Addiction is a complex disease that affects behavior and brain function. Many people throughout Northeast Florida with substance abuse disorders also have other mental health illnesses, which are also complex and take careful assessment to diagnosis.
At the same time, the symptoms of drug and alcohol abuse and of mental health disorders can overlap. Substance use can mask the symptoms of co-occurring disorders, exacerbate symptoms or mimic symptoms, and vice versa.
There are rarely easy answers with substance abuse, especially when coupled with underlying mental health disorders. That’s why the initial substance abuse evaluation and assessment of each patient is so crucial to mapping out a treatment plan that’s right for each individual.
