A dual diagnosis is not uncommon in mental health and addiction treatment. The term refers to having two or more conditions occurring at the same time. For example, someone with a dual diagnosis could have bipolar disorder as well as an addiction to alcohol, or they could have depression and struggle with substance use.
Getting help for both conditions is essential to recovery since substance use and mental health disorders are happening at the same time. If a person only goes through treatment for one of the two or more conditions, there is a greater risk of relapse of the conditions that are present.
Dual Diagnoses Are Common
Dual diagnoses are more common than many people realize. In fact, around a third of all people who deal with mental health disorders also struggle with substance use disorders. It’s also the case that many people with drug or alcohol-use disorders will also have mental health disorders. Statistically, a third of all people who abuse alcohol have a coinciding mental health condition, and over half of all those who abuse drugs have been shown to have mental health diagnoses as well. Because of that, it’s important for anyone trying to stop drugs or alcohol (or those dealing with a mental health disorder) to reach out for mental health services through a program that specializes in dual-diagnosed conditions.
The Symptoms of a Dual Diagnosis
Dual diagnoses can involve many different mental health conditions coinciding with substance use disorders. As a result, there are some symptoms that overlap and that can be a sign of more than one disorder occurring at the same time. Commonly seen symptoms include:
- A sudden change in behavior
- Engaging in risky behavior when using substances
- Withdrawal from normal activities, friends, and family
- The development of tolerances for medications, illicit drugs, or alcohol
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Drug or alcohol cravings
In addition to these symptoms, there are also likely to be symptoms linked to the specific mental health disorders the individual is dealing with. They can range from signs of depression, such as social isolation or a low mood, to symptoms of anxiety, such as panic or trouble with memory. This makes seeking out mental health services in addition to addiction treatment incredibly important.
There Is Help for Dual Diagnoses
No matter what conditions a person may be struggling with, there is help available. From medication to talk therapy, those in recovery have many options to choose from. To learn more about addiction treatment with a dual diagnosis, contact us at Provive Wellness.