Substance addiction is not an easy feat to beat. From behavioural alterations to mood changes, narcotic substances induce significant transformation in an individual’s personality, sometimes at an irreversible level. With constant exposure to drugs or alcohol, the structure and functions of the brain are not far from being affected. Your thoughts, your feelings and your interactions then change. Here lies a compilation of 10 ways in which substance addiction can alter the person you are:

1. Increased Irritability and Aggression

Mood swings and irritability occur along with increased aggressiveness. Sometimes it’s a result of mood swings but often it’s brain chemistry – the individual lashes out more violently at particular stressors or stimuli.

2. Withdrawal from Social Interactions

Friends and family of people with addiction issues often express how their loved one whom they used to be close to pulled away, either to avoid situations where the addiction was apparent, out of guilty shame, a fear of confrontation, or to simply hide their problem. Thus, loneliness comes as a byproduct of an addict’s isolation from society and withdrawal from one’s personality.

3. Changes in Values and Priorities

The personality is often less altruistic as time goes by; as the addiction takes over the sufferer’s mentality, they put drugs or alcohol at the centre of their life and everything else can take a back seat for a while. This is not to say someone who has cancer suddenly becomes more self-centred – obsessive? certainly – but this is often a trait of the apprehensive personality, in which only survival counts.

4. Increased Anxiety and Paranoia

Substance use can also heighten levels of anxiety and paranoia; for certain drugs, these sensations are a direct effect. This can in turn change how a person perceives the world and others around them, resulting in an impulsive and paranoid distrust or disregard for others.

5. Loss of Empathy

Being caught in addiction typically reduces a person’s capacity for empathetic concern, as it can consume their capacity for thinking about the emotions and needs of others, instead creating a more egocentric perspective.

6. Risk-Taking Behavior

With addiction comes an increase of recklessness, and an externalisation of the unbound id, which may lead to gamble-ridden risks in order to procure more substances. This can take the form of driving when intoxicated, or unsafe sexual practices.

7. Difficulty Managing Emotions

Substance use impacting emotional self-regulation means that individuals can have more intense experiences of sadness, anger or anxiety when they are high or suffering a hangover, and, in this state, become significantly less schooled in the task of controlling and regulating their moods. One result is that one’s personality may suddenly change. You might go from being a rock to becoming a fragile, sensitive, anxious or angry ‘alien’.

8. Decline in Cognitive Function

The mental infirmities associated with dementia are the result of chronic substance use, specifically the way in which drugs damage cognitive functions, including memory, decision-making and problem-solving, which can lead to personality traits such as confusion or forgetfulness.

9. Changes in Self-Image

Addiction can change the way people see themselves. Some develop negative self-images and low esteem, for example, feeling ashamed or guilty about their substance use, which comes across in their socially withdrawn and lonely personalities.

10. Euphoria and Disconnection from Reality

Despite the pleasurable feelings that substances induce, a space can open up between the person and their tenacious, sensitive organism. The more extreme a space opens up, the more extreme the mental contractions it generates – and extreme contractions push the inner landscape into chaotic states that threaten stability and the established architecture of the personality. The new personality is oversensitive, agitated – somewhat shrunken but inflated in some parts, like a balloon enlarged by overinflation. As this mental state is both new and strange, it turns to the outside world for reassurance or fulfillment. Inevitably, the person’s interactions with others and the environment alters. Perceptions, feelings, thoughts and even needs begin to flow in a different way.

In turn, a greater recognition of just how damaging and transformative substance addiction can be to the personality can help to promote compassion for those caught in the grip of addiction – and, in support of that goal, encourage everyone to invest much more in addiction treatment than we have so far. Recovery is possible. All hope is not lost. But if addiction’s long-term impact on the personality is not properly understood, there will be little hope for those battling substance abuse to get the kind of help they need to rebuild their personality – and their life.

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Addiction and mental health disorders often go hand-in-hand. This phenomenon, known as co-occurring disorders, can significantly impact an individual’s recovery journey. If co-ocurring disorders are left untreated, it can exacerbate addiction symptoms, hinder treatment progress and increase the risk of relapse.

What are Co-Occurring Disorders?

Co-occurring disorders, also referred to as dual diagnosis, occur when an individual has both a substance use disorder and another mental health condition. These conditions can include:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Eating disorders

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) estimates that nearly half of individuals with a substance use disorder also have a co-occurring mental health disorder.

The Impact of Untreated Co-Occurring Disorders

Co-occurring disorders, if left untreated, it can have a devastating impact on an individual’s recovery journey. Here’s how:

• Increased Substance Use: Individuals with untreated mental health disorders are more likely to self-medicate with substances to cope with their symptoms. This can lead to a worsening of addiction and make it difficult to achieve sobriety.
• Reduced Treatment Effectiveness: When co-occurring disorders are not addressed, addiction treatment programs may be less effective. This is because the underlying mental health issues can interfere with the individual’s ability to engage in therapy and participate in recovery activities.
• Higher Risk of Relapse: Individuals with untreated co-occurring disorders are at a significantly higher risk of relapse. This is because they are more likely to experience triggers related to their mental health condition, which can lead to cravings and substance use.

The Importance of Integrated Treatment

Integrated treatment approaches are essential for successful recovery in individuals with co-occurring disorders. These programs address both the substance use disorder and the mental health condition simultaneously.

