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A co-occurring disorder refers to an individual with a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder that occurs at the same time. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (1), roughly 50 percent of individuals with a severe mental health disorder also abuse drugs or alcohol. Among individuals who abuse a substance, roughly 53 percent show signs of a mental health disorder, says the National Alliance on Mental Illness. By using integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders, a person learns tools and skills to avoid substance abuse and maintain emotional well-being.

A loved one's behavior and thought patterns often change after abusing drugs or alcohol. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (1) says that drugs interfere with the way that the brain communicates and floods the brain's reward system with dopamine. Although the physical reactions to the substance contribute to an addiction, the psychological aspects of an addiction also play a role in the recovery process. During treatment, a loved one must address the emotional and psychological dependence that develops during an addiction. This is why the use of psychology in addiction treatment and recovery is often very effective.

When you have a loved one who struggles with addiction and a mood disorder like depression, it can be difficult to separate and understand all of the different factors at play. You may get frustrated and think, "of course you're depressed! You're making your life more difficult with alcohol and drugs!" But, depression and addiction are often deeply linked and it is necessary to take on both of them together to see a full and lasting recovery.

There are so many methods out there for addiction treatment that it can be difficult to choose the right method for you. We believe that you must be committed to your health and wellness when starting any type of recovery program. Therefore, it is important to select a program that you believe in, and will want to do. One relatively new treatment option for addiction is somatic experiential therapy. Learning more about this holistic treatment option can help you determine the right course of action for your needs.

After completing an addiction treatment program, you will want to find the right tools to limit the risk of a relapse. Although the best relapse prevention strategies will depend on your personal concerns, goals and interests, meditation or mindfulness teach you different ways to avoid triggers and limit cravings for drugs or alcohol. Meditation to prevent drug and alcohol relapse is becoming a very popular tool in recovery. According to the National Institutes of Health (1), roughly 50 percent of individuals relapse on drugs or alcohol within one year of completing a treatment program. By incorporating meditation, the risk of relapse reduces, says the National Institutes of Health (1).

Ever consider that your physical activity level may have an influence on your addiction? You probably didn't. But, it does. Using exercise for addiction recovery is an important element of the most successful substance abuse treatment programs, and it may even help a person avoid relapse.

A healthy diet sets the foundation for a healthy body and mind. According to Psychology Today (1), a well-balanced diet improves cognitive function, reduces the symptoms of certain mental health disorders and supports healthy organs. When substance abuse harms your physical and emotional well-being, a healthy diet that consists of organic and fresh foods provides the nutrition that your body needs to start healing.

Mention the word ‘addiction’ and people will automatically associate it with drug and alcohol abuse. Though people often use the word in a casual way to describe anything a person might seem especially fond of, as in ‘addicted to love’ or ‘he/she is addicted to fudge sundaes’, they don’t really mean it seriously. But psychologists and addiction experts are increasingly realizing that there are many types of addictive behaviors that follow the same patterns and are possibly caused by the same physical mechanisms as observed in drug and alcohol substance abuse.

Watching your loved one struggle with their drug use, repeatedly trying to stop on their own. You want to help, but you know that you lack the skills and background to truly reach your loved one in a way that gives them the kind of support they truly need. You probably despair at each new low that your loved one descends into while in the grasp of their drug addiction, especially if they have been using drugs several years. Having watched a healthy, bright and promising person become so reliant on something so life-altering and devastating has probably created a feeling of helplessness, causing you to wonder what their future might hold. Or how long their future might be if they don't get some kind of help.

Also known as acute stress reaction, acute stress disorder (ASD) is a mental illness that resembles post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). ASD arises in response to a shocking or traumatic event and is diagnosed within one month following the triggering event. It is often a precursor to PTSD, manifesting similar signs and symptoms.

Addiction is a complex disease that can alter the way we think, feel, and make decisions. If you're struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, knowing what to expect from treatment can help you achieve long-term recovery. Rest assured that you're not alone; many have broken the cycle of substance abuse then recovered and now live happy, rewarding lives.

The road to recovery has many hills, withdrawal being one of the steepest. Its painful symptoms may have halted your efforts to quit drugs or alcohol. Or perhaps the fear of withdrawal keeps you addicted. Know that you're not alone. By understanding the mechanisms behind withdrawal and developing effective coping mechanisms, you can greatly improve your chances of recovery.