Treating Dual Diagnosis: What Are The Best Options?
When struggling with addiction and mental health issues, it can be challenging to determine the best way to treat them.
Some people may advocate for one type of treatment over another, but the truth is that there is no specific answer.
Various treatments are available, and the best approach will vary from person to person.
This blog post will look at some of the most common approaches to dual diagnosis treatment; keep reading for more information.
What Is a Dual Diagnosis?
Many individuals with substance use disorder suffer from other mental health conditions. It is commonly called a "double diagnosis." For those with two diagnoses, their health and well-being need to undergo a comprehensive therapy approach that addresses each disease as an interdependent issue.
By seeking help with your addiction and other mental health issues, your life becomes more enjoyable and fulfilling.
Common Mental Health Issues and Addictions
Many mental health disorders commonly occur with addiction.
Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses, and it often leads people to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol abuse.
Anxiety disorders are common; people may use substances to calm their nerves or ease their anxiety.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is another common mental illness that often co-occurs with addiction.
Many people with dual diagnoses also struggle with behavioral issues, such as impulsivity, anger, and aggression.
Why Are Co-occurring Disorders Treated Differently?
It's widely accepted that mental disorders may cause addictions, and treating co-occurring disorders differs from treating addiction or mental illness alone.
This is because each disorder can exacerbate the symptoms of the other.
For example, someone struggling with depression may turn to alcohol to self-medicate, which can lead to alcohol dependence.
Statistics on Co-Occurring Disorders
Two-fold more likely, a person addicted to alcohol will have anxiety or depression symptoms. About 84,000 Americans have a mental illness or SUD. And a 4-fold increase in alcohol consumption.
A new study taken out by the National Institutes of Health found a 5-time increase in people who smoked cigarettes each day.
What Are Treatment Approaches for a Dual Diagnosis?
Many different treatment approaches can be practical for dual diagnosis. The most important thing is to find a treatment approach that meets your individual needs.
Some standard treatment approaches for dual diagnosis include:
- Individual therapy: This therapy can help you address the underlying issues contributing to your addiction and mental health problems.
- Group therapy: This type of therapy can help provide support and accountability.
- Medication: Medication can be essential for treating addiction and mental health disorders.
- Holistic therapies: Holistic therapies, such as yoga or meditation, can help you manage stress and promote overall wellness.
Mental health clinics offer various types of care that are affordable and available to all.
How Common Is a Dual Diagnosis?
In 2018, nearly one million Americans were diagnosed with co-occurring disorders.
Approximately a third of adults diagnosed with addiction have had their symptoms resolved. In a study taken out by the American Medical Association last month, only 8% had the disease.
Dual diagnosis treatment centers help individuals find treatment for addictions and mental health problems.
Some co-occurring conditions include depression, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder.
Some people have mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, PTSD, or depression.
Sign That Someone Needs a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center
Persons with dual diagnoses may suffer severe mental illness and other comorbidities that can occur after relapse.
With the highest dual diagnosis rehab center in North Carolina provides its patients with the chance to discover the signs and symptoms of dual diagnosis
. Often people start retreating from their families or friends when they feel unable to maintain contact.
Similarly, a person can struggle to manage daily tasks and control drug abuse. As a result of the drug's use, it may become more dangerous in certain situations.
Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse
Abused substances may include alcohol, marijuana, methamphetamines, and marijuana, including alcohol, beer, or liquor. Substance abuse problems don't matter what you are using.
Ultimately, the issue is how your drinking or drug usage affects your relationship. In short, a person with substance abuse may suffer from a severe addiction problem.
Connection Between Mental Health and Substance Abuse
In cases characterized as coexisting disorders or dual diagnosis, it's often referred to as drug or alcohol addiction.
The struggle to deal with substance misuse and alcoholism can be difficult. Both alcoholic or mentally unstable disorders may interfere with or affect your ability to work or school, maintain a safe and secure home, or cope with life's difficulties.
In addition, cooccurrences of disorders are extremely difficult.
Finding the Right Treatment Program
Ensure that the program has the right accreditation and licensing process, the treatment techniques have been tested, and there will be a program that prevents relapse.
In addition, you must ensure that the programs are experienced with a particular mental illness issue. Some programs treat depression and anxiety, but not schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
There are many ways that therapeutic programs can be used, but there is one basic principle to effective treatment:
Treatment Programs for Veterans With Co-Occurring Disorders
Veterans face further problems as a result of overlapping conditions. Military and combat forces can potentially exacerbate psychological disorders, and substance addiction can help combat this.
These difficulties usually appear when veterinary doctors return home and can sometimes be mistaken for adjustment.
The undiagnosed co-occurring disorder can result in severe problems in your daily life as a caregiver.
FAQs
What Is an Example of a Dual Diagnosis?
A person with a dual diagnosis has been diagnosed with both a mental health disorder and an addiction. For example, someone may be diagnosed with depression and an alcohol use disorder.
What Are Symptoms of Dual Diagnosis?
Symptoms of dual diagnoses:
- Distances to relatives.
- A sudden alteration.
- Use substances that are still dangerous.
- Risk-taking behavior.
- Increase in tolerance with more significant withdrawal symptoms.
- Can't function without meds.
How Does Dual Diagnosis Treatment Work?
According to the mental health services administration, the approach simultaneously addresses addiction and mental health condition.
Each disease has been separately diagnosed to help the clients address issues that cause dual diagnosis.
What Is a Dual Diagnosis in Mental Health?
The person suffering from the dual diagnosis can have a mental disorder and alcohol addiction.
This condition often happens together.
Around half of those who have mental illness may have some sort of or other drug use issue.
Conclusion
It is always vital to seek help if you think you might have a dual diagnosis. Treatment can be very effective for people who receive care for both conditions simultaneously.
If you have a dual diagnosis, work with your treatment provider or mental health disorder professional to create a suitable treatment plan that meets your needs.