man talking to therapistEmotional struggles are part of life. We know that everyone experiences anxiety, anger, disappointment, and sadness at certain times. However, when mental health concerns form a psychological prison that doesn’t fade away in time, this indicates a deeper psychological concern. Unfortunately, many psychoactive drugs, whether they are regulated or unregulated, may appear to treat certain symptoms of a psychiatric condition. This causes people to take increasing amounts of powerful drugs. People with psychiatric issues don’t self-medicate to get high; they self-medicate because they are desperate for relief.

Self-medication, whether this involves alcohol or increasing doses of physician-prescribed medication, causes chemical changes in the brain. The resulting chemical imbalances cause changes in appetite, self-esteem, sensitivity to heat and cold, insomnia, and pain regulation. Many people, especially people who are used to solving problems on their own, are reluctant to seek treatment when they are experiencing symptoms of withdrawal because they are afraid. At CeDAR, our professional, competent, and compassionate medical team offers Denver’s top psychiatric and addiction treatment. Contact us by calling 720.848.3000 to learn more about our amenities and treatment modalities.

Symptoms of a Dual Diagnosis

While the physical symptoms often vary, most people suffering from dual diagnosis conditions experience intense feelings of inadequacy, sadness, loneliness, and guilt. Some psychotropic medications alleviate these feelings, but they end up causing problems in the long run. Many medications, alcohol included, are difficult to manage without assistance.

The human brain has the ability to adapt to its chemical surroundings, i.e., the drugs we take. We know that treating psychiatric conditions with medications is usually essential; however, these medications will need to be adjusted from time to time. As the brain adjusts to the medications in our system, this can cause thought and behavioral changes that affect our relationships, self-image, priorities, behaviors, and how we perceive the world around us. At CeDAR, we provide therapy and psychiatric care for people struggling with the following dual diagnoses:

  • Bipolar disorder and chemical dependence
  • Severe anxiety and chemical dependence
  • Insomnia and chemical dependence
  • Depression and chemical dependence
  • Chronic pain and chemical dependence
  • Unhealed trauma and chemical dependence

Pain Perception & Chemical Dependence

The connections between mental and physical health are more pronounced than many people realize. This is especially true for people struggling with co-occurring substance use disorder and mental health concerns. Withdrawing from certain medications like fentanyl and other opioids is tremendously difficult, especially when the medication is combined with benzodiazepines, alcohol, or stimulants. At CeDAR, we take pride in treating patients with substance use disorder with respect, competence, and compassion; these vulnerable patients are often mistreated in hospitals, clinics, and other medical settings, which adds yet another roadblock between the patient and the treatment they need. We offer the following treatment options for people struggling with psychiatric conditions and medication management:

  • Inpatient treatment for dual diagnosis patients
  • Extended residential care for dual diagnosis patients
  • Partial hospitalization program for dual diagnosis patients
  • Intensive outpatient care for dual diagnosis patients
  • Outpatient care for dual diagnosis patients
  • Alumni meetings and support for dual diagnosis patients

Getting treatment for mental health conditions and co-occurring substance use disorders may seem inconvenient or unnecessary, but it can offer people a chance at living the lives they want. Finding the right mental health and addiction treatment program is often the first step toward living a happy, meaningful life for many people.