Mental health issues are widespread, and we are all capable of experiencing a mental disorder at some point in our lives. That’s why mental health conditions are mostly discovered in those suffering from drug and alcohol addictions.
Mental Health Illnesses
The Basics
25% of the UK’s population suffer from a mental health issue of some kind each year – Mind.
External Support
- Free/NHS mental health support
- Lockdown and mental health
DON’T suffer in silence.
Are you experiencing destructive, racing or suicidal thoughts? Have you noticed sudden changes in your behaviour or the behavioural patterns of another?
Are you wondering, ‘Am I bad enough?’. Every case is worthy of attention and treatment.
It is time to get help for your mental health and addiction.
Mental health and addiction issues are treatable, and recovery is possible. Call us today on 0808 1150 446 and get the immediate help you need.
What comes first: Substance abuse or the mental health problem?
According to MHFA, 52% of those with addiction in the UK also have mental health issues. Addiction and mental illness often come hand in hand, and it can often be hard to determine which has come first.
Whichever way around it is, addiction causes and exacerbates mental illness symptoms, and mental illness causes those struggling to turn to drink and drugs.
Recognising a dual diagnosis in people who are addicted to substances
When a person is suffering from mental health problems and addiction simultaneously, this is called a dual diagnosis.
They feel as if they cannot function properly without drugs or alcohol to relieve their symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Explain, please
Diagnosing co-occurring illnesses such as addiction and alcohol is very nuanced and complex. Therefore, GPs and doctors can only carry out assessments of mental health.
This is not a specific diagnosis.
Consultant psychiatrists are medically trained to provide a direct diagnosis of your mental health issues and the specifics of your addiction to tailor a therapy programme that works to your individual needs.
Cheaper rehabs do not have consultants, so therapy tends to be much more generalised.
The leading rehabs in the UK have access to the top consultant psychiatrists who treat the individual, not the general addiction or list of symptoms.
Learn more from Professor Jonathan Chick, one of the UK’s most prominent consultants.
Warning signs
- Drinking alcohol to feel less anxious or numb emotional pain
- Taking tranquillisers to avoid or quell panic attacks
- Using stimulant drugs as a way to increase energy or motivation
- Using drugs or alcohol to deal with emotional trauma (such as symptoms of PTSD or depression)
What are the signs and symptoms of substance abuse?
Psychological illnesses are also physical
Symptoms of mental health problems will vary depending on the individual, and can often present themselves in physical symptoms:
- Headaches/Migraine
- Muscle tension
- Stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Sleep issues and Physical pain
- Shaking
Why is a diagnosis crucial?
Patient Testimonial:
I went to a cheap rehab for my drug addiction, and I received care for that, but my mental health was struggling, and, having not received a diagnosis or special treatment, I relapsed within a few weeks of leaving.
I didn’t want to make the mistake again, so I opted for a more expensive rehab which was recommended to me.
I had 1:1 sessions with a really experienced consultant, who actually diagnosed my anxiety and depression specifically and my treatment programme was personal to my own problems.
You might be thinking that you’ll get the same treatment in a cheap rehab, but trust me, paying that bit more means that you are treated as an individual and you get the best medical care.
I’m now 9 months sober, and my consultant still rings me from time to time to ask how I’m doing.
Andrew A.
Treatment for dual diagnosis
As they are often connected, the treatment you will receive in a recovery programme will be fully-integrated to deal with both your addiction and your co-occurring mental health issues.
Access to leading consultants means that treatment for comorbidity in the UK’s top rehabs is well-rounded and seeks to treat both the addiction and the mental health problem.
Therapies for dual diagnosis include:
- 1:1 Therapy
- Group therapy
- Family Therapy
- CBT, EMDR
- Couples Therapy, Experiential therapy
Call us on 0808 1150 446.
A clear mind is vital for therapy
If you are receiving treatment for both your addiction and your mental illness, then the first stage will be to detox.
Detox is a process where you allow all traces of drugs and alcohol to leave your system.
The length of this process will depend on the severity of your addiction and will usually take between 3-10 days.
Read more about the drug detoxification process.
This is focused on addiction. You will need to be stable and sober in order to continue with your treatment, which will then work towards approaching and improving your mental health.
There is a way out. Let us be the hand that guides you.
Recovery is possible
You may be thinking that everything is okay, that you can get better on your own, or that there is no hope left and you cannot get better. Recovery is possible!
Just read our success stories to see that getting treatment will bring back your happiness and health.
It’s every second of every day causing them to drink and use, amongst many other destructive addictions.
If you don’t know where to start, or what services are available to you, our friendly team at the Executive Rehab Guide are on-call 24/7 to provide you with the help and guidance you need.
