How They Interact with One Another
Doctors and clinicians have long known about the link between mental health and addiction. These two disorders often appear together and worsen the other’s symptoms. According to SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), about 9 million people struggle with co-occurring mental illness and addiction issues. Unfortunately, only about 7% of these individuals get treatment for both conditions.
While co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders do not necessarily cause one another, they can exist together and exacerbate the symptoms of the other. Individuals with mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression may misuse drugs and alcohol in an attempt to self-medicate negative emotions and thoughts. However, substance abuse can make these symptoms worse once the initial effects wear off.
Worsening mental health symptoms can lead individuals to engage in more frequent substance abuse which can cause building up a tolerance and eventually dependency on the substance. Dependence is caused by changes in the same areas of the brain that are impacted by depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. The person can then develop an addiction to a substance, which rewires the brain and requires a lifetime of management.
Substance abuse and addiction can also lead to the development of mental health disorders, especially in those with a pre-existing condition. For example, a person may not have had depression or schizophrenia before they engaged in substance abuse, but were triggered by drugs or alcohol. Substance abuse can cause short and long-term changes to the brain which affect certain neurotransmitters and hormones responsible for mood and emotions. When these brain chemicals become unbalanced, the person can develop or activate a psychological disorder.
Evidence also indicates that the same underlying factors, such as genetics or trauma cause mental illness and addiction. A person with these vulnerabilities may develop mental health and addiction issues simultaneously.
How Mental Health and Addiction are Treated
Fortunately, both mental health and addiction disorders can be successfully treated, and outcomes are improved when they are treated simultaneously. An integrated approach for co-occurring disorders is done through dual diagnosis treatment. Whether substance abuse or mental health problems came first, long-term recovery is dependent on getting treatment for both disorders at the same time through the same program.
Effective dual-diagnosis treatment will start with a comprehensive evaluation by a medical professional to determine your treatment needs and create a personalized treatment plan. Depending on your substance abuse, the first step may be drug and alcohol addiction to address withdrawal symptoms and cravings and achieve initial sobriety.
Treatment programs are tailored to each individual and can offer several options. Dual diagnosis treatment can be done in either an inpatient or outpatient treatment setting. Programs will also vary in length depending on the needs of the individual. Co-occurring disorders are primarily treated with medication and behavioral health therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and psychotherapy, but depending on the treatment facility, may also include 12-step programming, family therapy, or holistic therapies such as acupuncture, yoga, and breathwork therapy.
Recovery from co-occurring disorders is a life-long process and those who are most successful in their sobriety will continue with aftercare programs after completing a treatment program. Aftercare involves ongoing support and relapse prevention strategies, including options such as individual therapy, sober living homes, group therapy, self-care techniques, and lifestyle changes.
Can Union Members Get Treatment for Mental Health and Addiction?
Co-occurring mental health and addiction disorders affect all aspects of your life, including job performance. It is imperative that union members get dual diagnosis treatment at the first signs of an issue. Labor unions can offer resources and support to their members who are struggling with their mental health or substance abuse.
There are several options available to union members who need mental health and addiction treatment. Depending on your personal and healthcare needs there are inpatient and outpatient treatment programs available. Labor unions can provide more robust healthcare plans and confidential assistance which helps make behavioral health treatment more accessible.
In addition, some unions contract employee assistance services, like Union First, which can offer expert advice, resources, and treatment referrals to members struggling with co-occurring disorders. Employee assistance services can also include things like telehealth services, personalized advice on what to do after a failed drug test, and how to keep your job when seeking out drug addiction or mental health treatment. These services are also 100% confidential which helps members feel more comfortable when contacting them for questions regarding healthcare benefits and treatment advice.
Job Protection for Union Members During Treatment
Often, union members hesitate to get much-needed dual diagnosis treatment out of fear of their employer finding out and losing their job. However, several state and federal laws exist which protect your employment, salary, benefits, and more while you are seeking mental health and addiction treatment. Union First includes a layer of job protection in the treatment placement process. Our experts know how to use these laws to ensure every aspect of your job stays the same when taking time off to get treatment, which begins with a proactive approach.
We will ensure you take the necessary steps, including paperwork, before beginning treatment and talking to your employer to ensure these laws work for you. Part of our services includes submitting a “placement in treatment” letter to your employer to begin job protection. Confidential job protection services at Union First have often helped members feel more comfortable about getting behavioral health treatment and seeking out treatment during earlier stages of the disorder.
Does Insurance Cover Mental Health and Addiction Treatment?
Most labor unions in the U.S. offer healthcare policies that support employees with substance abuse problems and/or mental health conditions. They may advocate for more comprehensive health insurance plans for their members to improve access to mental health and addiction treatment services. However, members may not be fully aware of their behavioral health coverage and how to get treatment without workplace discrimination or losing their employment.
Union healthcare plans can pay at least partially for comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment programs usually offered through addiction treatment centers. How much is covered depends on your health insurance plan. Some out-of-pocket costs may include deductibles, copays, room, and board, or specialized therapies such as holistic treatments not covered by insurance.
Union First can verify your union health insurance and go through your benefits with you. We can explain any out-of-pocket costs and find treatment centers that take your insurance. Our experts can help you figure out what kind of treatments or programs are most beneficial for you, and match you with facilities within your budget.
Union First is Ready to be Your Advocate in Getting Help with Mental Health and Addiction
At Union First, we are aware of the prevalence of mental health and addiction issues among working-class America. We want to eliminate as many roadblocks to effective treatment as possible. Our team of specialists is available 24/7 to provide you with expert support, advice, and solutions in times of crisis. We will work hard to ensure your job and rights are protected under federal and state laws, so you can take the necessary time off to get the right type of mental health and addiction treatment.
If you are struggling with co-occurring disorders, please call us today at (855)215-2023 so we can find the best mental health and addiction treatment possible while protecting your union job.