Facing an Addiction, Co-Occurring Disorder, and Treatment

An addiction to alcohol or drugs is never an easy battle to face. The disease of addiction can be daunting. And when an individual is also confronted with another obstacle to work through such as a co-occurring mental health condition like depression, schizophrenia, or borderline personality disorder, it may be even more overwhelming. Treatment for both the addiction and the co-occurring disorder are needed.

At Recovery First Treatment Center, an American Addiction Centers’ treatment facility, we provide care to treat individuals who are battling addiction while facing co-occurring disorders. Located in Hollywood, Florida, it’s a warm location to welcome individuals and to help them get on the road to recovery.

Co-occurring disorders may be more common than some may have been led to believe. According to a combination of some statistics pulled from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the National Institute of Mental Health, this is a peek into the window of mental health and substance use disorders:

• Men are more likely to be diagnosed with a co-occurring disorder than women are.
• Over half of individuals with substance use disorders may likely have a co-occurring mental illness.
• Roughly 1/3 of individuals with alcohol use disorders may likely have a co-occurring mental illness.
• Compared to the general population, Veterans have disproportionately high rates of co-occurring disorders.
• An individual who has been diagnosed with a co-occurring disorder is more likely to also have a serious medical condition.
• Nearly half of all individuals with a severe mental illness (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder) have a substance use disorder as well.

But those struggling with addiction don’t have to suffer in silence. Recovery First Treatment Center provides medical detox, residential treatment, intensive rehabilitation, an intensive outpatient program (IOP), as well as a partial hospitalization program (PHP). We do this while simultaneously treating co-occurring mental health conditions.

Right from the beginning, we provide a solid foundation from which to start an individual’s path to long-term sobriety. At the time of admission, we review an individual’s medical history, provide a physical exam, and perform other tests to find out their current health status in order to determine the first step that would work best for them.

Co-occurring disorders that are often associated with some sort of substance use disorders:

• Eating disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa, bulimia).
• Major depressive disorders.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Schizophrenia/psychotic disorders.
• Anti-social personality disorder/borderline personality disorder
• Anxiety disorders.
• Attention deficit disorder.
• Bipolar disorders.

Recovery First understands the needs of individuals battling an addiction. We want you to know that we are here to help and that we meet you exactly where you are emotionally. Recovery First Treatment Center provides an option for individuals struggling with a substance use disorder or an alcohol use disorder, as well as co-occurring mental health disorders. No one has to suffer alone or in the silence of their own mind. It only takes you taking one step at a time in order to move in the direction to live a healthy and productive life.