One’s substance abuse is caused by many risk factors experienced while growing up, such as, environment, genetic predisposition, the stigma of society, the pressures of being normal, the stress of school work, or even, an individual’s work life. Substance abuse can be defined as the dependency on a legal or illegal drug or medication (Hawkins, Catalano, & Miller, 1992). Some factors that lead individuals to abuse drugs are as a way to help them cope with problems or as a way to numb the pain that one is experiencing. Many individuals suffer because they do not have the best coping skills or they need help learning new ways to deal with the challenging situation that they are faced with. Unfortunately, some people cannot not even take advantage…show more content… I am interning at a facility that provides treatment for co-morbidity. The name of the facility is called Nassau Alternative Advocacy Program (NAAP). This organization assists clients who are mandated and court-ordered, as well as, clients who voluntarily come to this facility to get clean. As a result of the negative effects substance abuse has had on them, their family, and their life, this program can offer alternatives to help its patients make changes for healthier living. This organization facilitates a twelve step program for the clients to utilize which conveys the message of sobriety, or recovery, and also to look to a higher power for guidance. Working with a co-morbid population of patients interests me because one can see what came first, or what factors are affecting them. o In addition, it has been proven that mental illness and substance abuse are on the rise and have increased in part due to the changes in the way we grow up. Because of these changes, many school-aged students are being diagnosed with a mental illness that can be linked to substance abuse. It is important to understand the kind of mental illness that is being experienced and that the individual’s symptoms must meet the DSM-V…show more content… The symptoms of both conditions interact with each other causing a negative effect on the client. Individuals with a dual diagnosis of substance abuse and anxiety can be expected to exhibit more functional impairments, which include negative impacts on both their occupational and social functioning (). People who suffer from an anxiety disorder tend to have feelings of nervousness, and a feeling of worry that is overbearing or overwhelming so that they are no longer capable of the activity of daily living (ADL’s). Some of their symptoms can include; feelings of fear, worry, nervousness, panic, or uneasiness, difficulty relaxing or sitting still, fidgeting, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, dizziness, heart racing or palpitations, chest pain, dry mouth, nausea or vomiting, muscle tension, sore muscles, and racing thoughts that they cannot control
