Doctors must also treat these two conditions differently. What works to heal one issue does not always heal the other.

During addiction, the two conditions fuel each other. Treating only one may lead to the relapse of both.

Comorbidity and Addiction

You sometimes hear comorbidity in addiction called a “dual diagnosis.” You also hear “co-occurring disorders.” Any of these terms work. They all describe the same problem of addiction coupled with mental illness.

The important thing when treating comorbidity is not which condition came first. The answer to that question varies from person to person. Maybe you started abusing drugs or alcohol to self-treat symptoms of mental health disorders. Perhaps your mental illness came after addiction. What is more important is treating both conditions at one time.

Addiction and mental illness share risk factors. The risk factors for each problem include:

  • Family history
  • Genetics
  • Environment
  • Biology
  • Abuse or trauma

Several common mental illnesses typically occur with addiction. These include depression, personality disorders, mood disorders, phobias, anxiety disorders and panic disorders.

Treating Comorbid Conditions

You need treatment for both addiction and mental illness at the same time. This differs from in the past, when doctors focused on knowing which condition came first. When clinicians decided which came first, they treated the presenting condition. This left the other problem still requiring treatment.

This style of treatment did not work well. Without treating both, neither truly healed. Today’s addiction treatment works on both problems at the same time. No cures exist, but you can have a lasting recovery with the right treatment.

Detox Starts Your Dual Diagnosis Treatment

In detox, you start dual diagnosis treatment. In fact, you could suffer both co-occurring disorders and not even know it. Through your addiction assessment and subsequent detox, staff can identify both conditions and create a treatment plan for recovery.

Do not worry if you learn you have both addiction and mental illness. Knowing takes you so much farther toward true recovery. Knowing about your mental illness answers many questions for you, such as why you fell into substance abuse in the first place.

Also in detox, knowing your mental illness diagnosis helps staff build the best possible treatment plan. You gain the help and support you need in detox. This help includes qualified treatment for both of your conditions.

Detox in Fort Lauderdale and Jupiter, Florida

Your dual diagnosis treatment starts at Serenity House Detox & Recovery in Fort Lauderdale and Jupiter, Florida. A detox cleanses your body and brain of drugs and ends your physical dependence.

Also in detox, you gain nutrition, medication management, and hydration to keep you healthy and comfortable. You leave detox looking and feeling like a new person.

At Serenity House Detox & Recovery you start therapies you need for a better life. These therapies include:

Start your journey to a healthier, happier and fuller life. That journey out of addiction and mental illness comorbidity starts at Serenity House Detox & Recovery. Call Serenity House Detox & Recovery now at 866-294-5306 for more information.