Why Counselling for Addiction AND Mental Illnesses?
It is estimated that about 50 percent of men and women struggling with an addiction also suffer from a mental health condition. Known as a dual diagnosis, this is a potentially dangerous combination that can be exclusive of one another, as a person who has a mental health condition is more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol. It is widely known that counselling is one of the most effective ways to address a dual diagnosis; however, many people don’t understand why. Counselling has the ability to address both addiction and mental illness at the same time. This is why nearly every rehab includes counselling in their programme.
Assessing the Issue(s)
In the initial stage of treatment for addiction and mental illness, the counselor will identify the disorder(s) that the patient may be suffering from. The following are the most common issues that tend to accompany an addiction:
- Anxiety
- PTSD
- Depression
- Schizophrenia
- Personality disorders
Once the diagnosis has been made, the patient will be assigned a counselor who is able to treat their condition. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help with the symptoms. At a rehab, including Siam Rehab, a psychologist or psychiatrist may also be brought in to talk with the patient and evaluate their needs. In general, most people with a mental health condition will have begun to abuse drugs or alcohol because they were trying to escape the symptoms of the condition. Many facilities, and professionals, choose to start the treatment based upon this idea.
It should be noted that some facilities, including rehabs and outpatient clinics, may focus on identifying and treating the mental health condition first. Once this has been stabilized (to some degree), the addiction can be tackled. Whether this will be applicable for any patient will largely depend on their needs and circumstances. You can discuss this with the rehab or a counsellor equipped to treat both addiction and mental illness.
Treating the Addiction
Counselling can help a patient to identify why the addiction started. This is typically done after the treatment has focused on the mental health needs of the patient. Treating a dual diagnosis is much more extensive because at least two conditions are being treated at the same time. If medication has not already been prescribed for the withdrawal symptoms, now is the time that a counsellor may recommend it.
Holistic Treatment Options
Some rehabs will include a holistic treatment option in the programme, This is so the patient can find healthy, constructive ways to cope with both conditions. Holistic treatments focus on balancing the mind, body, and spirit. In general, rehabs that include meditation, yoga, exercise, nutrition, massage, and other holistic treatments are ranked highest in success, and have a lower relapse rate for patients with suffering from addiction and mental illness.
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy
Many people who have a mental health condition may develop an addiction because they are seeking the temporary sense of euphoria that comes with the substance abuse. This euphoria acts as an escape from their symptoms. Cognitive behavioural therapy can help people by putting a focus on their behaviour, thought processes, feelings, and emotions. These are then connected to goal orientated strategies. Cognitive behavioural therapy can also benefit other coping mechanisms that may have been learned in treatment. As a result, the chance of long term recovery for someone with both an addiction and mental illness may improve.
Relapse Prevention & Reinforcement
Once the treatment, be it at a rehab or outpatient clinic, has been completed, the patient may be encouraged to continue participating in counselling, group therapy, and other regular treatment sessions. This will help them to keep up with their recovery plan and cope with everyday situations. Relapse prevention plans offer a supportive structure that requires a patient to practice accountability.
Do You Battle Addiction and Mental Health Issues?
It may be overwhelming to have an addiction; however, when a mental health condition is also involved, feelings of uncertainty and worry can fill your mind. Dealing with both issues may not be easy. Rehab and counselling can provide you with a new, better way of living with the mental health issue, as well as help to recover from an addiction. If you are ready to take the first step towards helping yourself, call Siam Rehab, a leading rehab in Thailand, or contact us online.
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