Mental Health Treatment Program at Women’s Recovery
“Not only do women experience co-occurring mental and substance use disorders at a higher rate than men, they tend to respond to treatment differently. Research has shown that women respond better to a supportive, rather than a confrontational approach. Our gender specific intensive outpatient program provides women both the flexibility and the support they need to get better.”
~ Sandra Loftin, M.D., Women’s Recovery Staff
The Importance of Mental Health During Recovery
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), more than half of people who suffer from addiction disorder also struggle with a mental health problem.
Yes, addiction and mental illness are like two peas in a pod. And here’s the biggest problem:
If someone struggles with mental health issues, like depression and anxiety, they may find it hard to overcome addiction without addressing the core reasons why they began abusing substances in the first place.
That’s why at Women’s Recovery, we provide mental health treatment to all of our patients. Even if a patient doesn’t have an officially diagnosed mental disorder, they’ll still receive counseling and therapy services.
Below, we’ll talk about the importance of mental health treatment for women, and discuss some of the services offered at Women’s Recovery.
Treatment Services for Co-Occurring Disorders
Struggling with addiction and mental health problems? Outpatient Treatment may be the answer.
A co-occurring disorder (or “dual diagnosis”) is the condition of having an addiction problem and a mental health problem at the same time. Roughly 9.2 million American adults struggle with co-occurring disorders per NSDUH (2018 data).
So if you struggle with addiction and mental health issues, you’re not alone. Millions of other people in the U.S are facing the same problems as you. And there are also people who want to help you get better.
At Women’s Recovery, we provide treatment for all of the most common co-occurring disorders, as well as some less-common ones. We treat addicts who struggle with a range of mental illnesses, including (but not limited to):
Anxiety comes in a few different forms. There’s social anxiety, for example, as well as a more generalized form of anxiety. Both conditions can promote addiction, as anxious people often use drugs or alcohol to cope with their anxiety.
Roughly 10% of all Americans report struggling with depression. Oftentimes, depressed people use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate. This doesn’t cure the problem, but prolongs and worsens it.
Eating disorders and substance abuse disorders have a lot in common. They may both stem from feelings of inadequacy. And, they both provide the addict with a sense of control over their own bodies. Therefore, many women suffer from both conditions simultaneously.
Around 50% of bipolar people also have a substance abuse problem. Oftentimes, people with bipolar disorder use drugs or alcohol to cope with their emotions. In order to overcome this or any other co-occurring disorder, the addict must seek substance abuse treatment.
PTSD is a complex and painful condition. When someone suffers through a traumatic experience such as rape or military combat, their brain chemistry is thrown off-balance. Many people with PTSD drink alcohol or do drugs to feel temporarily happy.
Our services don’t stop there, however. Our therapists and counselors will do their best to treat any type of co-occurring disorder you may have. And if they can treat it themselves, they’ll be happy to refer you to a doctor in your area who can.
Learn more about our Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment Program!
Trauma Treatment at Women’s Recovery
Trauma is one of the leading causes of drug addiction and alcoholism. Therapy can help addicts overcome their trauma and move on to a happier, healthier life.
Substance abuse and trauma are intimately linked. According to NIDA, nearly 80% of women who seek treatment for drug abuse report some history of sexual or physical trauma.
Oftentimes, addicts turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with the shame of their traumatic experiences. By getting drunk or high, they’re able to temporarily turn off their part of their brain that stores their traumatic memories.
Therefore, addicts must learn to cope with their traumatic experiences in a healthy way if they want to get sober. Our substance abuse treatment program includes therapy and counseling services to help them do so.
While not all addicts struggle with trauma disorder, many of them do. And unfortunately, many of them have not yet received a diagnosis or begun to confront their problem.
That’s why all of our patients are given mental health support during their time with us. Even if a person has not been diagnosed with PTSD or another trauma-related disorder, they’ll benefit from mental health treatment.
Is it time to change your life?
Learn more about our Outpatient Treatment Program and get the help you need.
How Are Co-Occurring Disorders Treated?
A dual diagnosis can be difficult to treat. After all, when someone struggles with mental illness, they may need medication. But if the person also has an addiction problem, they’re at risk of abusing their medication.
Therefore, co-occurring disorders can’t be treated only with medication. The addict must receive care for both their mental health and their substance abuse disorder.
By seeking treatment for both mental health and addiction, the addict may be able to overcome both conditions.
At Women’s Recovery, our SUD treatment program is three-tiered. They focus on treating addiction, mental health, and trauma all at once. This fully-integrated treatment model helps addicts to reach a state of optimal mental health.
In most cases, people with mental illness must treat their condition with medication. But, behavioral health services can help them get their addictive tendencies under control. Then, they can use medication without the risk of abuse or overdose.
Essentially, this model says that mental illness and addiction stem from three distinct causes:
- Social life: Your family, friends, and environment can impact your mental health or drive you toward addiction.
- Psychology: Your self-esteem, coping skills, and other psychological factors also play a part.
- Biology: Genetics play a key role in mental illness and addiction, as do physical disabilities.
No mental illness or addiction stems from a single cause. There are always multiple factors at play. But, some people are affected by one area of the model more than others.
For example, an addict may have a history of depression and alcoholism in their family. In order to overcome their genes, they must change other areas of their life. They’ll have to learn to use antidepressants responsibly while learning how to avoid drinking.
In rehab, you’ll work closely with doctors and therapists to identify the roots of your addiction. They’ll help you find the best possible treatment for your particular case.
Do I Need to Have a Diagnosis to Seek Mental Health Treatment?
Some addiction treatment centers require all patients to have a diagnosis. However, Women’s Recovery does not. If you think you might have a co-occurring disorder, you are welcome to enroll in our treatment program.
Upon entering the facility, you’ll undergo a series of meetings with doctors and therapists. They’ll identify your problems and develop a personalized treatment plan. If you receive a mental health diagnosis, your rehab plan will include the proper treatments.
So, you don’t need an “official” diagnosis to participate in this program. Don’t wait until you hit rock bottom. If you think you need help with an addiction, reach out as soon as possible.
Women’s Recovery: Helping Women Battle Addiction and Mental Illness
Are you ready to get your life back? Want to overcome your addiction and get your mental health under control? We’re ready to help!
Women’s Recovery is a substance abuse treatment center in Denver, CO. We provide a wide range of behavioral health services including therapy, counseling, and more. We love to help women move past drug addiction and into healthy, productive lives.