Co-OCCURring disorders

HOW TO RECOVER FROM CO-OCCURRING DISORDER

A Co-occurring disorder treatment should have all the resources an individual need to build a foundation of recovery for both substance abuse disorder and co-occurring mental health disorder. The mental health disorder being the disorder which involves an alteration in mood, the pattern of thinking or behaviors of an individual is as detrimental to the health of that individual as a co-occurring disorder which involves the struggle of an individual with abuse of a particular substance.

People struggling with co-occurring disorders often find themselves between a rock and hard place when seeking treatment for substance addiction. This is due to the fact that if they stop using the substance, the symptoms of their mental health disorder will return or worsen, and if they do not stop, their addiction will continue to worsen the symptoms of their mental health issues. For these reasons, it is imperative that these individuals with co-occurring disorder receive recovery treatments that simultaneously address their mental health and addiction issues.

Fig. 1.1: Steps to be taken for co-occurring recovery(source:slideplayer.com)

The above shows the steps required for a co-occurring disorder recovery. For an individual to recover from a co-occurring disorder,

First, he has to work towards a program of recovery. The individual has to prepare a program for recovery. This can be done by consulting rehab and detox centers, as well as psychological professional health personnel.

Secondly, the abuse of the substance in question needs to be reduced and abstained from. Although this step may not be achievable within a short period of time, the willingness and persistence employed in the recovery process will make it achievable.

Thirdly, upon abstinence and reduced substance abuse, the individual experiences improved clearing of brain processes and thinking, as the effect of the substance on the brain is being neutralized by the preceding actions.

Fourthly, the individual experiences decreased health problems as the brain and the body heals. This is a product of recovery steps undertaken by the individual, as the brain and body begin to experience healing.

Fifthly, there is a reduction in Reduction in frequency, length, and intensity of mood swings, as opposed to the frequent mood swings experienced during the co-occurring disorder.

Six, the immune system is strengthened as well as prevention of future illnesses is achievable, as the immune system of the individual’s body is being boosted due to the recovery.

Seven, improved mental and emotional stability and

Eight, connection with spirituality and hope for recovery.

In summary, these steps on how to recover from the co-occurring disorder are to be employed by individuals who seek recovery from the co-occurring disorder.

 

WHAT IS A BIPOLAR DISORDER?

A bipolar disorder is also known as manic depression. It is a serious mental illness that can lead to risky behavior, damaged relationships and careers, and even suicidal tendencies if it’s not treated. It is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks, associated with episodes of mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs.

Fig. 1.1: Facial representation of bipolar moods (source: www.ipredator.co)

There are various types of bipolar disorder, depending on the moods range from periods of extremely “up,” elated, and energized behavior (known as manic episodes) to very sad, “down,” or hopeless periods (known as depressive episodes). Less severe manic periods are known as hypomanic episodes. Types of the Bipolar disorder includes;

1. Bipolar I disorder which involves periods of severe mood episodes from mania to depression.
2. Bipolar II disorder which is a milder form of mood elevation, involving milder episodes of hypomania that alternate with periods of severe depression.
3. Cyclothymic disorder describes brief periods of hypomanic symptoms alternating with brief periods of depressive symptoms that are not as extensive or as long-lasting as seen in full hypomanic episodes or full depressive episodes.
4. “Mixed features” refers to the occurrence of simultaneous symptoms of opposite mood polarities during manic, hypomanic or depressive episodes. It’s marked by high energy, sleeplessness, and racing thoughts. At the same time, the person may feel hopeless, despairing, irritable, and suicidal.
5. Rapid-cycling is a term that describes having four or more mood episodes within a 12-month period. Episodes must last for some minimum number of days in order to be considered distinct episodes.

According to Markus MacGill (2018), Some symptoms of bipolar disorder are the same in men and women, while others are more gender-specific. Symptoms that are common in both men and women include:

1. High or irritated mood
2. More energy and greater goal-driven activity
3. Elevated self-esteem or grandiosity
4. Reduced sleep
5. Higher than usual frequency of talking
6. Rapid speech flow and flights of ideas or racing thoughts
7. Being easily distracted
8. Regular impulses for pleasurable experiences, such as shopping or sex, without understanding the consequences.

Other symptoms of depression include feeling guilty without good reason and concentration difficulties. Some people experience sleeping problems or wake up unusually early. Research has suggested that women with bipolar disorder are more likely to have mainly depressive episodes. Men are more likely to experience a “mixed state” with depression and mania both occurring.

This disorder needs special medications which may be combined with psychotherapies for effectiveness. Medications generally used to treat bipolar disorder include:

1. Mood stabilizers
2. Atypical antipsychotics
3. Antidepressants

While some psychotherapy treatments used to treat bipolar disorder include:

1. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
2. Family-focused therapy
3. Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy
4. Psychoeducation.

In conclusion, a bipolar disorder which is a disorder characterized by a change of mood cannot be easily spotted, which makes it a severe illness. Although discovering the symptoms and speaking to a specialist as well as the necessary diagnosis can be employed in detecting this disorder. When treatment is done with a combination of medication and psychotherapy (also called “talk therapy”), effective recovery can be obtained.