Mental Health & Substance Use
Compass Health Center’s substance use services provide evidence-based treatment for teens, young adults, and adults who have a primary mental health diagnosis complicated by substance use. Our specialized interventions support individuals to learn skills to manage their mental health symptoms while maintaining sobriety. These services are available to patients in our Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) Programs.
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What is Substance Use Disorder?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “A Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a mental disorder that affects a person’s brain and behavior, leading to a person’s inability to control their use of substances such as legal or illegal drugs, alcohol, or medications. Symptoms can range from moderate to severe, with addiction being the most severe form of SUDs.”
In addition, “Researchers have found that about half of individuals who experience a SUD during their lives will also experience a co-occurring mental disorder and vice versa. Co-occurring disorders can include Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, and Schizophrenia,” states the NIMH. For more information, please see the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)’s Common Comorbidities with Substance Use Disorders Research Report.
Reasons Why Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders Commonly Co-occur
According to NIMH, Research suggests the following reasons may explain why SUDs and other mental disorders commonly occur together:
- SUDs and other mental health disorders can be hereditary.
- Generational trauma may trigger the development of mental health symptoms or a Substance Use Disorder.
- Studies have found that symptoms related to Anxiety, Depression, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), may cause drug or alcohol use as a form of self-medication.
- The reward center of your brain may be affected while using substances, creating a cycle of misuse. These changes in brain structure can increase the chances of developing mental health symptoms.
When to Seek Treatment for Co-occurring Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders
Patients in our PHP/IOP Program may be recommended to receive additional substance services. Individuals who are open to receiving mental health care and support from a substance use expert while working to reduce or eliminate substance use may benefit from treatment at Compass.
Substance Use in Teens
According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), six out of 10 teenagers engaging in substance abuse also have a co-occurring mental disorder. Substance abuse can intensify symptoms of Anxiety and Depression. This co-occurring condition occurs in more than half of all teens in the United States who abuse drugs.
Substance Use in Adults and Young Adults
Approximately 10% of American adults suffer from Substance Use Disorder at some point in their lives, and 75% of those report not receiving any form of treatment due to co-occurring mental health symptoms or barriers to care. According to a survey conducted by the National Institutes of Health, Substance Use Disorder in adults often co-occurs with a variety of mental health concerns.
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Our Success Stories
Compass saved my life! I came into Compass with suicidal ideations and no hope. After a couple of weeks of being in the program, I did not have those thoughts anymore. Compass helped me change my mindset, from a negative pattern of thoughts to a more positive and optimistic frame of mind.
Patient
My child is leaving Compass more equipped to handle her emotions, her anxiety, her depression, and the things that all trigger these. She is willing to use the skills, which is a huge change, and this is all due to how well Compass worked for her.
Parent of Child Patient
I liked how in Compass, everyone was respectful of my opinions, pronouns, and preferred name. There was no judging, and you can open up to people. I also like how I can relate to other kids. I also really appreciate learning new skills.
Patient
Compass is a godsend. An amazing program for children who are struggling and families who are seeking help and guidance. I could not imagine that she would be so much better in less than 2 months. I wish we could have found Compass without going to the ER. Thanks for all you do!
The evening IOP program challenged me in a supportive and respectful way to help change my way of thinking. Compass provided me with the tools to help deal with life situations in a healthy way.
