Addiction is a mental disorder, so it’s easy for other health problems to develop alongside it. Because of how common it is, it’s important for rehab centers to offer dual diagnosis treatment. People who suffer from addiction also benefit from understanding types of mental disorders.

Anxiety Disorder

Often, anxiety disorder is a common mental illness that accompanies addiction. People with the illness dread or fear specific situations. Common signs include sweating and rapid heartbeat. Additionally, anxiety disorder encompasses many types of anxiety, including panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and phobia.

As with many mental disorders, it’s normal for people to feel generally anxious from time to time. However, this can transform into a disorder when it keeps you from functioning normally. While anxiety and addiction commonly appear together, the combination is dangerous and often requires professional help.

Mood Disorders

Another mental illness that often co occurs with addiction is a mood disorder. Examples include:

• Depression
• Cyclothymic disorder
• Bipolar disorder
• Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder

Mood disorders affect normal functioning as well. For example, some mood disorders make people break out in angry fits, or fall into depression. In either case, if you fear your mood disorder is causing an addiction, it’s important to get help right away.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are dangerous mental conditions. People who use drugs usually develop certain eating disorders such as binge eating, bulimia nervosa, and anorexia nervosa.

However, while some people assume eating disorders are a lack of self-control, they often include extreme attitudes and feelings. The rush of emotions people feel during addiction likely leads to an eating disorder.

Types of Mental Disorders and Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Since mental disorders are so common among people suffering from addiction, rehab centers typically offer dual diagnosis treatment. This treatment is important because it addresses both the addiction and the disorder at the same time.

Keep in mind that all dual diagnosis treatment plans are different. Rehab centers adjust them to treat the specific disorders the client struggles with. Even then, people with the same disorders may respond differently to similar treatment.

Overcome Your Addiction and Accompanying Disorders

At Steps to Recovery, we don’t just want you to overcome your addiction. We want you to overcome other underlying mental disorders. Above all, we believe that treating them plays a key role in preventing future relapse. We offer a number of addiction and substance abuse treatment programs, including:

• Intensive outpatient programs
• Family counseling
• Partial hospitalization programs
• Individual and group therapy
• Sober living

Don’t let your addiction govern your life. Let our talented staff guide you to an enjoyable, drug-free life. Reach out to us today at 267.209.7312 for more information.