co-occurring disorders

Depression & Addiction, Co-Occurring Treatment

February 14, 2018 // by Aton Center

Depression and Addiction. Both depression and addiction can be complicated conditions and when they occur at the same time either and both can exasperate a person’s sense of dysphoria and discomfort. These conditions are multifaceted in that they are related to genetics, environment, medical, social, and spiritual concerns.

Often the simplest way to start to address these issues though is to work on the most concrete concern regarding the addiction itself. Some clients I have worked with are happy to report that much of their mood struggles relate back to the roller coaster of emotions caused by their substance problems. They are relieved to see that what they thought was “depression” as in fact substance induced and goes into remission with sobriety. This could happen as quickly as with in a few days of detox but for others may take a few weeks or months.

However a simple answer that being sober will cure depression is not accurate for many. The removal of the “self-medicating” can reveal and underlying and persistent depression that is an entity all to itself. A person whose depression is not adequately addressed in early recovery could prompt a person to want to return back to the mood altering substances in the first place. The bad news is that there are no short term solutions that can provide the kind of immediate relief that drugs and alcohol with out catastrophic consequences. The good news is that engaging in the healthy behaviors that promote recovery from substances are also likely to have a positive effect on depression as well. Improving socialization, attending to medical/psychiatric concerns, eating well and exercising can all help one to feel better over time.

Also researching depression specific treatments can be very effective in giving the problem attention while also preventing relapse. Remember depression will often alter your thinking in a distorted fashion. The truth is that it can take effort but there is a way to recovery both from addiction and depression.

Chad K. Cox PsyD
AToN Center 888-535-1516

Using Buddhist and Western Psychological Approach to Address Co-Co-occurring Disorders

September 8, 2017 // by Aton Center

Buddhist and Western psychological approaches for ending or curtailing suffering help those in active addiction. The following research article does an excellent job on identifying the similarities and differences between both therapeutic practices. http://lchc.ucsd.edu/MCA/Mail/xmcamail.2006_10.dir/att-0240/01-Buddhist_perspectives.pdf

From a Buddhist perspective, suffering is essentially caused by three harmful conditions: Craving, hatred and the identification of the separate “self”. As this article notes, “Such toxins of the mind are regarded, in Buddhism, as the source of all mental suffering”. Those familiar with the heighten anxiety or depression while in active drug use can attest to the mental suffering that is experienced.

Those suffering from active addiction and/or co-occurring disorders may find help in exploring both Buddhist and Western psychological approaches. This article also offers how psychologists attempt to address their client’s suffering; “psychologists do not distinguish between beneficial and harmful emotions…the goal is to regulate experience and action once an emotion is felt”.

At AToN Center, our highly experienced clinical team uses multiple approaches to help those who suffer from addiction and co-occurring disorders. It is my hope that this article highlights for the reader the benefit of receiving researched based treatment, in a caring and highly personalized manner.

Chris McDuffie, MA, CAADC-II
Chemical Dependency Counselor
AToN Center 888-535-1516

Researchers Support Mindfulness When Addressing Co-Occurring Depression and Substance Use Disorders

August 7, 2017 // by Aton Center

Meditation and Mindfulness are practices that call to attention our current thoughts, feelings and opinions. Theravada Buddhism which helped establish the practice of Mindfulness was established over 3000 years ago. Modern science is increasingly assessing the benefits of Mindfulness. Those suffering from Co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis may find much needed help through practicing Mindfulness.

Mindfulness helps lessen the feelings of anxiety and depression and helps lessen the severity of triggers and cravings that often lead to relapsing on drugs or alcohol.

The following research article in Addiction, published by the Society for the Study of Addiction finds merit in Mindfulness for those suffering from co-occurring disorders (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2905496/);

“A recent consensus definition of mindfulness emphasizes two complementary elements:
1) the placement of attention on the immediate experience; and, 2) adopting an open, curious, accepting attitude toward that experience. Taken together, these data provide a rationale for the hypothesis that MT (Mindfulness) may target shared underlying mechanisms in MDD (Major Depressive Disorder) and SUDs (Substance Use Disorders) in a dually diagnosed population.”

This research article suggests that Mindfulness helps the practicing individual not “ruminate” on feelings of depression, but rather practice healthy coping skills. When healthy coping skills are learned and practiced, the recovering individual is less likely to choose relapsing.

At AToN Center, we teach Mindfulness and Buddhist practice in conjunction with other evidenced based coping skills to help those suffering from dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders live healthy, happy lives.

Chris McDuffie, MA CADC II
Chemical Dependency Counselor
AToN Center 888-535-1516

Co-Occurring Disorders

July 31, 2017 // by Aton Center

The word “co-occurring” implies that two things occur together. When it comes to addiction, having a co-occurring disorder means that a Substance Use Disorder – such as alcoholism, opiate addiction, etc. – occurs alongside a mental health issue.

Mental health issues most often include depression and anxiety, but can also incorporate psychosis, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, or any other mental health diagnosis. While many people do have a primary Substance Use Disorder diagnosis, co-occurring treatment is so important because research has shown that individuals with mental health issues have a much higher rate of substance abuse than other populations.

The reason for this is that substance use can become a symptom for other underlying issues including trauma, depression, anxiety, emotionality, and so forth. Substances can be used to “self-medicate” underlying mental health issues, but also substances can exacerbate or even cause mental health issues.

Sometimes it is difficult to tell which came first – the substance or the mental health symptom – until someone has had the chance to fully detox and get back to their normal self. This is also why it is so important to make sure individuals have access to the appropriate care for all aspects themselves, and at AToN Center we have found it essential to use a holistic approach in which mental health treatment is a vital part of an individualized recovery plan.

Kirsten Helgager, PsyD
Psychologist
AToN Center 888-535-1516

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