Addiction and mental health are like oil and water; they do not mix well, but they can be "separated" and addressed individually and simultaneously, which is precisely how the staff at Abhasa Rehab approaches their trauma-informed dual diagnosis programme.

Those with mental health concerns are frequently also addicted. And substance addicts are frequently diagnosed with a mental disease afterwards. Why is this so? Let's examine their relationship and the significance of dual-diagnosis treatment.

Mental health and addiction are like oil and water but can be "separated" and addressed individually and simultaneously, which is how Abhasa Luxury Rehab approaches their trauma-informed dual diagnosis programme. The connection between mental health and addiction is that those with mental health concerns are frequently also addicted, and substance addicts are frequently diagnosed with a mental disease. This is due to an imbalance of brain chemicals and how the brain functions, which can lead to addiction and mental health problems. Untreated mental health difficulties can lead to permanent psychiatric disorders such as personality disorders.

In common parlance, the relationship between mental health and addiction is that one feeds the other without always understanding which came first! Those with an undetected mental illness frequently begin self-medicating in an attempt to feel better or to feel nothing at all. Once the patient has discovered a technique to anaesthetize themselves and relieve their despair and the cruel voices in their brains, they will continue to repeat the procedure, which leads to dependence and worsening or developing severe mental health problems.

The opposite is also true. Some may be introduced to substances because of a party lifestyle or the incorrect group of friends, not realising that their dysfunctional lifestyle is fueled by negative life experiences and a growing undiagnosed mental disease! Only once a person is "clean" can they begin to explore their emotions, darker thoughts, prior traumas, and self-destructive behaviours, which can be quite difficult, and without professional care, the emotional turmoil could lead to relapse.

Despite the complexity of mental disease and its causes, its root is an imbalance of brain chemicals and how the brain functions. Drugs and alcohol are not named "substances that affect the mind" for no reason! The repercussions of tampering with brain chemistry might be disastrous, such as drug-induced psychosis! Untreated mental health difficulties might result in permanent psychiatric disorders such as personality disorders.

Personality consists of three essential components: a person's thoughts, emotions, and actions. A person with a personality disorder typically demonstrates abnormal thinking, numerous antisocial behaviours, and inadequate coping methods when it comes to managing their own emotions. In some circumstances, the 'dials' can be reset with medicine and intensive psychotherapy, but in other cases, the prognosis is so poor that the individual may have to live in a monitored environment!

A professionally managed addiction treatment centre will offer a dual-diagnosis treatment programme that is periodically updated to meet the needs of contemporary clients with addiction and mental health disorders. By examining the relationship between mental health and addiction, the client and their supporting therapist may gain a better understanding of the damaging vicious cycle. It also helps us understand why many individuals with addictions who seek treatment experience a string of relapses as a result of substandard care or an inability to embrace change.

"A weed will regrow if its roots are not also removed."

Any client who enters our programme at Abhasa Luxury Rehab receives not just treatment for the physical and psychological addiction to the substance but also a comprehensive evaluation to identify and address any underlying mental disease that may be impeding the recovery process moving forward.

Prepared by: Ms.Nivedha L Narayanan, Centre Head at Abhasa Rehabilitation and Wellness Home
LinkedIn Id: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nivedha-l-narayanan-1781b6120/