Co-Occurring Services in Illinois

Substance use disorder can change a person’s mind and body. Physical health impacts allow other conditions to develop, including mental health disorders. It’s common for individuals who struggle with substance use disorder to have a mental health diagnosis and vice versa. When individuals are battling more than a singular disorder, we call this a co-occurring diagnosis.

Finding adequate treatment programs that target both disorders is a crucial part of reaching sobriety. It can help individuals dig deeper into the root of their substance use disorder and find the most effective methods for dealing with situations. 

Signs and Symptoms of Co-Occurring Disorders 

Spotting mental illness in a person struggling with substance use disorder can be challenging with overlapping symptoms. Both conditions impact an individual’s mind and show through similar behavioral and social patterns.

Medical and mental health professionals can work with patients to diagnose co-occurring disorders and determine the root of the symptoms. It’s more effective for a mental health professional to diagnose mental health conditions when a person is off the substance to connect symptoms solely with the mental illness. Some symptoms include: 

• Showing changes in daily habits: Individuals with mental health conditions may have significant changes in their daily functions, like having trouble sleeping or experiencing changes in their appetite. They may also have difficulty carrying out everyday tasks that they once could accomplish, like making meals for themselves, cleaning their house or getting ready for work or school. These changes in their habits or routine may stem from anxiousness, stress, lack of motivation or other factors due to mental illness.
• Having no self-awareness: A person struggling with a mental health condition may exhibit concerning behaviors that they are unaware of, but others on the outside notice. They may show severe aggression towards others or high levels of irritability. Losing self-awareness can also mean struggling to remember who they are and their role in life. They won’t notice the struggles in their relationship with a partner, family member or friend. 
• Feeling intense emotional highs and lows: Mood swings are a common symptom of various mental health conditions and can occur within short time frames. A person may notice how difficult it is to get out of the bad mood they have for seemingly no reason, feel like they’re in a fog, be unable to concentrate, feel irritable or be afraid without a conscious reason. The intense emotional highs and lows are common symptoms that show in many mental health conditions.
• Distancing from loved ones: Individuals struggling with a co-occurring disorder may begin to distance themselves from friends and family members. This can happen for various reasons, including loved ones mentioning changes in their behavior or physical appearance, sneaking away to use substances or feeling emotionally drained or lonely. Isolating from loved ones can be a dangerous symptom of mental illness if not treated.

• Feeling physical changes: A person dealing with a co-occurring disorder may experience physical changes in their body or health. Some symptoms that they can have include headaches, muscle tension, restlessness, unexplained pain or insomnia. Individuals may also notice a decrease or increase in their libido. Other physical changes may be due to inadequate personal hygiene or grooming because of their mental health condition. 
• Showing behavioral changes: Co-occurring conditions may cause individuals to have significant behavioral changes. These behaviors can start with their typical daily behaviors to those that impact their health and well-being. If a person experiences a mental condition first, they may begin using substances to help ease the symptoms. Other behavioral changes associated with mental illness include delusions, paranoia or considering suicide. 
• Exhibiting a lack of interest: People may start to distance themselves or show little interest in their previously enjoyed hobbies or activities. They may be uninterested in spending time with loved ones, eating their favorite food, celebrating the holidays or shopping at their favorite store. 

Some signs and symptoms that can help uncover addiction include:

• Lacking control over the substance: Individuals struggling with substance use disorder can lack all control over their use of a substance. They can start using the substance daily without acknowledging the negative consequences toward their health or their life. It is challenging to quit independently, as it leads to frequent cravings.
• Participating in dangerous behavior: Participating in risky behaviors is a common sign of substance use disorder. Substances can alter a person’s judgment and other cognitive abilities that impair decision-making skills. Some of the risky behaviors that a person may participate in include sharing needles with others, engaging in unsafe sexual activity, using substances while driving or other dangerous activities. 
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms: A person struggling with substance use disorder will notice severe symptoms when they stop using the substance. Withdrawal can include muscle aches, vomiting, sweating, headache, tremors and high heart rate. 
• Having a higher tolerance to a substance: Regularly using a substance can cause a person to develop a high tolerance. They’ll increase their intake or dosage to feel the effects again. This high tolerance can increase the time a person spends using or obtaining the substance. 
• Having trouble functioning in the real world: A person with substance use disorder may find it difficult to handle life or interact with others without the substance they’re using.

The Process of Treating a Co-Occurring Disorder and Addiction

Gateway foundation will treat both or multiple conditions a person is struggling with throughout their treatment plan. Each step in the treatment process will get you closer to sobriety and having healthy coping methods for your mental health condition. The treatment process at Gateway Foundation includes:

1. Contact Gateway Foundation: The first step of the process is making the initial call with Gateway Foundation and setting up your treatment plan. You’ll provide your insurance, information about your substance use, a list of your medications and any health issues Gateway Foundation should know. We’ll complete an initial assessment and determine the best type of plan for you and move forward to the next step. 
2. Withdrawal management: If your substance use disorder requires withdrawal management and detoxification, that will be your next step in the treatment process. The medical staff at Gateway Foundation will monitor withdrawal symptoms and try to make you as comfortable as possible.
3. Inpatient, partial hospitalization or outpatient treatment: Next, you’ll participate in either inpatient, partial hospitalization or outpatient treatment. The staff at Gateway Foundation will help determine which type of treatment will be best for your conditions and set you up with treatment options that work at both your substance use disorder and your mental illness. 
4. Ongoing support and therapy: Gateway Foundation offers support and resources for patients after they complete their treatment. You’ll have access to support groups and other aftercare programs that can help you continue your sober lifestyle.