It is a natural human impulse to seek relief from pain, whether it’s physical, mental or emotional. So, it’s not uncommon for athletes suffering from mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to self-medicate by using alcohol or drugs. There are also those struggling with the impossible chaos that addiction continues to create in their lives, a cycle that all too often heightens bouts of depression, anxiety, impulsivity followed by even more destructive behavior. Whether it was a battle with depression or pain that led to an addiction, or substance abuse, Pure Sports Recovery understands that lasting recovery can only take place when both conditions are diagnosed and treated simultaneously.

What is a Dual Diagnosis?

The combined presence of a mental health disorder combined with a substance use disorder is referred to as a dual diagnosis, also known as co-occurring disorders. A person may develop either disorder first, but research shows that each condition significantly worsens or amplifies the symptoms of the other condition. Left untreated, the progression of a dual diagnosis can devastate a player’s family life, personal relationships and their professional career. Athletes tend to isolate rather than face the progression of what’s happening to their lives. Pure Sports Recovery provides integrated programs that offer mental health care and addresses the impulsivity that’s making the mental health worst. Our treatment plans are designed for each client’s unique situation and needs.

Who Suffers from a Dual Diagnosis?

Despite the unnecessary stigma surrounding the disease of addiction and mental health issues, they are much more common than most athletes realize. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) reports that around 27 million Americans struggle with substance abuse and addiction this also includes athletes. Nearly half of all Americans have a family member or close friend that’s been addicted to drugs, according to a 2017 survey by the Pew Research Center. Where mental illness is concerned, 1 in 5 adults, or just fewer than 47 million people, deal with mental health problems in a given year, athletes are included in this group. Some common mental health disorders that can lead to a dual diagnosis include:

• Anxiety Disorders
• Depression
• Bipolar Disorder
• Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Personality Disorders
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Almost 8 million people in the U.S. suffer from both mental illness and addiction – a dual diagnosis – and more than half of those are men. TREATMENT OPTIONS We’re here 24/7. Call now to speak to an Admission Specialist!