In a recent study, it was found that those with severe schizophrenia have benefitted from talk therapy, in which the patient focuses on defusing self-defeating assumptions in order to better handle the symptoms associated with their mental illness. Although most people afflicted with addiction are not schizophrenic, there are cases where addiction has evolved from an individual’s attempt to self-medicate in the hopes of finding relief from the symptoms and difficulties associated with many types of mental illness, schizophrenia included.
Being able to clearly separate the addiction from the underlying issues is the first step, but now, the tools that are developed during treatment in order to help work through an addiction are also that much more important due to their ability to help with the effects of schizophrenia.
A patient may come on site with a substance abuse problem, but there can be underlying issues that exacerbate their condition and make recovery from addiction difficult without working through the core issues that have led them to this point. Because of Clarity Way’s ability to focus on dual-diagnosis based on an individual client’s needs, we are better able create a plan that is then tailored to those specific treatment needs. With the findings in this study, it is clear that not only does therapy play an immense role in recovering from substance abuse, but it can have an incredibly positive impact on other mental issues, especially regarding schizophrenia.
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