Mood Disorders
Many individuals who struggle with drug or alcohol abuse actually have underlying factors such as mood disorders. These disorders are often major barriers to any treatment the abuser may seek in their break from addiction. For example, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder are among two conditions which create recovery obstacles. These emotional states often bring sufferers to substance abuse, bringing temporary relief to the users. However, mood disorders can change through substance abuse; often, the mood disorder becomes exacerbated, and the user feels worse.
Liberty Bay Recovery in Portland, Maine is determined to help addicts recover by discovering and addressing the underlying mood disorders associated with the drug or alcohol abuse.
We are able to prescribe and refill medication for anxiety and depression, but for other mental health concerns we refer out. Certainly, more severe mental health concerns may arise after you have some time clean and sob er. If these traits emerge, or they were not disclosed during admission, we do our best to find outside psychiatric help while you are receiving treatment.
Psychological disorders are often intertwined with substance abuse issues. Officially, this is referred to as a dual diagnosis. The list of substances to which individuals are addicted is endless; there are also numerous emotional or psychological disorders. In most cases, both play large parts in achieving a dual diagnosis.
The diagnosis can only be determined by a team of experienced professionals before treatment can begin. After diagnosis, discovering the correct treatment plan takes time and is often a multi-step process. Due to this, many other facilities will search for that coveted “primary disorder” for treatment. Other illnesses are ignored, which does not help the underlying causes. Liberty Bay Recovery knows better. We understand how dual diagnoses can help an individual, and that ALL diagnoses must be treated, not just the primary diagnosis. Only this method can provide complete healing. Any untreated mood or emotional issues increase the chance of relapse while untreated abuse issues mask the emotional issues. Treating both of these issues simultaneously with trauma-informed therapy in Portland, Maine is the best guarantee for recovery and avoidance of relapse.
Self-Medication and Mood and Anxiety Disorders
There are three main psychological/emotional illnesses that most often appear in those suffering from substance abuse.
Depression, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorder sufferers often abuse alcohol or drugs for self-medication purposes.
A number of Americans live life constantly worried. These people are restless, have trouble sleeping, and have nightmares when they do sleep. Upset stomachs and headaches are common for these individuals. Some of the most common anxiety disorders are as follows:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Sufferers experience constant worry and fear that dominates everything.
- Panic Disorders: Sufferers feel sudden, paralyzing terror when no real threat exists. Many sufferers experience tightness in the chest, dizziness, and increased heart rate.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Sufferers have obsessions with disturbing thoughts. The sufferers often attempt control of the thoughts through rituals. For example, germaphobes will constantly wash to “get rid of germs,” though none may be present.
- Phobia: These affect one in every ten individuals. Sufferers have unreasonable fears associated with certain items or situations. If the situation or item is experienced, intense anxiety grips the sufferer.
Any life event that damages an individual can cause substance abuse along with psychological issues. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is the direct result of traumatic events and does not allow the sufferer to handle “normal” situations. PTSD treatment in Portland, Maine can help the individual feel normal again.
Substance Abuse Complicates Underlying Issues
Those who live with mood disorders feel helpless and isolated. A high number begin to use drugs and alcohol to feel better about themselves and their situation. While self-medication is not a good idea, many people use substances for this purpose. Without help for the underlying emotional issues, however, the substance use quickly turns to abuse.
Liberty Bay Recovery in Portland, Maine understands how the combination of substance abuse and psychological disorder can negatively affect a person’s mental, social, spiritual, and physical health. Treating addiction does not require only taking away the substance; it also requires care of the spirit and mind. While circumstances will vary between individuals, there is always a constant: mental health disorders and substance abuse go together and support each other in terrible ways. Liberty Bay Recovery helps guide individuals toward recovery, away from exhausting and painful, repetitive, addictive conditions. Also, we believe every piece of dual diagnoses must be handled simultaneously to receive the best possible recovery outcomes.
We use more than therapy sessions and medical treatments; we encourage every client to explore expressive therapies and help develop the positive goals that will help avoid relapse. There are holistic therapies offered at our facilities, such as reiki, acupuncture, and yoga. Our clients transition into healing, rather than being forced into it. Clients also learn more about the self and about the addiction, which helps curb despair and anxiety as treatment proceeds. As an anxiety treatment center in Portland, Maine, Liberty Bay Recovery has adequate knowledge of dual diagnoses paired with the best treatment programs to help everyone overcome the past and develop strength from within.
Don’t Wait. Call Today.
There are a number of reasons to enter a rehab facility and end the destruction caused by addiction. This is a cycle that kills every aspect of life, and one that must be stopped.
When left alone, addiction will take everything away from you. Call us today at (855) 607-8758 for more information on how Liberty Bay Recovery can help.
We even accept many insurances (Cigna, Aetna, Humana, United Health Care, ValueOptions, GEHA (Government Employee Health Association), UMR (United Medical Resources), Providence Health Plans, Harvard Pilgrim HealthCare, or even state insurance. There are additional self-pay options as well.
Contact Liberty Bay Recovery
Liberty Bay Recovery, located in Portland, Maine, is nationally recognized as a drug and alcohol addiction treatment facility. We provided drug and alcohol rehab services to men and women requiring treatment for mood disorders. If you believe you would benefit from treatment for a mood disorder, please contact us today.
RESOURCES
Addiction Recovery Blog
October 8, 2025
Social media connects us but it can also subtly chip away at mental well being...
September 8, 2025
Recovery Month in September gives us a chance to talk about different parts of healing...
August 3, 2025
Overdoses are a difficult but critical topic to discuss Every year families and communities lose...
