Dual Diagnosis Disorders

Dual Diagnosis
Disorders

A person struggling with a mental illness and a co-occurring substance use disorder is said to have a dual diagnosis. The concept of a dual diagnosis treatment refers to treating a substance use disorder along with a mental or behavioral health condition. Only treating one issue may put the person at an increased risk of relapse and further danger. Dual diagnosis treatment centers like Psyclarity Health take an integrated and comprehensive care approach to address and rectify both conditions fully.

Most Common Mental Health
Disorders that Co-Occur
with Substance Use Disorders

Mental health disorders and addiction often go hand-in-hand. One might trigger the other or make symptoms worse. For example, someone might turn to substance abuse to cope with their mental illness symptoms. Or conversely, drug use could worsen a pre-existing mental illness. Some examples of dual diagnosis disorder are having a substance abuse problem along with any of the following:


Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Addiction

ADHD is a developmental disorder that can last into adulthood. Those with ADHD generally have difficulties paying attention and controlling their urges. The primary medication used to treat ADHD are stimulants. When stimulants are not taken as directed, they can be highly addictive. People with ADHD may become reliant on stimulants quickly, especially if they aren’t adequately treated for their condition.

 

Bipolar Disorder and Addiction

Bipolar disorder is a grave mental illness commonly manifested by wild mood swings. People with bipolar disorder will experience pervasive manic highs followed by periods of depression. Almost half of the people with bipolar disorder also have an issue with some form of addiction. As is usual for any other mental illness, it becomes appealing to self-medicate when faced with such symptoms. However, people usually find only temporary relief from their withdrawal symptoms instead of using drugs or alcohol as coping mechanisms.

 

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Drug Abuse

BPD, or borderline personality disorder, affects a person’s self-image and ability to regulate emotions and behavior. About two-thirds of people with BPD have used drugs or alcohol to cope at some point in their lives. Unfortunately, this means substance use disorder is common among those with BPD.

 

Depression and Substance Use Disorder 

Millions of Americans struggle with depression, and many will turn to self-medication with drugs or alcohol to help them feel better. The loss of serotonin in the brain after the effects of the medications and alcohol have worn off can be deadly for individuals suffering from a depressive condition.

 

Eating Disorders and Addiction

People with eating disorders commonly have an unhealthy relationship with food. Some may limit their intake, while others might binge eat uncontrollably. People suffering from anorexia or bulimia often use drugs to suppress their appetite, including prescription and illicit stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine.

 

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Addiction

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is America’s most prominent mental health problem. Unfortunately, people who suffer from GAD are highly susceptible to using drugs and alcohol to self-medicate their anxiety symptoms.

Benzodiazepines are a highly addictive type of drug that is used to treat anxiety disorders. Benzodiazepines are among the most widely abused medicines by persons with GAD due to their addictive nature and ease of availability.

 

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Addiction

People with OCD have a variety of uncontrollable intrusive thoughts and compulsions. An irrational germophobia, for example, and a compulsive need to clean regularly and continuously are two examples. People with OCD are frequently depressed and anxious due to their primary mental health condition. As a result, they may resort to alcohol or drug abuse to alleviate their problems.

 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Addiction

Because people with PTSD have lower levels of endorphins in their brains, they are more likely to become addicted to using substances like alcohol to feel happy and calm.

 

Phobias and Addiction

Like other fear and anxiety problems, phobias frequently co-occur with drug addiction. Substance abuse may be utilized to relieve a person’s fears and can help to ease the worry for a short time. But the relief never last and generally leads to addiction.

A neuropsychological evaluation is sometimes required to distinguish between anxiety disorder symptoms and drug or alcohol addiction side effects.

 

Schizoaffective Disorders and Substance Abuse Disorder

Schizophrenia and addiction, often known as substance use disorder (SUD), are frequently seen in dual diagnosis cases. People with schizoaffective disorder repeatedly abuse drugs and alcohol in an effort to self-medicate or relieve anxiety and sadness. Although substance abuse does not cause schizoaffective disorder, it has been noted as a risk factor.

Symptoms of Drug or
Alcohol addiction and
Co-Occurring Disorders

It’s not easy to determine if an addict also has a mental illness because the symptoms of addiction and mental illness often look alike. To get an accurate diagnosis of mental illness, the person can’t have any drugs or alcohol in their system during an assessment. Even though each mental health disorder has different symptoms, some general signs may show a mental illness is present. These include:

  • Poor eating and sleeping habits
  • Apathetic and uninspired by previously loved activities
  • Extreme mood swings
  • Paranoia or anxiety for no apparent reason
  • Difficulty focusing and concentrating
  • Irritability
  • Decreased or increased sex drive
  • Deteriorating personal hygiene
  • Hallucinations or delusions
  • Risky, impulsive behavior
  • Suicidal tendencies

 

Depending on the substance being abused, symptoms will naturally differ. That said, there are general indicators of addiction regardless of drug or alcohol. Warning signs of substance use disorder include the inability to stop using substances despite adverse consequences, withdrawal symptoms when quitting, and difficulty functioning without the substance are all signs of addiction. Other warning signs include:

  • Isolation from friends and family
  • Increased tolerance for the substance
  • Risky and erratic behavior
  • Mood swings
  • Conflict in relationships


It’s crucial that individuals receive treatment for co-occurring disorders because often, they feed off each other, and one condition will make the symptoms of the other worse. If substance abuse goes untreated, it can cause significant problems for someone who suffers from mental illness. Receiving help for co-occurring disorders allows people to focus on leading a happy and healthy life.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Programs at Psyclarity Health

We always start with a personalized evaluation to see what the best form of care is for each person. This can entail taking medication for mental illness or going to rehab.

At Psyclarity Health, we specialize in using different therapies- like cognitive behavioral therapy and trauma therapy- to help our patients change their lifestyles. Group meetings provide invaluable feedback, advice, and support during the recovery process. And for those who need it, we also offer family therapy, wherein clients can get the family support they need to stay on track after they leave rehab.

Sometimes addictions to drugs or alcohol come before being diagnosed with a mental illness, whereas others may develop an addiction after already having a mental health condition. It doesn’t matter which occurs first; it is critical that the treatment is tailored to treat both illnesses simultaneously.

Dual Diagnosis
Treatment Centers

The best way to treat a dual diagnosis is through inpatient rehab at a center that specializes in both mental illness and substance abuse. This is ideal because the patient will receive constant care from on-site clinicians who can help with any physical or mental problems caused by addiction.

The objective of dual diagnosis treatment is to assist the individual in learning how to remain sober while also managing the symptoms of their mental illness. We do this through medication, counseling, and behavioral therapy. Therapy for treating dual diagnoses includes:

 

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT is a conversational therapy that helps patients understand their thoughts, change their behavior, and develop better coping skills.

 

Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)

DBT was primarily developed to treat borderline personality disorder, though it can also be helpful for other disorders. The positive coping mechanisms learned through DBT help patients avoid self-harming behaviors.

 

Support Groups

Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are forms of therapy groups that assist and encourage one another to remain sober.

Get Help with Mental Illness
and Co-Occurring Disorders

Living with multiple disorders can be challenging and sometimes seem impossible, but there is always hope for recovery. Psyclarity Health treatment centers have plenty of experience helping those struggling with co-occurring disorders. With a custom-tailored plan that fits your needs, it’s possible to, once again, lead a joyful life free from the chains of mental illness.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Center Near You

You deserve to live free from mental illness and substance use disorder. Get help today by calling us or visiting our website. We are available 24/7 and have facilities around the country that can help you. Our compassionate, skilled recovery specialists will help you find the right treatment facility for your unique needs.

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