Why Mental Health Should Be Part of the Recovery Conversation
Recovery is more than giving up substances. Life circumstances, the state of one’s relationships, a person’s emotional wellbeing, and other factors play a role in the development of addictions. For this reason, the question of mental health is brought up in the context of recovery.
Depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, relationship issues, financial problems, grief, and other factors are experienced differently by different people. Understanding an individual and their situation better informs the kind of treatment that they might need.
Where substance use and a mental health condition are both present, a co-occurring disorder treatment program in Orange County is one of the routes designed to treat the two together rather than as separate problems.
Discussing Substance Use Beyond the Addiction Itself
A person going through addiction recovery may be dealing with a range of pressures at once: relationship difficulties, money-related stress, work problems, the loss of a loved one, grief, or trauma. A better understanding of the person’s situation is critical in informing treatment, as unresolved issues tend to resurface during or after treatment.
This is not to say that relationship issues or other mental health problems cause substance abuse. That connection is different in every individual, and substance use can be a coping mechanism for those dealing with difficult life circumstances.
Recognizing Changes in Emotion and Behavior
Changes in mood and behavior are an essential part of the conversation about substance use and mental health issues. Persistent low mood, anxiety, agitation, insomnia or excessive sleeping, reduced eating or overeating, loss of interest in activities, inability to concentrate, and social withdrawal should all be discussed with a licensed medical professional. Past experiences and emotional problems unrelated to addiction should also be brought up in the conversation about substance use.
Being Honest With an Assessment Professional
An honest and detailed discussion about an individual’s situation is the best way to secure an accurate assessment. When meeting with an addiction and mental health assessment professional, it is important for an individual to be as detailed as possible regarding the history of substance use, medication use, personal and professional life, mental health history, and the impact of substance use on their life.
Some people may find it difficult to discuss certain issues. At the same time, those who do not bring up a relevant topic may receive treatment that does not fit what they are actually dealing with.
Differentiating Between Varying Degrees and Types of Mental Health Issues
Not all mental health problems are addressed in the same way. An individual undergoing addiction recovery who has issues beyond addiction needs to have a conversation with a professional to determine the best course of treatment. Some people may benefit from individual therapy, while others may find group therapy to be more helpful. A combination of medication and counseling is another possibility.
When substance abuse and mental health problems occur simultaneously, finding a facility that offers dual-diagnosis treatment is a good option. The choice of treatment and type of intervention is informed by an individual’s needs and determined on a case-by-case basis.
Learning Alternative Ways to Cope With Stressful Events
Stress is a common trigger for substance use among people in addiction recovery. Learning healthier ways to deal with stress is an important part of the healing process. Ways of reducing stress vary from person to person. Regular physical activity, building a routine around preferred activities, and seeking social support are common but not exclusive options.
Recognizing Environmental Factors and Limiting Harmful Influences
Some people in recovery may find it helpful to limit their exposure to environmental factors that could trigger substance use. Visiting places associated with past substance use, and being around certain people, can be detrimental to some individuals during the early stages of recovery.
While it might not be possible to cut all ties with certain individuals or locations, setting healthy limits is a good way to support the healing process. These limits can often be relaxed over time as the individual begins to heal.
Speaking to Trusted Individuals and Building a Support Network
During recovery, reaching out to supportive individuals and building a support network is a good way to limit isolation and encourage healing. Depending on an individual’s situation and personal preferences, social support can come from family members, friends, group support, peer recovery services, and other patient resources.
Privacy is an important consideration during the treatment process, and not every individual wants to share the same information with everyone. Not everybody needs access to personal treatment details, and a person in recovery should not feel pressured to share more than they want to.
Conclusion: Recovery Encompasses an Individual’s Entire Life
Recovery is not a fast process, and healing from addiction often takes time. The same goes for healing from mental health issues and learning new ways to cope with stress and avoid unhealthy habits. Addressing both substance use disorder and mental health issues is critically important, as treating one is not a substitute for treatment of the other.
Those struggling with addiction should consider dual diagnosis treatment as a way to address both problems at once. This approach is more integrated and better informs the care that a person in recovery receives.
