Many of those addicted to alcohol and drugs also have mental illness. The estimates are as high as 40%. The connection has long been known by the mental health profession. When a person has addiction issues and mental illness, this co-diagnosis is known as comorbidity. The good news is that drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers are aware of comorbidity and are equipped to treat both the substance abuse and the mental illness.

In this Rehabilitation Guide you will learn if rehabilitation centers also offer mental health counseling and how you can get help.

Common Mental Illnesses and Disorders Associated with Substance Abuse

Depression is common in those with substance abuse problems. It is often the depression that leads a person to seek relief in drugs and alcohol, though it can certainly work the other way too. Bipolar disorder is also found in many addicts. It has been estimated that as many as 35% of those with bipolar disorder also suffer from addiction at some point. Panic disorders, anxiety disorders and some personality disorders have also been linked with substance abuse in this way.

Treatment for Mental Illness and Addiction

When someone enters a rehabilitation center, thorough mental and physical exams are given in order to evaluate their condition. Tests are given that look for both addictions and the evidence of mental illness, mental disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders and more.

Once the results are determined, a program of treatment is developed. A team made up of medical and mental health professionals work together to find the best solutions for the individual based on their specific needs.

In many cases, the treatment will start with detoxification that is designed to remove the drugs and alcohol from the body. Once these substances are out of the body, the treatments will be far more effective.

Medication might be part of the program. It can be used to treat depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, addictive cravings and more. Individual counseling and group counseling will also be provided. This counseling is commonly called therapy. The specific type of therapy used will be tailored to the needs of the individual.

Your Treatment Options

Talking with your doctor can be a helpful first step. Or, if you are aware of a treatment program in your area that you would like to enter, make a call. The center will have an admitting process and part of the process will be to get in touch with your physician if you have one.

The admitting personnel will want to know about your health insurance since most policies now cover all or part of substance abuse and mental health treatment. What level of coverage you have, and how much you can afford to pay on your own, will help the staff plan a customized treatment course that is right for you.

Drug dependency and mental illness, or comorbidity, is very common. Drug and alcohol rehab centers as well as mental health hospitals have developed very effective programs to help individual find relief from both problems. They are giving help and hope to those with mental illness as well as substance addiction.