For those who are not familiar with a co-occurring disorder, also known as a comorbidity, it is a term used to describe a substance abuse problem that is further complicated by a mental health disorder. And it is worth noting that these disorders are quite common in the United States. According to a study published by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over 8.2 million people in America struggled with both a substance abuse and mental health problem in 2016. Although co-occurring disorders can take on many forms, substance abuse coupled with depression is the most common. In some cases, drug or alcohol abuse is the cause of depression. In other cases, it is the opposite. Either way, the combination of a substance abuse problem and a mental health disorder can quickly send an individual’s life spiraling out of control. And this is no more evident than in Florida, a state where rehab facilities have seen their fair share of individuals seeking help overcoming a co-occurring disorder.
Comorbidity Rates Between Substance Abuse and Depression in Florida Rehab Facilities
To put into context the severity of depression and substance abuse in Florida, it helps to take a look at a study published by drug-rehabs.org. The study noted that an estimated 410,000 Floridians had a substance use disorder that involved either drugs or alcohol in 2014. In 2015, there were over 5,000 opioid-related overdose deaths in Florida. And between 2015 and 2016, the state saw 305 methamphetamine-related overdose deaths. Along with alcohol, methamphetamines, and opioids, the state of Florida also has a significant substance problem on its hands when it comes to sedatives, marijuana, and prescription-based medications. What’s more, a large percentage of individuals addicted to these commonly abused substances are also struggling with depression or another type of mental health disorder.
Florida Rehab Facilities See an Uptick in New Admissions
Although the state of Florida has a chronic and pervasive substance abuse problem, there is some good news worth noting insofar as many individuals who are struggling with addiction are seeking help. For example, a recent study found that 13,953 people sought treatment for an alcohol use disorder at Florida rehab facilities in 2009. In the same year, nearly 8,000 individuals turned to these same facilities to get help overcoming an addiction to cocaine. Of those who were admitted to these facilities, many had a co-occurring disorder involving alcohol and depression.
How Do Rehab Facilities in Florida Treat Co-Occurring Disorders?
If you’re among the thousands of Floridians struggling with a co-occurring disorder, you will be happy to know that most rehab facilities employ a two-pronged approach that is effective in resolving the psychological and physiological aspects of one’s addiction. These treatments often consist of addiction education, counseling, and medication-assisted detox, which is frequently recommended to individuals with a severe addiction to alcohol, opioids, and other hard drugs. As far as addressing depression or any other mental health disorder that an individual is facing, many rehab facilities in Florida will offer addiction education as well as psychotherapy. These therapy sessions, which can be part of an inpatient or outpatient program, will typically include one or more of the following:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy – This approach to psychotherapy is by far the most common and, according to the American Psychological Association, can be just as effective as some psychiatric medications. In short, cognitive behavioral therapy teaches individuals how to identify and better cope with negative thoughts that may have contributed to their addiction or mental illness.
Dialectical behavioral therapy – Also known as DBT, dialectical behavioral therapy is an ideal approach to psychotherapy for individuals struggling with depression and suicidal ideations. Dialectical behavioral therapy not only focuses on addressing the root cause of one’s depression but also reducing self-harm behaviors, such as cutting themselves or trying to commit suicide.
Assertive community treatment – This type of psychotherapy encourages individuals to avoid shying away from reaching out to friends and family for support as they work toward breaking the cycle of addiction and improving their mental health.
Therapeutic communities – This type of psychotherapy is usually conducted in a group setting and is used to teach individuals how to interact with others while sober, which can become a lost art for those who have been using drugs or alcohol for a long time.
Contingency management – This type of therapy can help individuals successfully get through rehab as they are rewarded for completing various aspects of their addiction recovery treatments. For example, some rehab facilities will give vouchers to individuals who passed a drug test.
Bottom Line
In summation, a co-occurring disorder can have a significant impact on an individual’s life. However, with help from the right rehab facility, it is possible to break the cycle of addiction and also escape the tight grip of a mental health disorder. To learn more about any of the information detailed in this article or to find a rehab facility in your area, consider speaking with one of our addiction experts today at 833-846-5669.