When a person has a drug addiction, a doctor may not offer the correct diagnosis. Accordingly, there is a crucial need for excellent drug treatment centers. People living in modern America have more knowledge about mental illnesses. However, people still tend to judge others with substance abuse and mental health disorders. People who are diagnosed with the lifestyle and symptoms of abuse often receive advice to just “drop” their issues and get on with their lives. This attitude is especially not helpful for those suffering from a dual diagnosis. Here are the reasons that individuals find it difficult to ignore and just snap out of their mental illnesses:
A Mental Disorder is a Medical Condition
One way to help people understand the complexities of a mental disorder is to think about it as a physical condition. Nobody would advise someone with chronic back pain to snap out of the condition. No one would tell a back pain sufferer that they are simply trying to receive sympathy. A wise person would not advise this person to avoid taking pain medicine or inform the sufferer that their back problem is an illusion.
Consequently, people should not tell those who are mentally ill that thinking about positive events will conquer their depression. This tactic does not work for a person who is mentally ill. A mental illness is just as exhausting as a serious physical illness. A person who suffers from a mental disorder or addiction issue may require extensive treatment.
Addiction as it Relates to Mental Illness
Similarly to any mental health disorder, an addiction alters the chemistry in a person’s brain. This change may have devastating effects. Many alcoholics and drug addicts become addicted because of their mental illnesses. A person who is addicted to a drugs may suffer from chronic depression or anxiety because substance addiction can cause mental illness.
Nevertheless, a doctor should consider both conditions to find the right treatment plan. Sadly, many doctors do not recognize dual conditions. They only see an addiction or a mental illness instead of viewing each condition as part of the whole picture.
Treating one problem without paying attention to a second condition often causes an unsuccessful result. A treatment center doctor may treat the patient for substance abuse but ignore the patient’s mental illness. The doctor may not even understand that the patient has a mental condition requiring extensive treatment.
A patient who does not receive treatment for a mental illness typically drinks alcoholic or takes narcotics as forms of self-medication. These mentally ill patients continue to abuse various substances because this is the only way they find relief. That’s why it’s critical to find a treatment center that will address both the substance abuse and any underlying mental illness.
Sympathy for People Suffering from Mental Illnesses
Implying that a person caused their own mental illness is a serious mistake. Although rarely true, people do not bring on their own mental illnesses. Instead, they are involved in a constant personal battle between addiction and a mental disorder. A person would not blame their friend who was recently diagnosed with cancer. Likewise, a person should not tell a depressed individual that it is all their own fault.
Get Help with Drug Addiction in Scottsdale and Phoenix
At Purpose Healing Center, we can help you with the treatment of drug abuse in Phoenix. Contact us today to learn more.