Dual-Diagnosis

Addiction can manifest itself in other ways besides drug or alcohol abuse. During treatment individuals are removed from their drugs and alcohol. Thus, it is not unusual for other addictive behaviors to surface. At Harmony Place, we work with clients to identify such behaviors. We endeavor to guide our clients toward recovery from all addictive behaviors.

“‘Process addictions are repetitive behaviors sometimes referred to as behavioral addictions.” In the short term, some behaviors provide a “reward,” and survival depends on certain rewards. For example, eating and sex are pleasurable biological processes, so the reward is the impetus for the reproduction and survival of the species.

Current evidence reveals that behavior addictions possess features that resemble those of substance abuse disorder. These behavior addictions serve to provide the same type of immediate gratification that is derived from substance use. They both offer rewards that will incentivize individuals to repeat the behavior or activity despite any negative consequences that follow or that interfere with day-to-day living.

Behavior addictions may initiate feelings of tension or excitement before performing the behavior and a sense of pleasure or relief when the behavior is completed. Over time, behavioral addictions, like drug or alcohol dependence, become more compulsive and less pleasurable, often leading to severe substance use disorder.

Afterward, individuals typically experience guilt or regret their actions. At this point, the behaviors are acted out to avoid adverse effects (such as reducing anxiety or quiet obsessions).

Out of all Americans battling diagnosable mental disorders, about half also struggle with co-occurring drug or alcohol addiction. Since only about 10 percent of the people who suffer from addiction ever receive treatment, either from inpatient or outpatient treatment programs, there are many people out there carrying on with untreated mental health and substance abuse struggles. If you or your loved one is struggling with either a substance use disorder, mental health disorder, or both, call us at Harmony Place treatment center.

There are so many psychiatric disorders out there that there’s no universal way to identify them all, but if we had to boil it down to a manageable list, here are some common signs to look for in somebody who might be struggling with mental illness:

• Distinct, visceral mood swings
• Frequent expressions of anger and frustration
• Social isolation
• Struggling to keep up with daily tasks
• Suicidal mentions or ideations
• Changes in sleeping and eating habits
• Heavy substance use
• Paranoia, excessive anxiety
• Unexplained cuts, injuries, and ailments

Many addicts with a secondary disorder (aka co-occurring disorder) recognize that they can’t stop using substances, gambling, drinking, etc., on their own. Likewise, many of these same people wouldn’t be able to continue to indulge in this behavior if enablers weren’t helping them. An enabler, aka a codependent, commonly rescue anyone caught up in any of the compulsive or addictive, self-destructive behaviors mentioned above. This keeps all parties from living a fulfilling life.

10 Tips to Stop Enabling the Person with Co-Occurring Disorders in Your Life

1. Stop providing money that allows the addict to gamble, purchase drugs or alcohol, or participate in any other addictive pastimes.
2. Do not pay bills, fines, rent, or food expenses for the addict. This helps that person find his or her own way through the debt and damages that he or she has incurred.
3. Avoid repaying loans that the addict has accrued and stop providing money to pay back friends from whom the addict has borrowed money.
4. Don’t lie to cover up or trivialize the facts about the addict’s actions or behavior.
5. Stop making excuses for the addict or helping him or her by calling in sick or apologizing on his or her behalf for not attending events or appointments.
6. Do not do anything for the addict that he or she should be able to do when sober or clean.
7. Avoid joining an addict in his or her addictive activities; this includes buying lottery tickets if you have a partner who gambles or buying alcohol and drinking around an alcoholic.
8. Do not lend, gift, or give an addict items that he or she can sell or pawn for money. Any item with even nominal value is easy cash for an addict.
9. Set your boundaries and stick to them. Do not make threats, and do not back down on your consequences.
10. Be aware of codependent tendencies that cause you to want to rescue or save the addict that you are close to. You may need to receive counseling yourself to identify the codependent behaviors in yourself.