Navigating the challenges of parenting a young adult is a delicate balancing act. Gently guiding their transition from adolescence into adulthood while helping them deal with new responsibilities, emotional growth, and the stress of finding one's place in the world. For many families, these years are particularly tumultuous, marked by intense emotional experiences, identity exploration, and the pressures of academic, social, and career expectations. These challenges get compounded when your loved one is struggling with mental health issues and substance abuse - a combination clinically referred to as a dual-diagnosis or co-occurring disorders. In this blog, we’ll explore what co-occurring disorders are, why they occur, and how Momentum Recovery offers comprehensive dual-diagnosis treatment that addresses the unique needs of young adults.
Co-occurring disorders refer to the simultaneous presence of a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder in the same individual. This dual diagnosis is common in young adults, who may struggle with mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or trauma, alongside substance use issues involving alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications.
The relationship between mental health and substance use is bidirectional: mental health challenges can lead to substance use as a form of self-medication, and conversely, substance use can exacerbate or trigger mental health symptoms. For example, a young adult suffering from anxiety may use alcohol or marijuana to cope with their symptoms. Over time, however, this substance use can worsen their anxiety, leading to a destructive cycle that is difficult to escape.
Several factors contribute to the development of co-occurring disorders in young adults:
Genetic Vulnerability: Genetics play a significant role in both mental health and addiction. A family history of mental illness or substance use disorder can increase the likelihood that a young adult will develop these issues.
Environmental Stressors: Trauma, abuse, neglect, or significant life stressors—such as academic pressures, relationship difficulties, or financial strain—can contribute to the onset of mental health issues and substance use.
Brain Chemistry: Mental health disorders and substance use both affect brain chemistry. Neurotransmitter imbalances that contribute to conditions like depression or anxiety can also increase the risk of substance addiction, and vice versa.
Developmental Factors: Young adulthood is a period of significant brain development, particularly in areas responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation. This ongoing development makes young adults more susceptible to risky behaviors, including substance use, and less equipped to manage mental health symptoms.
One of the biggest challenges in treating co-occurring disorders is accurate diagnosis. Mental health symptoms and substance use often mask one another, making it difficult to determine which issue came first or which is driving the other. For example, a young adult struggling with depression might use alcohol to numb their emotions, leading to an alcohol use disorder. Alternatively, someone with an alcohol addiction might develop depressive symptoms as a result of their substance use.
Parents often observe behavioral changes in their children—withdrawal from family, academic decline, mood swings, or a shift in peer groups—but may not realize these changes are signs of both a mental health issue and substance addiction. The overlapping symptoms can complicate the picture, delaying the recognition and treatment of co-occurring disorders.
Effective treatment for co-occurring disorders requires an integrated approach that addresses both the mental health disorder and the substance use disorder simultaneously. Treating only one condition while neglecting the other can lead to poor outcomes, as untreated mental health symptoms may drive relapse, and ongoing substance use can undermine mental health treatment.
At Momentum Recovery, we understand the complexity of co-occurring disorders in young adults and offer comprehensive dual-diagnosis treatment that includes:
As a parent, discovering that your child is struggling with both a mental health disorder and substance addiction can be overwhelming. However, your support is invaluable to their recovery journey. Here are some steps you can take to help:
Co-occurring disorders present a significant challenge for young adults and their families, but with the right treatment and support, recovery is possible. At Momentum Recovery, we are committed to helping families overcome the dual challenges of mental health issues and substance addiction. Our integrated approach to dual-diagnosis treatment offers hope, healing, and the opportunity for a brighter future.
If you suspect your child may be struggling with co-occurring disorders, don’t wait to seek help. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive treatment programs and how we can support your family on the path to recovery.