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.