Co-occurring Addictions

It is not all that uncommon for people to struggle an addiction and a mental health disorder at the same time. When this happens, they are often referred to as having a “co-occurring addiction” or “dual diagnosis.” A dual diagnosis or co-occurring addiction means that a person may have at least two conditions occurring at the same time and they are interacting with one other. These are also, sometimes, called co-occurring disorders or comorbidities. No matter the term, having multiple mental health problems that interact with one another at the same time presents a complexity that requires specialized treatment.

Coeur d’Alene Counseling offers the skills and expertise to treat co-occurring disorders. The conditions that commonly occur alongside process addictions, such as sex addiction, are anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorders and Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Consider the example of the person who has a social anxiety disorder may turn to alcohol as a way to help ease the symptoms that result from that condition. However, self-medicating in this way often only serves to make the problems worse. The underlying issues of the social anxiety disorder are left unaddressed, and the alcohol problem gets worse as the person becomes more reliant on it to cope. Or, alternately, someone who has a habit of binge drinking may develop depression as result of alcohol’s effects on their brain and their behavior.

Help for Co-occurring Addictions

Coeur d’Alene Counseling excels at treating those who struggle with a dual diagnosis, even those who have tried and failed treatment many times before. We excel because our strong circle of mental health professionals place an emphasis on thoroughly understanding each client to uncover any secondary or co-occurring conditions that often accompany a primary diagnosis, in addition to teaching them the skills needed to navigate these disorders.

Too often, a client’s treatment will be focused primarily on one disorder. Our belief is that leaving co-occurring conditions unaddressed increases the risk for relapse. Dual diagnoses often feed off of one another, so when left untreated, the symptoms of one condition can jump start the symptoms of another. Our trauma-focused and brain-based approach helps us find and treat the root cause of the client’s addictions.

Ref.: The Meadows

Co-occurring Addictions Treatment

At Coeur d’Alene Counseling, we understand the seriousness of dual diagnosis. In a safe and nurturing community composed of their peers, clients are guided on their journey of recovery by examining the underlying causes of addiction and co-occurring disorders.

The goal is for these individuals to gain the courage and personal resources to face difficult issues, including grief and loss; heal from emotional trauma; and become accountable for their own feelings, behaviors, and recovery.

For more information, phone us at (208) 755-7114.

Testimonials

"Coeur d'Alene Counseling understood the severity of my illness and helped me resolve rooted issues formed as a young girl. The program’s curricula and methodology allowed me to reconnect to my family."

Client
"This program allowed me to heal from the destructive patterns of Love Addiction. I now live a life filled with hope and serenity. "

Client
"I was unaware that Love Addiction had such a powerful control over my mind. It wasn’t until my life became unmanageable and chaotic that I sought help. Coeur d'Alene Counseling’s expertise and guidance gave me tools to find freedom. I am now a whole, authentic woman who lives a peaceful, purposed filled life. "

Client
"My staff says that I am more approachable and much better about communicating with them. I am more present to their needs and I am being told that their work environment is much better place. I am so grateful to Coeur d'Alene Counseling!"

- Patient
"My children say they see a change in me. They say that they feel really loved by me. There is something different about me now. It’s through the tools I have learned through Coeur d'Alene Counseling that has helped me to be a better father."

- Patient
"I felt that I could never be helped because my addiction wasn’t something that could be treated. But I was wrong – thank God I found Coeur d'Alene Counseling."

- Patient
"I didn’t realize that this sense of security I developed with myself and my wife was even possible until Coeur d'Alene Counseling came into my life."

- Patient
"The program helped me to find myself – figure out who the real me is. I found a sense of wellbeing that has opened doors I never knew were available."

- Patient
"Coeur d'Alene Counseling’s program changed my life. The course of my marriage was an almost certain divorce. Now it’s an authentic trusting and loving relationship."

- Patient
"Rarely was there a moment that I did not feel like I was at my end. This program has taught me to strengthen my mind, and sobriety is leading me to a future."

- Patient
"I have a relationship with my kids again."

- Patient
"This program helped me become the man my wife wanted."

- Patient
"Sex addiction nearly took my life. Recovery has saved it"

- Patient
"Dread was my most feared feeling. Now I can hardly remember feeling it."

- Patient
"The program has helped me begin loving myself"

- Patient
"I thought I would never find some peace. I found some."

- Patient