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Mental Health Treatment in Boulder, Colorado

Dual diagnosis (or co-occurring disorders) is when someone simultaneously has a mental health and substance abuse disorder. Such disorders are common among those addicted to drugs and alcohol. Hence, dual diagnosis mental health treatment in Boulder, Colorado, is essential. 

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), approximately a third of all people with mental illness and about half those with severe mental illness also experience substance abuse. Similarly, about a third of alcohol abusers and more than half of all drug abusers report battling a mental illness. 

Mental health and substance use disorders affect one another, often making one condition or the other worse. For example, a person using, marijuana, cocaine or methamphetamine may begin to hallucinate or behave in a way that’s similar to a mental health condition.

Identifying co-occurring disorders can be tricky. Therefore, a trained clinician with a complete understanding of the disorders must give a full mental assessment. 

The various mental disorders that play into dual diagnosis include:

Major Depressive Disorder

Major Depressive Disorder is one of the country’s most common mental health disorders. According to the National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH), among U.S. adults aged 18 or older in 2021, an estimated 21.0 million adults in the United States reported at least one major depressive episode. This number equates to almost 10% of all adults. 

 Further, the prevalence of major depressive episodes is highest among adult females (8.7%) compared to males (5.3%), and the majority of adults with a major depressive episode was highest among individuals aged 18-25 (13.1%).

Typical symptoms of depression include:

  •  Depressed mood for most of the day, nearly every day
  •  Diminished pleasure in activities 
  • Significant weight loss 
  • Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
  • Fatigue or loss of energy almost every day
  • Feelings of worthlessness
  • Recurrent thoughts of death

A woman seeking mental health treatment in Boulder, Colorado.

Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety disorders are undoubtedly the most common mental health concern in the United States. Various studies estimate that over 40 million adults in the U.S. have an anxiety disorder. If you are looking for mental health treatment in Boulder, Colorado, it is important to know that anxiety disorders encompass several conditions. Common anxiety disorders are generalized anxiety, panic, and social anxiety.

The typical Typical symptoms of anxiety disorders include:

  •  Constant worrying
  • Restlessness
  • Feeling keyed up or on edge
  • Easily fatigued 
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Elevated irritability
  • Muscle tension
  • Insomnia
  • Sleeping too much

Bipolar Disorder

Although not as common as depressive or anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder causes dramatic shifts in a person’s mood, energy, and ability to think clearly. People with bipolar disorder experience periods of mania and depression. The extreme highs and lows differ drastically from the typical ups and downs most people experience.

The National Institute for Mental Health estimates that 2.8% of U.S. adults have bipolar disorder annually. In fact, approximately 4.4% of U.S. adults experience bipolar disorder at some time in their lives.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that the average age of onset of bipolarity is about 25; however, it can occur in teens or, more uncommonly, in childhood. The condition affects men and women equally; nearly 83% of cases are classified as severe.

Typical symptoms of bipolar mania include:

  • Periods of sleeplessness that can last for many days 
  • Inflated self-esteem or grandiose thinking
  • Impulsive behaviors such as lavish spending or risky sex
  • Racing thoughts

Typical symptoms of bipolar depression include:

  • Depressed mood for long periods
  • Diminished pleasure in activities
  • Significant weight loss
  • Insomnia
  • Sleeping too much
  • Fatigue or loss of energy
  • Feelings of worthlessness
  • Thoughts of death

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops from exposure to an event that is more significant than a typical stressor. 

These may include, but are not limited to, 

  • Violent personal assaults
  • Natural or human-caused disasters 
  • Accidents
  • Combat
  • Other forms of physical, emotional, or relational violence

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that approximately one-half of all U.S. adults will experience at least one traumatic event, though most will not develop PTSD.

NIMH also reports that 3.6% of U.S. adults met diagnostic criteria for PTSD in the past year. Interestingly, the prevalence of PTSD among adults is higher for females (5.2%) than for males (1.8%).

Typical symptoms of PTSD include:

  • Persistent, frightening thoughts and memories of the event(s) 
  • Insomnia
  • Sleeping to much
  • Feeling detached or numb
  • Being easily startled by loud noises or unexpected encounters

In severe forms, PTSD significantly impairs a person’s ability to function at work and home, both socially and relationally.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Flatirons Recovery offers dual diagnosis mental health treatment in Boulder, Colorado, for those who meet diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder and a mental health disorder. 

A clinical assessment is done following a period of sobriety to more accurately determine and assess the nature of any mental health symptoms a person is experiencing. 

Once determined through a proper clinical assessment that a person is suffering dual diagnosis treatment, both conditions will be treated simultaneously by Flatirons Recovery’s skilled therapeutic and medical teams. 

Group therapy session for mental health treatment in Boulder, Colorado.

Dual-Diagnosis Mental Health Treatment in Boulder, Colorado

At Flatirons Recovery, we understand the unique challenges of dual diagnosis and the connection between mental health and substance abuse. 

We strive to provide a treatment plan tailored to each person’s needs while treating the whole person.

Our evidence-based practices and compassionate care empower individuals to achieve long-term recovery from addiction and mental health challenges. 

Your path to a happier, healthier future starts here. Learn more about mental health treatment in Boulder, Colorado, by reaching out today.