
Both addiction and mental disorders have similar effects on one’s brain. They can alter the way one thinks, changing the chemicals and neuro-responses of the brain. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, those with a mental disorder are more than twice as likely to have addiction problems, and vice versa.
“Addiction and mental disorders are diseases that often go hand-in-hand.” –Sobernation
If your daughter has not yet reached addiction, but has started experimenting, now is the time to step in
If your daughter has been diagnosed with a mental disorder, she is already more likely to become addicted to alcohol or drugs. Most patients at reform schools for girls struggle with more than one primary problem or disorder. The following are some mental disorders, Asheville Academy addresses, that often coincide with addictions:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Schizophrenia
- Post-traumatic stress
- Personality disorders
How it all begins
Often those having anxiety or depression turn to alcohol or other substances to self-medicate. Sometimes they cannot calm down enough to sleep or be productive, so they turn to a drink or a smoke just to get some peace. Others become so overwhelmed by school, work or home stressors that they over-indulge to escape from their responsibilities. It is also possible that through addiction or drug use, other mental disorders start to surface.
Reform Schools for Girls offer treatment for multiple mental disorders
With coexisting disorders, you cannot treat one illness without treating the other. Helping your daughter through addiction issues will be to no avail if other mental or emotional issues are not being addressed. Reform schools for girls are a perfect place to treat girls with co-occurring disorders. We can focus on detox and rehab, while addressing the mental struggles she might face.
Through the help of reform schools for girls, lasting sobriety and success for those diagnosed with mental disorders is possible. In order to accomplish this though, the addiction and the disorder need to be treat simultaneously.
For information about Asheville Academy and how we can help your adolescent daughter, call 800-264-8709 to speak with a staff member.