Integrated treatment may include:

• Individual therapy: This can help individuals address the underlying issues contributing to both their addiction and mental health condition.
• Group therapy: This provides a supportive environment for individuals to connect with others who understand their struggles.
• Medication management: In some cases, medication may be used to help manage symptoms of mental health disorders.
• Holistic therapies: These therapies, such as yoga or mindfulness meditation, can help individuals cope with stress and improve their overall well-being.

Conclusion

Co-occurring disorders are a common and serious challenge in addiction treatment. By understanding the link between these conditions and their impact on recovery, individuals can seek appropriate treatment and increase their chances of success for long term. If you or someone you know is struggling with co-occurring disorders, please reach out to Trucare Trust – best rehabilitation centre in Mumbai for help.

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Addiction is a complex disease that often goes hand-in-hand with other mental health conditions. These co-occurring disorders can significantly impact a person’s ability to recover from addiction, making it crucial to address both issues simultaneously.

In this blog post, we will explore some of the most common co-occurring disorders in addiction treatment and discuss the importance of integrated care.

Common Co-Occurring Disorders with Addiction

• Anxiety Disorders: Anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder, are highly prevalent among individuals with addiction. These conditions can lead to increased substance use as a way to self-medicate and cope with anxious feelings.
• Mood Disorders: Depression and bipolar disorder are also frequently seen alongside addiction. The symptoms of these disorders, such as low mood, hopelessness, and irritability, can contribute to substance use as a means of escape or self-harm.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Trauma and PTSD are often associated with increased risk of developing addiction. Individuals with PTSD may use substances to numb themselves from painful memories and emotions.
• Eating Disorders: Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, can co-occur with addiction due to shared underlying factors like body image concerns and impulsivity.

The Importance of Integrated Treatment

Addressing co-occurring disorders is essential for successful addiction recovery. Integrated treatment approaches, which combine addiction treatment with mental health services, have been shown to be more effective than treating each condition separately.

Integrated treatment can involve:

• Individual therapy: Addressing the underlying causes of both addiction and the co-occurring disorder.
• Group therapy: Providing support and connection with others who are struggling with similar challenges.
• Medication management: Prescribing medications to treat symptoms of the co-occurring disorder.
• Holistic therapies: Incorporating mindfulness, yoga, and other practices to promote overall well-being.

Conclusion

Co-occurring disorders are common in addiction treatment, and addressing them is crucial for long-term recovery. Integrated treatment approaches offer a comprehensive and effective way to manage both conditions simultaneously. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and a co-occurring disorder, seeking professional help is the first step towards healing and recovery.

Addressing dual diagnosis, the­ presence of me­ntal health issues combined with substance­ abuse, calls for an approach that tackles both simultaneously. This holistic strate­gy recognizes the intricate­ connection betwee­n these challenge­s and advocates for comprehensive­ treatment plans.

Dual Diagnosis: A Complex Re­ality

Experiencing a mental he­alth disorder alongside substance use­ disorder creates a comple­x situation requiring sophisticated care. Ne­glecting either aspe­ct hinders recovery progre­ss. Traditional methods often focused on one­ issue alone, leading to le­ss effective outcome­s. However, the holistic dual diagnosis tre­atment is a game-changer, offe­ring hope and healing.

Holistic Treatme­nt: Embracing Wholeness

Holistic treatme­nt centres lead the­ way in addressing dual diagnosis through an integrated, compre­hensive approach. They e­mbrace treating the whole­ person – mind, body and spirit – as crucial for effective­ recovery. This transformative e­xperience for those­ with co-occurring disorders encompasses se­veral key components.

Psychothe­rapy with a Holistic Lens

A cornerstone of dual diagnosis tre­atment, psychotherapy in holistic cente­rs adopts various modalities tailored to individual nee­ds. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Diale­ctical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and mindfulness-base­d therapies foster pe­rsonal growth and self-awareness, targe­ting both symptoms and root causes.

Integrate­d Treatment Approaches

Holistic tre­atment goes beyond usual me­thods by combining physical, emotional, and spiritual care. Doctors, psychologists, and other e­xperts use medicine­, counseling, acupuncture, yoga, and meditation toge­ther. This multi-layer plan helps pe­ople recover in a we­ll-rounded way.

Embracing Alternative The­rapies

New ideas in addiction care­ include sound therapy, art sessions, and working with horse­s. These let pe­ople express fe­elings creatively, without words. Exploring e­motions in new ways aids healing.

Tailored Programs for Dive­rse Needs

Holistic ce­nters know people are­ different. Their programs fit e­ach person’s background and needs. For instance­, there are tailore­d options for veterans and various cultures. This inclusive­ approach ensures suitable care­ for everyone.

The­ Importance of Community and Support

At holistic centers, pe­ople connect through group therapy, pe­er groups and bonding events. Fe­elings of acceptance and unde­rstanding are vital for recovery progre­ss. This supportive community nurtures growth and healing.

Finding Lasting Health with Care­ful Care

Treating people­ with both mental struggles and substance issue­s is hard. Dual diagnosis therapy helps in a big way. It knows mental he­alth and addiction problems are dee­ply connected. These­ special programs tackle all sides of a pe­rson’s challenges. They look at minds, bodie­s, and spirits. This well-rounded care le­ts people heal in me­aningful, compassionate ways.

When facing dual diagnosis troubles, finding a holistic tre­atment path is vital. These me­thods tend to every part of a pe­rson with patience. They re­vive hope and aim for genuine­, long-lasting wellness.

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