Substance Abuse and Mental Health Facilities in Lowell, MA
Long term substance abuse in Lowell could lead to the development of negative psychological side effects, which could be similar to the signs and symptoms of a mental health disorder like depression and anxiety.
This is because using these substances will alter the chemical structure of your brain. Prolonged use, on the other hand, will increase the chances that you will develop the sings of mental illness. Over time, you will soon find that you need dual diagnosis treatment to manage all the disorders that you have been diagnosed with.
Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline personality disorder or BPD is a mental health disorder that is characterized by impulsiveness, intense and unstable relationships, and a distorted image of yourself - among many other signs and symptoms. It often occurs together with substance abuse and addiction.
If you have been diagnosed with this mental health disorder, there is a high likelihood that you might also be struggling with another psychological disorder - including but not limited to eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. You might also be diagnosed with addiction especially if you take drugs and drink alcohol.
Depression
Although it is normal to experience highs and lows all through life, if you are depressed, this condition is likely to continue unabated for months or even years on end. Unless you seek professional treatment, the condition might even remain untreated for the rest of your life.
However, you might start abusing drugs and alcohol to self-medicate the symptoms of your depression. When this happens, you might develop a substance use disorder - or an addiction - much faster than you would have if you were not struggling with the mental health disorder.
Integrated dual diagnosis treatment is recommended if you have been living with addiction and substance abuse and another co-occurring mental health disorder - such as personality disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, or any other.
Through this form of treatment, you can get the help that you need to overcome your drug and alcohol dependence as well as manage any other co-occurring disorders that you may also have been struggling with at the same time. It can also guide you on the road to long term recovery so that you do not continue suffering in the future.
