Addiction and mental illness often go hand-in-hand. However, it is not always clear which condition preceded the other and each individual patient is different in this respect. Nevertheless, the fact remains that the majority of people with drug or alcohol addiction disease are also suffering with another mental disorder such as depression or anxiety. These cases are known as ‘dual-diagnosis’ and it is absolutely crucial to identify both conditions and treat them separately in order to heal them.

Triggers of Mental Illness and Subsequent Addiction

Illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression can be triggered  or ‘started’ in response to the death of a loved one, a traumatic accident, witnessing a distressing scene, losing a job or under-achieving at school. Everyone is different and we each have our own unique response to distressing stimuli and for many, an inability to cope can lead to mental illness developing as a consequence.

Mental disorder research shows that it is more common for women with addiction to have some form of mental illness present before they become addicted. It is mainly because drugs or alcohol become methods of self-medicating the symptoms of their mental illness, that addiction develops as a result and because the illness is driving the addiction, both conditions need treating for successful addiction recovery.

In cases of dual-diagnosis where the mental illness preceded addiction, it is crucial to identify the causes of the illness as they ultimately drive the person to abuse alcohol or drugs. At the same time, the physical and psychological symptoms of alcohol or drug abuse also need treatment in order to get firmly on track for recovery. A professional rehab program identifies how addiction affects mental disorders in each patient in order to design the best and most effective treatment program for the individual concerned.

Get the Right Kind of Dual-Diagnosis Treatment at Capo Canyon Recovery

Whether addiction developed as a result of mental illness or vice versa, it is crucial that both conditions are effectively treated. Capo Canyon Recovery in Laguna Niguel, CA specialize in alcohol and drug detox and rehabilitation programs that are tailor-made to individual needs, preferences and circumstances. If you are suffering with mental illness and have addictive tendencies, you are at risk of creating addiction issues. We can help you overcome your illness and prevent the dangers of self-medication through effective dual diagnosis. For more information about how we can help you find your way to a life in sobriety, contact us in confidence today.

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