Depersonalization-derealization disorder is a condition that affects nearly six million people each year. People with this disorder feel like they are watching themselves from outside their bodies or that things around them don’t feel real. This can be very unsettling and cause many to turn to drugs and alcohol for relief. Depersonalization and addiction are common as the euphoric sensation drugs and alcohol create make it feel like they are helping. In reality, they are only making things worse. An addiction treatment program allows patients to safely recover from this co-occurring condition.
At Swift River, our accredited treatment facility offers residential and outpatient therapy programs for treating depersonalization-derealization disorders and addiction. We take the time to build a close relationship with each patient to create an atmosphere of trust and open communication that leads to a better recovery experience. To learn more about our addiction treatment programs, call 413.570.9698 or send us a message online today, and one of our team members will get back to you soon.
The Relationship Between Depersonalization and Addiction
Depersonalization-derealization disorder is both a cause and a symptom of substance use disorder. Long-term drug or alcohol abuse leads to permanent changes within your body that affect the delicate chemical balance and can cause depersonalization-derealization disorder and other mental health disorders. Other common causes of this disorder include:
- A traumatic event early in childhood
- Continuous high-stress levels
- Family history of depression, anxiety, or substance abuse
- Gender or sexual confusion
Episodes typically last only a few minutes, but in cases of drug or alcohol-induced depersonalization-derealization disorder, they can last several weeks to months. The kind of problems depersonalization and addiction can cause in a person’s life include:
- A lack of concentration that will make focusing at work or school difficult
- It will worsen and/or cause symptoms of depression and anxiety
- It can cause significant problems with work and personal relationships as it makes connecting with people difficult
- It can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair
At Swift River, our behavioral therapists have experience working with patients with depersonalization-derealization and addiction through our co-occurring disorder treatment program. Patients will receive medication to minimize withdrawal symptoms and cravings while focusing on the issue that caused the disorder in the first place.
The Best Ways of Treating Depersonalization-Derealization and Addiction
While there is no cure for addiction and other mental health disorders, there are several proven treatment programs that address the physical and mental aspects of addiction. These programs allow patients to recover in a safe environment while developing healthy relationships with their peers.
Some of the best ways of treating depersonalization-derealization and addiction include:
- Behavioral therapy – Patients will participate in group and private therapy, working with a certified behavioral therapist to uncover the original cause of the addiction. They help them process their feelings while minimizing any negative behavior. Therapists teach patients healthy coping skills for managing their symptoms and triggers and how to talk about their feelings with others.
- Medication-assisted treatment – Certain medications can block the painful symptoms of withdrawal and curb cravings for the substance of choice. Because each patient is unique, it may take a few tries to find the right dosage for maximum benefits. Medical staff will monitor each patient’s reactions and make adjustments to minimize any negative side effects.
- Holistic therapy – Mindfulness techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga and very effective in helping patients through the recovery process. It creates a deeper state of calm and helps show patients the power they have within them to make real changes. Other holistic programs that can benefit the recovery process include animal-assisted therapy, creative writing, dancing, nature/adventure walks, and arts and crafts.
- Family therapy – Another important aspect of recovery is family therapy. It helps restore trust and mend any broken relationships caused by the addiction. Your family will learn all about the disorder and how dangerous addiction can be. In addition, they will learn how to create a supportive home environment that will encourage a healthy and sober lifestyle.
Depersonalization and addiction are serious conditions that can cause a major disruption in a person’s life. While it may seem like drugs or alcohol is helping, it is only temporary relief that does more harm than good.
Begin the Journey of Healing at Swift River – Massachusetts
At Swift River, we provide compassionate support for those who need help with their depersonalization-derealization disorder and associated addiction. Our co-occurring disorder treatment focuses on treating the physical side of addiction while helping patients cope with the incident or feelings that caused the addiction. Patients learn how to process their feelings without using drugs or alcohol and learn to see themselves and the world around them in a better light.
Reach out to our friendly team today by calling 413.570.9698 to discover all the benefits of enrolling in our addiction treatment center. You can also fill out our online form and let us get back to you.
