Mental Health Disorders and Substance Abuse Co-Occurrence Patterns

Mental Health Disorders and Substance Abuse Co-Occurrence Patterns

Mental health disorders commonly associated with severe drug abuse may include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, manic depression, attention deficit hyperactivity, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive -compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder and anti- social personality.

Substance use and addiction does contribute to the development of mental illness and may trigger changes in the brain structure and function that make an individual likely to develop a mental health disorder. When a person is experiencing a mental illness, this usually paves the way to substance addiction, a lot of people use drugs and alcohol to escape painful emotions as well as to get them through their life, work and duties. Dual diagnosis is best treated through integrated treatment which is able to address both issues at the same time, this kind of treatment is suitable as it addresses both the mental health disorders and substance abuse.

In most cases frequent, severe marijuana use during teenage-wood increases the risk of later drug abuse in life and the development of a substance use disorder. It is vital to combine stimulant medication for example, for ADHD with the appropriate family and child education and behavioural interventions, including counselling on the ADHD and risk for substance use disorder.

Individuals affected by mental disorders need social support as well as support in developing and maintaining personal, family and social relationships. Crossroads Recovery Centre supports people with mental health disorders using a holistic approach as well as encourages participation in other meaningful activities aimed at addressing severe mental health disorders.

Stories of Recovery

• The encouragement, love and support from the team at Crossroads allowed me to eventually see that I was worth something - that my life could be turned around and that I could accomplish the things that had long been a forgotten dream.
  Oliver VG
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• On the last day of my stint at Crossroads I could only express gratitude towards all who works there. A wise councillor once commented on my question when one is ready for rehab by explaining that when one is ready for rehab, rehab is ready for you.
  Johan B
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• I was lost and my soul was broken until I ended up at Crossroads and was introduced to the Twelve Steps. With the help of their excellent staff and amazing support I have recently been clean for 18 months, I could not have done it without them!
  Carla S
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• "Just for today I am more than three years in recovery. I have Cross Roads to thank for this wonderful gift. Cross Roads helped me to set a firm foundation in my recovery on which I can continue to build."
  Angelique J
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