Most people who struggle with a substance use disorder also struggle with an underlying mental health condition. When a mental health condition exists along with addiction, this is referred to as a dual diagnosis. Find out more about dual diagnosis during addiction counseling, why it is important, and what to expect during treatment below.
A Closer Look at Dual Diagnosis
Dual diagnosis simply means an individual is struggling with addiction and a mental health issue at the same time. This may also be referred to as comorbidity or co-occurring disorders. When the two conditions are present at the same time, the symptoms of each can exacerbate the other condition. For example, an individual struggling with depression may seek to use substances more to overcome depression symptoms, but doing so may lead to worsened depression symptoms.
How Common Is Dual Diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis is exceptionally common. Research has found that about half of all people who suffer from a substance use disorder will also experience a mental illness. As many as 17 million adults in the U.S. have co-occurring addiction and mental health disorders.
What Conditions Are the Most Commonly Associated with Addiction?
The most common comorbid mental health condition in those with substance use disorders is anxiety. This can include generalized anxiety, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and panic disorder. However, addiction often co-occurs with other mental illnesses, such as:
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Borderline personality disorder
- Antisocial personality disorder
It is also important to note that individuals with a serious mental illness that severely impairs living a functional life are even more likely to struggle with addiction.
The Importance of Dual Diagnosis with Addiction Treatment
Dual diagnosis is vital during an addiction counseling program. It may not be clear which condition occurred first, but both addiction and mental illness must be treated in unique ways. If one side of the equation is targeted and the other is overlooked, the individual’s opportunity to recover may be impacted. In some situations, treating one condition only may even worsen the symptoms of the other condition.
To create the most effective recovery plan during an addiction treatment program, care providers familiar with dual diagnosis perform a comprehensive evaluation of all symptoms. This broad-spectrum screening process allows the care provider to reveal symptoms of both the addiction and other mental health concerns. From here, they create a care plan that is mindful of both conditions.
A Final World on Dual Diagnosis Addiction Treatment
While dual diagnosis can sound scary, co-occurring addiction and mental disorders are common. The most important step is finding an addiction treatment center that understands dual diagnosis and offers dual diagnosis treatment. At Provive Wellness, clients are carefully evaluated during intake to determine if a dual diagnosis is possible. Each individual’s needs can be unique, which is why we take a holistic, tailored approach to addiction treatment. Reach out to learn more about our addiction counseling programs.
Sources
Dual Diagnosis: Definition & Treatment (clevelandclinic.org)