When your loved one has an addiction to drugs or alcohol and an underlying mental health illness, such as depression, anxiety, or ADHD he or she needs to get treatment for both conditions simultaneously as a dual diagnosis. Coping with a loved one’s addiction is very overwhelming and stressful for family and friends. When your loved one has an addiction and a mental health problem, things get even more complicated.
There are ways you can help if your loved one has a dual diagnosis. Listen and learn about addiction and mental disorders to educate yourself. This helps you understand your loved one’s addiction and mental health problems. Set boundaries and follow through with consequences when needed.
Plan an intervention when your loved one is addicted to drugs or alcohol. Include family and friends who are affected by the individual’s behavior. Loved ones should write down how their loved one’s addictive behavior makes him or her feel. When a person is addicted, he or she might not realize the serious consequences of their actions. Talk about boundaries in intervention and use positive and encouraging words to let your loved one know how much you care. Negative, belittling, or shameful language reinforces guilt, depression, and shame.
Many people with anxiety or depression turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with their condition. Anxiety is a persistent, dreadful fear that a person cannot control. Depression can linger for years and puts a person in a constant, overwhelming sadness that interferes with sleep, work, family, friends, self-worth and self-esteem. Drugs and alcohol heighten the psychological symptoms of 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. Compassion, understanding, and encouragement will help your loved one on the journey to recovery.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and a mental health condition, get help now. Cypress Lakes Lodge specializes in dual diagnosis and holistic treatment therapy for addiction and addictive behaviors and integrates natural healing for the mind, body, and spirit. Make the life-saving decision and call today.
Cypress Lakes Lodge specializes in addiction treatment and is located in a tranquil, 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