Many people discovering the importance of professional rehabilitation services for addiction suffer from what is known as a comorbidity. While this is a common occurrence, it can undoubtedly present unique challenges and hurdles that you need to address during treatment. It also creates problems because many don’t understand the meaning of the term.
Defining Comorbidity
To understand this condition, we need to gain an understanding of the definition of comorbidity. The term refers to the existence of two or more related issues in the same individual. Therefore, a person experiencing a substance use problem and a mental illness caused by severe trauma is suffering from comorbidity. Regardless of which condition came about first, both issues must be handled in the rehab setting to experience a complete recovery.
When Substance Use and Trauma Come Together
Many people remain unaware of how substance use and trauma can be interlinked. However, it’s common for these two factors to coincide in the same person. This is primarily due to the fact that surviving trauma can lead some people to use addictive substances. Typically, this happens because they’re looking for a way to dull the physical or emotional pain that the traumatic event caused. Inadvertently, they become used to the effects that the addictive substance creates, leading to a full-blown addiction over time.
Signs of Comorbidity Occurring
Do you know how to recognize the signs of a dual-diagnosis situation in a loved one? The following clues can tell you that a more advanced situation may be going on:
- Insistence on secrecy– Those facing substance use may insist on extreme privacy to keep their issues hidden from others.
- Failure to maintain essential duties– Basic duties such as shopping, paying bills, taking care of children, or cleaning the home may become impossible if addictive substances influence someone.
- Lack of proper hygiene– Those facing addiction often do not have the time or the energy to maintain proper daily hygiene habits.
- Failing health– A person dealing with substance use will often find their health suffers in a variety of ways. These issues will usually worsen as the problem continues unaddressed.
- Increasing depression or anxiety– Depression, anxiety, and mood swings are prevalent in those dealing with substance use. These emotional symptoms may worsen with time.
Treating Co-Existing Addiction and Trauma
When comorbidity does occur, treatment options must extend to cover all the conditions that are present. Trauma and addiction result in many issues with relationships, communication, trust, isolation, and other serious adverse consequences. Through intensive counseling, behavioral modification, and similar interventions, you can find relief and recovery.
Supporting a Loved One Who Is Suffering
The process of supporting a loved one suffering from addiction can be a considerable weight to carry. By seeking trauma treatment and young adult rehab programs, you can find the best treatment options to help your family rediscover peace. As you work together to locate the best rehab facility, merely offering a shoulder to lean on can mean a lot to your family member. Red Oak Recovery® is a skilled rehab center providing an array of helpful addiction therapy services in the Asheville, NC area. Red Oak excels at producing quality clinical, organic, and experiential therapeutic approaches to care during addiction treatment. Those who have experienced a trauma or co-existing condition can also rest assured that a focus will be on all of their unique needs. Don’t let addiction prevent you from living the type of life you desire to have. You can gain victory over addiction issues by seeking proper help through a high-quality rehab center. Call Red Oak Recovery® at 866-457-7590 to discover how our professional team can help you with comorbidity.
