Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Everything You Need to Know

Mental health awareness has made a lot of progress over the past decade or so, and now more people than ever before are awake to the importance of treating mental health issues in conjunction with drug rehabilitation to effectively treat addiction. 

For many years, people who suffered from mental health disorders and addiction had to get separate treatment for either. In most cases, for mental illness treatment to happen, psychiatrists had to wait for the individual to get clean and sober. This meant that patients that suffered from both did not get the help they needed.

Dual diagnosis treatment centers understand that substance abuse is often a result of underlying mental health disorders, and as such, focus on treating both conditions simultaneously.

Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know when you find dual diagnosis treatment centers near me.

Dual Diagnosis Is More Common Than You Think

Dual diagnosis is far more common than many think. Studies have shown that nearly half of people with a substance addiction also have a mental illness. Any blend of symptoms of depression (including schizophrenia, sadness, anxiety etc.) and addiction (gambling, drugs, alcohol and so forth) is enough to qualify one as a dual diagnosis patient.

Statistics of the American Medical Association show that 53% of drug abusers and 37% of alcohol abusers also suffer a mental illness. Conversely, 29% of individuals diagnosed with a mental illness also abuse drugs or alcohol.

An Individual Can Have Multiple Kinds Of Dual Diagnosis

It’s common to see dual diagnosis patients with more than one mental disorder. One may show symptoms of depression and still have an anxiety disorder while suffering an addiction. In most cases, mental health disorder is often the cause of the desire driving the addiction. It’s crucial never to overlook any sight of mental health issues regarding a person’s drawn-out dependence recovery plan.

Mental Illness Can Lead To Substance Abuse and Vice-Versa

There are multiple ways that mental disorders can lead one to substance abuse. Persons with mental illnesses can use substances in a misguided bid to self-medicate and suppress their symptoms. For instance, depression takes a drug with a euphoric effect, such as heroin. 

On the other hand, some biological mechanisms of substance abuse may interfere with the brain’s chemical balance which over time can exacerbate, uncover, or even lead to mental disorders. For instance, the use of cocaine can precipitate anxiety and panic attacks.

Closing Thoughts: Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers Can Help  

Dual diagnosis treatment is broad, but the key is understanding that persons may suffer many social effects. As a result, maintaining a relationship with other people and society may be quite difficult for them. 

Many tend to distance themselves from those close to them, which unintentionally reduces the network and support. Family and friends may also find it hard remaining close to their loved ones. 

Therefore, if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with dual diagnosis, try and get proper treatment that will address not only the disorders themselves but also the social struggles resulting from dual diagnosis.