The Underlying Issues of Addiction and How Dual Diagnosis Rehab Helps for Lasting Recovery
Addiction is often thought of as a singular issue, with physical addiction to a certain substance being the only problem. However, addiction comes with underlying issues that are unique to each individual. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment plan. When recovering from addiction, you must heal the whole person, including the underlying issues that may trigger a relapse if left untreated. The underlying addiction issues vary widely, but there are common factors that are often seen in addiction recovery.
Previous Prescriptions
Many people become addicted to drugs after a physician prescribes a controlled substance. [1] Their doctor may prescribe medication for pain management, a mental health condition, or a physical issue. Unfortunately, some prescription medication is highly addictive. If they are only given enough for a short amount of time, such as after surgery, they may experience withdrawal symptoms and seek more. Opioid prescriptions, in particular, have sparked an epidemic of addictions across the country. All ages and demographics are susceptible to addiction to prescribed drugs. [2] Of course, prescription use, particularly for opioids, has adjusted once the side effects were seen.
Poor Self-Image
Many people with addiction also suffer from having an extremely negative self-image, which leads them to participate in self-destructive behavior, including drug use. If you cannot construct a positive self-image, it is nearly impossible to recover from addiction without help.
We can help you cope with low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety, leading to a poor self-image. Creating a new perspective allows you to combat addiction symptoms by using tools that are unavailable to you when you think poorly of yourself. Having a treatment plan that helps you learn how to cope with stress, depression, and anxiety in productive ways gives you the best chance at success.
Family History
People who have a family history of drug use and addiction are more likely to become addicted to drugs themselves. The reasons why are typically a combination of accessibility, genetic predisposition, and learned behavior. A family history of drug use may normalize addiction, and many people suffering from addiction were introduced to drugs or alcohol by family members or close friends.
When you have a family history of addiction, creating a strong support network is essential. One way to do that is to find a dual diagnosis rehab center where you can meet with therapists to understand better the underlying causes that may drive your addiction. You can also learn how to expand your network of friends and support so that you don’t automatically fall back into old patterns of behavior.
Past Trauma
Past trauma is one of the most common underlying issues of addiction. When someone doesn’t face those issues, they may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope. [3] This can lead to a devastating cycle, as the withdrawal symptoms can often trigger symptoms brought on by past trauma.
When you have past trauma that you have been unable to cope with, you need a treatment plan that teaches you healthy coping mechanisms and helps you heal physically and emotionally from the traumatic event or events. If you have not been able to work through and heal from your past trauma, it is going to be extremely difficult to avoid relapsing. You must treat past trauma and your current addiction simultaneously to have the best chance of success. Behavioral therapy, as well as addressing your physical health, will help you create new habits and work through your past trauma.
Mental Health Disorders
Mental health disorders and addiction often go hand in hand[4], and dual diagnosis rehab options are becoming more accessible. When people try to self-medicate their mental health disorders, it can lead to a cycle of addiction that is hard to break out of. To fully recover, you must treat your mental and physical health as two sides of the same coin. Dual diagnosis rehab allows you to treat your mental health disorder and your addiction simultaneously, leading to a lower chance of relapsing and a higher chance of success. Recovery centers that only address addiction’s physical symptoms are often a revolving door because they aren’t treating the underlying issues of addiction for each person.
Dual Diagnosis Rehab for the Underlying Issues of Addiction
At Silver Sands Recovery, we are experienced in helping people who need dual diagnosis rehab recover from addiction. We know that to fully recover from an addiction, you need to address the underlying issues that cause a relapse. Dual diagnosis rehab treatment plans, holistic options, and 12-step programming help you transition to your local support group once you have recovered in a supervised environment. Contact us to determine how we can help you or your loved ones recover from addiction and address the underlying issues unique to your situation.
Sources:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4250400/
[2] https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/opioids/opioid-overdose-crisis
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3188414/
[4]https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/comorbidity-substance-use-disorders-other-mental-illnesses
About the author:
Lisa Waknin is the Founder and Director of Silver Sands Recovery, located in Prescott, Arizona. Lisa started Silver Sands Recovery after immersing herself in the addiction treatment world for several years to figure out what could be done differently to help her daughter and others like her to overcome addiction and stay sober. She believes in a hands-on treatment approach, which includes taking someone out of their environment, providing a 90-day program in a structured environment. During treatment, clients not only recover physically but also learn to live their life again. Lisa is a sought-after expert speaker for recovery support groups, charities, schools, communities, and companies wanting to educate themselves on the explosion of opiate and heroin abuse in our country and the best way to understand, treat, and beat it.
