I thought for sure this rehab would mimic the scene of a psychiatric hospital, and my contempt couldn’t have proven to be more inaccurate. Not only did the treatment center educate and provide resources on recovery from long-term substance abuse, but the therapists also diagnosed me with anxiety and complex PTSD. At first I assumed my drug use was the culprit of these untreated mental health disorders. The underlying mental disorders were only “adding fuel to the fire” and ultimately led to inflammation of my dormant substance abuse issues.
Self medicating with drugs and alcohol, I was never treating either disorder. For as long as I can remember, I exemplified characteristics of both co-occurring disorders. It wasn’t until I was forced into solitude and digging through the wreckage of my past, that I was able to work with professionals in identifying the reality of what I was up against. Avoiding the remnants of trauma from my childhood had become normality for me. Addiction was prevalent on both sides of my genetic lineage and my ignorance made me the perfect candidate for crossing over the threshold into full blown substance abuse.
I was fortunate enough to find myself in a dual diagnosis treatment center nearby that not only addressed by addiction but my untreated mental health disorders as well. I spent 1 day a week with a psychiatrist, 3 days a week with a psychologist, and indulged in caseload group therapy sessions daily. Initially, I was burnt out and less than enthralled. The welcoming atmosphere cultivated my willingness to share in vulnerability and pursue long-term sobriety.
I was surrounded by other addicts suffering from co-occurring mental disorders as well. It was impossible to feel isolated and alone in this type of atmosphere. Ranging from ADHD, anxiety, major depression, and bipolar disorder, it was rare that I come in contact with other addicts not suffering from one of these mental health disorders. All of these people were just like me, walking through life uneducated on what they were truly up against.
I was no exception. I experienced trauma at a very young age. I attribute my fundamental inability to cope on the traumatic events of my childhood.While in treatment, I was educated on the disease of addiction and my co-occurring PTSD. For as long as I can remember, I self-medicated to escape the aftermath of my trauma and thus the propelled the cycle of my dual diagnosis. I learned, that true healing required me to walk through my mental health disorders as valiantly as I walked through my substance abuse disorder.
According to NIDA, every addict requires a recovery plan that best suits their individualized therapeutic needs. It is important therapy promotes a safe and positive collaboration between the addict and therapist. Avoiding condemnation and confrontation, the therapist must empathize with the patient in order to establish a secure and trustworthy relationship. Education in therapy is also quintessential for recovery, it is important the addict understand that addiction is a disease and not a matter of willpower. Through setting expectations the individual will set goals to accomplish throughout the duration in therapy which will ultimately encourage taking further steps towards positive behaviors.
Dual diagnosis therapy for co-occurring disorders requires an individualized recovery plan. An onsite psychiatrist is crucial for success. A psychiatrist can aid in diagnosis, medication, and any necessary psychiatric therapy. Incorporating the psychiatric resources along with group, educational, and creative therapy proves to be the most effective remedy for dual diagnosis individuals. The stigma of mental disorders have been smashed when merging dual diagnosis treatment into the recovery process. As I begin to unravel the painful memories of my past I am walking through new anxieties and physiological responses to the memories I have “locked-down” for almost 20 years of my life. Sharing my experiences with other women struggling with co-occurring disorders gives me hope.
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