Dual Diagnosis
Addressing Mental Health and Substance Abuse Through Dual Diagnosis
Mental health disorders don’t exist in a vacuum. They can be complicated by other health conditions, including substance use disorders. Substance use disorders may involve the use of alcohol, legal drugs, illicit drugs, or a combination of these substances. When substance abuse is present, mental health disorders can worsen or involve a unique set of symptoms. To resolve both issues effectively, both must be treated simultaneously, because they are so closely linked.
When someone is suffering from a substance abuse disorder alongside a behavioral or mental health condition, they may receive a dual diagnosis. By addressing both issues at the same time, the chances for a successful recovery increase dramatically.
Understanding a Dual Diagnosis
A dual diagnosis indicates that someone has a mental disorder as well as an addiction to drugs or alcohol. When both issues are present at once, they can worsen one another and lead to a more complicated relationship with substance use. For example, individuals may self-medicate for a mental disorder like depression with drugs or alcohol, and due to the changes in the brain caused by depression, they are more likely to become addicted. Alternatively, substance abuse can cause physical changes to the brain that make mental illness more likely.
Addiction and mental disorders often occur in conjunction with one another. In fact, the National Institute on Drug Abuse has found that of the 20.3 million adults with substance use disorders in the U.S., 37.9% also had mental illnesses. One of the contributing factors for the prevalence of these co-occurring disorders is that both have common risk factors, including:
- Trauma
- Genetics
- Stress
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Unfortunately, not everyone with co-occurring disorders gets the help they need. In fact, the majority never receive mental health care or substance abuse treatment. About 34.5% of people will only receive mental healthcare, and only 9.1% will receive both mental health and substance abuse treatment. However, for mental health treatment to be effective, it is imperative to halt drug and alcohol use. Psychiatric medications will not work as intended if you are using other substances to self-medicate. Additionally, both disorders may stem from the same root, so it is essential to consider both conditions when addressing core contributing factors.
Dual diagnosis treatment may look different for everyone. Some people may benefit from inpatient care in an addiction recovery center, while others may find success with outpatient programs that incorporate individual and group therapy to facilitate the healing process. Medication may also be an important component of your journey to recovery.
Find the Help You Need With Integrated Behavioral Health
If you are struggling with your mental health and substance abuse, you may not know where to turn for treatment. Integrated Behavioral Health can get you on the path to recovery with compassionate providers experienced in providing addiction treatment.