Addiction often co-occurs with an underlying mental illness, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or ADHD. Addiction and mental illness need to be treated simultaneously as a dual diagnosis for the best success in recovery.
Coping with a loved one’s addiction is very overwhelming and stressful for family and friends. When your loved one is suffering from an addiction and a mental health condition, things get more complicated. There are ways you can help if your loved one has a dual diagnosis.
Learn about addiction and mental illness so you can gain some insight on how each condition affects your loved one. Attend group meetings and listen to others share their experiences with addiction and mental illness.
When a person is addicted, he or she might not realize the serious consequences of their actions. Talk about boundaries with positive and encouraging language. This will encourage your loved one in recovery and show him or her that you care. Negative, belittling, or shameful words reinforce guilt, depression, and shame.
Many people with anxiety or depression turn to drugs or alcohol to cope. Anxiety is a persistent, dreadful fear that a person cannot control. Depression can linger for years and puts a person in a constant, overwhelming state of despair that interferes with sleep, work, family, friends, self-worth and self-esteem. Drugs and alcohol actually heighten the symptoms of some mental illnesses.
Understanding the relationship between addiction and depression can help your loved one in his or her recovery process. Being there for your loved one will help him or her see that you are there for them in their time of need. Addiction is isolating and some mental health conditions can make a person feel alone. Changing to a new, sober lifestyle in recovery can be difficult. Showing your support can make the transition less challenging.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and a mental health illness, get help now. At Cypress Lakes Lodge, we specialize in treatment for dual diagnosis and integrate natural healing for the mind, body, and spirit. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Save a life and call today.
Cypress Lakes Lodge specializes in addiction treatment and is located in a serene, remote, lush-green, oxygen enriched environment. The program encompasses holistic addiction therapy and offers yoga and meditation for the mind, body, and soul. The focus is on physical, mental, and emotional well-being by generating the balance of life-enriching treatment, wellness, and healthy, sober, sustainable relationships. Call us to get started: 409-331-2204