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Co-occurring Disorders in Men: What are they and how do they relate to substance abuse?

Nov 23, 2020

Men who drink or use drugs frequently may be unaware of what’s quietly making that behavior worse. If they’re not in denial about their drinking or drug problem, they may have tried an inpatient or outpatient treatment and found it didn’t work for them. The solution to getting sober for them could be looking at the condition of their mental health. Men with a history of time in treatment may find addressing a co-occurring mental health disorder—and their drinking or drug use—is exactly what they need.  Today, we’ll take a closer look at co-occurring disorders and substance abuse in men and how dual diagnosis treatment at Origins Recovery Center can be effective.

Men with a history of drug and alcohol treatment may think their struggle to stay sober is only a physical issue. A high rate of co-occurring mental health disorders in men with substance use issues underscores the need for dual diagnosis treatment to help men start recovery and stay sober.

Comprehensive residential programs for substance use and mental health disorders are designed to treat these dimensions:

  • Physical
  • Mental
  • Psychological
  • Social
  • Spiritual
  • Familial
  • Emotional

Additional support can come from family programming to create a stronger support system with loved one and life skills training to help men learn how to make healthier choices to avoid drugs and alcohol. Through programs offered at Origins Texas, men also can get help planning for the aftercare they’ll need to stay sober once residential treatment is over.

Origins Texas’ Understanding of the Symptoms of a Co-Occurring Disorder

Co-occurring disorders symptoms can be visible in a man who’s living with a substance use disorder. He may not be aware of it, and his family and friends may miss the signs of his changing mental health. The treatment team at Origins Texas recognizes the signs in changes in man’s behavior and his use of risky behaviors. We treat patients whose anxiety or depression lead them to isolate themselves and lose control over how much they use as a way to cope with their feelings. We’re aware of what happens when a patient goes undiagnosed for a co-occurring disorder for years and doesn’t know why he feels more compelled to use alcohol, marijuana, or opioids daily. We see men whose tolerance to drug use increased and quitting started to feel impossible.

Origins Texas’ Treatment of Dual Diagnosis vs. Co-Occurring Disorders

The terms above are related but different. A co-occurring disorder is one that appears alongside a substance use disorder. A patient with an addiction to opioids may also suffer from anxiety. The anxiety may have led to the opioid use or the anxiety may have developed after extensive use of the drug. Top-tier dual diagnosis care is Origins’ approach to treating patients with substance use and mental health disorders. We look closely at what connects the two issues. Origins Recovery dual diagnosis treatment then provides an integrated approach to helping patients address their recovery needs and the mental health needs within the same program.

How Can Co-Occurring Disorders Be Treated at Origins Texas?

Co-occurring disorders treatment at Origins Texas begins with an assessment of a patient’s mental health. We customize treatment for that patient’s specific needs. Time spent in treatment may include:

Patients learn the skills they will need to continue their recovery efforts after the treatment program is over. In some cases, medication for a co-occurring disorder may be prescribed if it’s necessary and won’t interfere with substance use treatment.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment Available at Origins Texas

Dual diagnosis treatment can be a solution for men with a long history of time spent in drug and alcohol rehabs. Men in treatment can begin to think about what made their past attempts at sobriety more challenging. They can discuss what they discover in individual therapy and with peers in group therapy. It may be their time in a safe, supportive environment and the setting can be valuable in learning how to create healthy relationships with other men. Also, patients learn the skills that they need to avoid relapsing once the program is over. They’re guided to stay focused on creating a recovery plan they can commit to, including what kind of aftercare will come.

 

Origins Recovery Center is a well-known care provider offering a range of treatment programs targeting the recovery from substance use, mental health issues, and beyond. Our primary mission is to provide a clear path to a life of healing and restoration. We offer renowned clinical care for addiction and have the compassion and professional expertise to guide you toward lasting sobriety. For information on our programs, call us today: 561-841-1019.

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