Dual diagnosis is also quite common. According to research, over 50% of people with substance use problems have mental health issues as well. In the year 2020, there were 17 million people in the United States with both mental health and substance abuse disorders co-occurring together. When mental health and substance abuse disorders occur together, they can have devastating effects on the patient. Untreated mental health issues can quickly worsen substance use problems. The two disorders create a vicious cycle.
Dealing with substance abuse problems is not easy. It is even more difficult when you are suffering from mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder as well.
In a dual diagnosis case, both mental health and addiction disorders come with their unique symptoms that hinder your ability to function normally and handle life’s challenges. These are called co-occurring disorders. The situation is even more complicated because both conditions affect each other. When a mental health disorder is not addressed properly, the substance abuse disorder gets worse and vice versa.
Both mental health disorders and substance abuse disorders have their own signs and symptoms. Dual diagnosis symptoms, therefore, depend on which condition is being addressed. A dual diagnosis will therefore exhibit symptoms of both mental health and substance abuse disorders.
For example, symptoms of substance abuse disorder may include self-isolation from family and friends, lack of focus, sudden behavioral changes, developing a higher tolerance for the substance being abused, suffering from withdrawal symptoms, and depending on the substance to function among others.
Symptoms of mental health disorders may include sudden mood changes, lack of concentration and focus, confusion, inability to function properly at school or work, suicidal thoughts, and keeping away from social activities among others.
A person who has a dual diagnosis will exhibit symptoms of both mental health disorder and substance abuse at the same time.
Mental health disorder and substance abuse have their own unique challenges but there can be additional problems when both conditions occur together at the same time.
Some of the challenges posed by dual diagnosis include the following:
Dual-diagnosis is best treated through an integrated approach that addresses mental health and substance use problems simultaneously. Regardless of which disorder came first, it is important to treat both disorders at the same time.
Dual-diagnosis treatment typically involves behavioral therapy, support groups, medication, and in-patient care depending on the severity of the condition.
Behavioral therapies used to treat DD effectively include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) to help you cope with negative thinking patterns, and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to reduce feelings of self-harm.
Medications are also used to alleviate the physical and emotional symptoms of dual diagnosis. Some of the FDA-approved medications include bupropion which is used to treat depression and nicotine dependence.
Support groups are also beneficial in DD treatment. They give you the social and emotional support you need in maintaining sobriety and working your way toward recovery. Support groups also provide tips and advice on how to overcome daily challenges in life.
In-patient care in a facility that treats dual-diagnosis cases is also quite helpful for people with both mental health problems and a high dependency on substance use. In an in-patient care facility, you get 24/7 care and treatment that includes therapy, medication, and support.
Treatment and recovery from dual diagnosis are possible. The most important thing is to make sure that the treatment program you choose is offered by an accredited and licensed facility. The program should also have experience in treating your specific mental health problem.
For example, you wouldn’t derive any benefit from a program that specializes in depression when you are suffering from bipolar disorder.
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