Maryland Mental Health Treatment at MARC
Mental health conditions and substance abuse often intertwine in complex ways, presenting significant challenges to the recovery process.[1] Mental health conditions, ranging from depression and anxiety to more severe disorders like bipolar disorder, can profoundly impact a person’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. These conditions may lead people to seek relief or self-medicate through substance use as a means of coping with their symptoms.
Conversely, substance abuse can exacerbate existing mental health conditions or even bring about new ones. The use of substances such as alcohol, illicit drugs, or prescription medications can alter brain chemistry and exacerbate the symptoms of anxiety, depression, or psychosis. This dual diagnosis of mental health and substance use disorders, known as co-occurring disorders, requires integrated treatment approaches that address both aspects simultaneously to achieve effective and sustainable recovery.
Amanda Stevens
Dr. Po-Chang Hsu, M.D., M.S.
Amanda Stevens
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Key points
- Mental health conditions include depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, OCD, personality disorders, and co-occurring disorders. They vary in severity from mild to chronic, affecting thoughts, emotions, and behavior.
- Substance use can exacerbate mental health issues and vice versa.
- Integrated treatment is needed to address both substance use and mental health simultaneously.
- MARC offers integrated mental health and addiction treatment in Maryland for long-term recovery.
What Are Mental Health Conditions?
Mental health conditions, also referred to as mental health or psychiatric disorders, encompass a wide range of conditions that affect a person’s thoughts, emotions, mood, and behavior.[2] These conditions can significantly impact daily functioning, relationships, and overall quality of life.
Mental health conditions vary in severity and express themselves in different forms, from mild and transient episodes to chronic and disabling conditions.
Some common types of mental health conditions include:[3]
- Depressive Disorders: Such as major depressive disorder (clinical depression), dysthymia (persistent depressive disorder), and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, and changes in appetite or sleep patterns.
- Anxiety Disorders: Including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, phobias (e.g., social phobia, specific phobia), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), marked by excessive fear, worry, or anxiety.
- Bipolar and Related Disorders: Such as bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and cyclothymic disorder, characterized by extreme mood swings that include episodes of mania or hypomania (elevated mood and energy) and depression.
- Personality Disorders: Including borderline personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, and narcissistic personality disorder, characterized by patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience that differ from cultural and social expectations.
- Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders: Such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and acute stress disorder, triggered by exposure to traumatic or stressful events, leading to intrusive memories, avoidance behaviors, and heightened arousal.
- Substance Use Disorders: Involving problematic patterns of substance use that lead to significant impairment or distress, often accompanied by tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and difficulties in controlling use.
Mental illnesses are common in the United States, affecting a substantial portion of the population. It is estimated that more than one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness, totaling approximately 57.8 million individuals as of 2021.[4]
Substance Use and its Interaction with Mental Health Conditions
The relationship between substance use and mental health conditions is often bidirectional, with each influencing the other’s development and progression.[5] People facing mental health challenges may turn to substances like alcohol, drugs, or medications to alleviate symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. While providing temporary relief, this coping mechanism can worsen underlying mental health issues over time, creating a cycle of ongoing dependence.
Substance use can directly impact your mental health as well by altering brain chemistry and triggering or intensifying symptoms of various disorders. For example, substances like alcohol and opioids can depress the central nervous system, leading to symptoms resembling depression or anxiety. Stimulants, on the other hand, can induce or worsen conditions like psychosis or bipolar disorder, especially in vulnerable populations.
The co-occurrence of substance use disorders and mental health disorders, known as dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders, presents complex challenges in treatment. Effective interventions require integrated behavioral health approaches that address both substance use and mental health issues simultaneously.
These holistic treatment plans may include diverse therapies, medication management, behavioral interventions, and building new support systems aimed at promoting and strengthening long-term recovery.
What Are Some Common Dual Diagnosis Issues?
Common dual diagnosis issues can include:[6]
Many individuals with depression may turn to alcohol to self-medicate, which can worsen depressive symptoms over time.
Various personality disorders, including antisocial, narcissistic, or avoidant personality disorders, may co-occur with substance use due to difficulties in interpersonal relationships and emotional regulation.
Where Can I Find Reliable and Safe Mental Health Treatment in Maryland?
If you’re seeking comprehensive mental health services and co-occurring addiction treatment programs in Maryland, look no further than MARC. As a local, trusted, family-owned organization, we offer a fully integrated model of care that goes beyond what other traditional rehab programs offer.
We’re licensed to treat mental health treatment as the primary admissions concern. Our long-term treatment approach combines evidence-based practices with compassionate and high-quality care, providing you with support each step of the way. This comprehensive model allows our patients to learn, grow, and thrive throughout their recovery process.
What sets MARC apart?
- Community-based treatment: We don’t just prepare you for life after treatment – we help you start living it now. Our program integrates real-world experiences and responsibilities into your recovery journey.
- Our continuum of care: From intensive outpatient programs to supportive sober living communities, we offer a seamless transition between levels of care.
- Dual diagnosis expertise: We address both addiction and underlying mental health issues, ensuring a holistic approach to your well-being with our expert team of mental health professionals.
- Family involvement: We recognize the importance of healing the entire family system and offer support for loved ones.
- Long-term support: Our care doesn’t end when treatment does. We provide ongoing resources and community connections to support lasting recovery.
Don’t settle for quick fixes or one-size-fits-all approaches. Choose MARC for a treatment experience that’s as unique as you are. Our dedicated team is committed to helping you restore your life, build recovery momentum, and unlock your highest potential.
Ready to take the first step?
Contact us today and discover how our comprehensive, long-term approach can transform your life. Your journey to lasting recovery and improved mental health starts here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mental Health Conditions
Signs include erratic behavior, mood swings, neglecting responsibilities, secretive behavior about substance use, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and withdrawal from social activities. They may also experience worsening mental health symptoms when not using substances.
Family members can provide emotional support by listening without judgment and encouraging open communication. Practical support includes helping with daily tasks, attending therapy sessions together, and educating themselves about their loved one's condition. Creating a supportive environment and encouraging behavioral health services are often critical.
Therapy and mental health care provide a safe space for individuals to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Therapists use various techniques to help clients understand their conditions, develop coping skills, and set goals for recovery. Types of therapy include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), among others. Counseling can also address underlying issues contributing to mental health conditions and provide ongoing support during recovery.
[1] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023, July 26). Co-Occurring disorders and other health conditions. Www.samhsa.gov. https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/medications-counseling-related-conditions/co-occurring-disorders on July 16, 2024
[2] World Health Organization. (2022, June 8). Mental disorders. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders on July 16, 2024
[3] Mental Health Conditions | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness. (n.d.). Www.nami.org. https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/ on July 16, 2024
[4] National Institute of Mental Health. (2023, March). Mental illness. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness on July 16, 2024
[5] National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Substance use and co-occurring mental disorders. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/substance-use-and-mental-health on July 16, 2024
[6] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018, August 15). Comorbidity: Substance Use and Other Mental Disorders. National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/comorbidity/comorbidity-substance-use-other-mental-disorders-infographic on July 16, 2024