Addiction and mental health often co-occur, requiring integrated treatment approaches.
Comprehensive recovery addresses both addiction and mental health for lasting change.
Addiction and mental health are deeply interconnected. For many, these issues don’t exist in isolation. Instead, they feed into one another, creating what professionals call a “dual diagnosis.” At Broadway Lodge, we understand how complex this can be and offer specialised care for those facing these challenges.
This blog will explore the relationship between addiction and mental health disorders, the challenges of dual diagnosis and how Broadway Lodge provides a supportive solution. If you or your loved one is struggling with mental health and addiction, know that recovery is possible, and we’re here to help.
The connection between addiction and mental health
Addiction and mental health conditions often co-occur. Studies show that nearly half of those who experience a mental health disorder will also struggle with substance use at some point and vice versa.
But why?
- Self-medication: Those battling mental health conditions like anxiety or depression often turn to substances such as alcohol or drugs in an attempt to cope. Initially, they might feel temporary relief but, over time, this can escalate into dependency.
- Chemical changes in the brain: Prolonged substance use can alter brain chemistry, potentially triggering mental health conditions such as paranoia, depression or panic disorders.
- Shared risk factors: Genetic predisposition, trauma and stressful environments often contribute to both mental health conditions and addiction.
Ultimately, addiction and mental health conditions can entangle someone in a damaging cycle, making both issues harder to treat without addressing them together.
The challenges of dual diagnosis
A dual diagnosis can complicate treatment. This is because the symptoms of addiction and mental health conditions often overlap, making it harder to identify their root causes.
For example, is someone feeling anxious because of alcohol withdrawal, or do they have an underlying anxiety disorder? Similarly, could depressive symptoms stem from substance use, or are they part of a pre-existing mental health condition?
These challenges underscore the importance of seeking care from professionals trained in dual diagnosis treatment. A holistic approach is essential to break the cycle and promote lasting recovery.
How Broadway Lodge addresses dual diagnoses
At Broadway Lodge, we recognise that dual diagnosis requires a specialised, compassionate approach tailored to each individual. Here’s how we support our clients facing this challenge:
1. Comprehensive assessment
Before beginning treatment, we take the time to understand each client’s unique circumstances. Our qualified team conducts a thorough assessment to identify both the addiction and potential mental health conditions. This ensures the development of a personalised care plan.
2. Medically managed detox
For those struggling with physical dependency, our medically managed detox programme offers 24/7 medical care to ensure physical withdrawal symptoms are safely managed. We take great care to address the mental challenges during this phase, too, providing emotional support throughout treatment.
3. Therapeutic Interventions
Dual diagnosis requires more than a medical detox alone. That’s why we combine medical treatment with a range of therapeutic interventions led by counsellors and therapists to bring about positive behaviour change, such as:
- Individual counselling to explore the root causes of both addiction and mental health challenges.
- Group therapy to challenge attitudes, beliefs and behaviours.
- Workshops on relapse prevention and building healthier coping mechanisms.
- Relaxation techniques, like auricular acupuncture, to support both emotional and physical well-being.
- Specialist therapy sessions including compassion focused therapy for individuals who have low self-worth and a loud inner-critic as well as EMDR, particularly beneficial for individuals who have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We also hold a trauma informed therapy group for clients who have experienced trauma in their life, and offer hypnotherapy which is particularly beneficial for treating phobias and anxiety.
4. Skilled multidisciplinary team
Our team includes medical professionals, therapists and counsellors experienced in treating dual diagnoses. This collaborative approach ensures all aspects of a client’s care are addressed simultaneously, boosting the chances of recovery.
5. Peer and family support
We believe healing extends beyond the individual. For this reason, we offer support groups and a family programme to help educate and support loved ones in the recovery process.
Steps towards recovery
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and mental health challenges, knowing when to seek help is the first step. Signs that professional support may be needed include:
- A history of multiple relapses.
- Severe withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures or hallucinations.
- Self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
- Persistent feelings of anxiety, depression or being “out of control.”
You don’t have to face this alone. At Broadway Lodge, we’re here to provide expert care in a safe, compassionate environment. Recovery is about addressing the whole person, not just the addiction.
Reassurance for families and loved ones
For families, watching a loved one struggle with dual diagnosis can be heartbreaking. You might feel helpless or unsure of how to provide support. We’re here to reframe that sense of despair into hope. With professional treatment, individuals can not only overcome addiction but also develop healthy, productive lives alongside managing their mental health conditions.
Your support can make all the difference. Sometimes, just encouraging someone to take that first step towards treatment is the key to starting their recovery journey.
Tackling addiction and mental health concurrently is challenging—but it’s also life-changing. With dual diagnosis treatment, recovery is possible.
If you or someone you know is considering beginning their recovery journey from addiction, contact us to find out about treatment at Broadway Lodge, call our admissions department on 01934 815515 (9am-5pm Monday to Friday) or email hello@broadwaylodge.og.uk.
