Dual Diagnosis
Studies regarding mental health and addiction have increasingly shown that the two are interlinked. Many professionals believe that if a person is suffering from a mental health issue and an addiction problem, the two should be dealt with together. Addiction centers now have treatments that involve therapies to ensure that the patient’s mental health struggles are addressed. A dual diagnosis is also called a co-occurring disorder. It is used to describe a condition when a person is diagnosed with an addiction issue along with a mental health problem. These are hard to diagnose as the symptoms of both mental health issues and addiction are quite similar. This is why one of the two issues often goes undiagnosed.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse

Many patients with mental health issues use drugs to feel better. Drug abuse can lead to other mental health issues like depression and anxiety. People who use amphetamines are known to be extremely depressed when they are sober. Similarly, drugs like Cocaine and LSD can cause schizophrenia. Around 8.2 million adults in the United States are estimated to suffer from a dual diagnosis disorder. However, this figure is often contested as it fails to look at vulnerable groups like the homeless population. The accurate figure might be much higher in reality. It is hard to diagnose a co-occurring disorder as it is unclear whether mental health conditions lead to addiction or vice versa. This is why it is best to consult a doctor who can guide you in a better way. It is also recommended that in these cases, a person should opt for a treatment that caters to both the issues. This will allow for a more successful treatment and fewer chances of relapse as the person can deal with both their mental and physical needs. Only 12% of patients suffering from this disorder get treated for both issues.

Dual Diagnosis

There are a wide variety of symptoms for dual diagnosis, as there are many combinations of mental health and drugs that can be used. However, some signs might help in recognizing this issue, including mood swings, underperformance at school or work, using drugs in times of stress, withdrawal from loved ones, and monetary problems. Some symptoms occur due to the use of a substance and are known as Substance-induced Mental Disorders. Some of these symptoms are:
  • Depression
  • Hallucinations
  • Psychotic disorder
  • Delirium.
Mental Illness

Mental Illness

Some common mental health disorders that often cause substance abuse are Schizophrenia, Anorexia, PTSD, and Bipolar nature. These symptoms help professionals identify a dual diagnosis. These also help them to come up with treatments for dual diagnosis. Symptoms that may be due to substance abuse or mental illness are:
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Personality changes
  • Delusional thinking
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Poor hygiene
  • Diet changes
  • Cravings for drug
  • Extreme weight loss or weight gain
  • Increased tolerance to the drug

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

It is important to get treatment for dual diagnosis; it is best to go to an addiction specialist who can also deal with dual diagnosis treatment. The first stage of this process is withdrawal, where the patient detoxifies his body. The symptoms one faces in a withdrawal differ from person to person and depend on numerous factors like drug consumption, mental health issues, and addiction to the drug.

This is followed by group and individual therapy. Other types of therapies can include Cognitive-behavioral Therapy. This is known to be very effective. Sometimes, medication is also provided to patients to help them deal with their mental health issues. 

The treatment for dual diagnosis can take place in an inpatient facility. However, outpatient options are also available. Inpatient facilities work best for long-term issues and heavy addictions and are known to have a higher rate of recovery. Outpatient services require a lot of dedication on behalf of the patient. This is why they are often considered to have lower rates of recovery.

If you are struggling with a dual diagnosis, try to find help today by calling us. We aim to answer every question and will make you feel at home while you seek treatment. It is always a good idea to ask for help instead of suffering alone and that we are here to help you through this dark patch. This way, you do not have to face your problems alone. By working together, we ensure that we will be able to treat your dual diagnosis in no time and enable you to return to a healthier lifestyle. Feel free to send us an email, connect via call, or drop by our center if you want more information.