Many times, addiction and mental illness go hand-in-hand. Unfortunately, many people who struggle with an untreated mental health disorder may turn to drugs to cope. Likewise, many people struggling with addiction may develop a mental health disorder because of the debilitating effects of addiction. If you are unsure if you are struggling with an addiction or a mental health disorder, keep reading.
Outpatient LA is a leading outpatient drug rehab in Los Angeles that is here to help as many clients as possible overcome addiction and achieve lasting sobriety. We understand that no two recovery journeys are ever the same. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range of California drug and alcohol rehab programs so you can receive the right care for your unique recovery needs. Contact us today!
Signs You Are Struggling with Addiction
Addiction is a debilitating disease that can harm your health and quality of life for the worse. Addiction impacts your brain chemistry and causes you to develop a dependency on the substance or behavior you are addicted to. Unfortunately, many people who abuse addictive substances are inevitably at a heightened risk of developing a drug addiction.
If you are unsure of whether or not you are struggling with a drug addiction, below are several common signs to look out for:
- Being unable to quit abusing a drug or alcohol
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you don’t consume the drug
- Developing a tolerance such that you need to consume more to achieve the desired effect
- Engaging in riskier behavior than usual
- Being in denial or defensive of your drug or alcohol abuse
- Obsessing over the next time you’ll be able to use the drug
Along with the above signs, you’ll also likely be struggling with general physical and mental health decline, from a lack of motivation and energy to an overall decline in work or school performance.
Signs You Are Struggling with a Mental Health Disorder
There is a wide variety of mental health disorders. It’s critical to first understand that each type of mental health disorder has its own set of unique signs and symptoms. In general, if you suspect you may be struggling with a mental health disorder, below are several signs and symptoms you should look out for:
- Mood changes
- Significant sleep changes
- Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Lack of energy or motivation
- Decline in work or school performance
Are You Struggling with a Co-Occurring Disorder?
If you are struggling to know if you are suffering from an addiction or a mental health disorder, you may have a co-occurring disorder. This means that you may be struggling with a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder at the same time.
Many people who struggle with an addiction are also at risk for suffering from a mental health disorder (and vice versa). In fact, according to SAMHSA, around 21.5 million adults in the United States have a co-occurring disorder. If you suspect you are struggling with a co-occurring disorder, it’s critical you seek a professional diagnosis so you can receive the right support for your exact recovery needs. This is because people diagnosed with a co-occurring disorder need to seek treatment for both their conditions at the same time. Otherwise, failure to treat one condition but not the other can increase their risk of relapsing.
Help Is Available
Millions of people struggle with addiction and mental illness each year. Whether you are struggling with a substance use disorder, mental illness, or co-occurring disorder, it’s critical you seek the professional support you need to safely and effectively recover and lead a healthier, happier life. You should never feel alone when it comes to receiving the help you need to treat your addiction or a mental health disorder.
At Outpatient LA, our team of addiction specialists are here to help you every step of the way on your road to recovery. We offer a wide variety of addiction treatment options and programs to meet you right where you are on your recovery journey. Contact us today to learn more about how we can best support your recovery journey.