Signs You Have a Dual Diagnosis

Signs You Have a Dual Diagnosis

Addiction can impact anyone, regardless of their race, social standing, job, or gender. People with mental health disorders are at a higher risk of developing addiction than those without these conditions.

This widespread issue is referred to as a co-occurring disorder. According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, nearly 9 million adults in the United States were reported to have a co-occurring disorder, and this figure continues to grow.

Alarmingly, only 7.4 percent of these individuals receive the necessary integrated treatment that addresses both of their disorders effectively.

What distinguishes a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders from other types of diagnoses? Are there specific signs to be aware of in yourself or someone you care about? What advantages does dual diagnosis treatment offer, and where can you seek assistance? We are here to discuss common signs of co-occurring disorders and the pathway forward.

Dual Diagnosis Defined

Commonly called co-occurring disorders, dual diagnoses mean a person has two or more conditions simultaneously. In mental health, this term usually means that a person has both a mental illness and a substance use disorder. For example, someone might receive a diagnosis of both anxiety and a problem with alcohol use.

Some common Dual diagnosis disorders are:

  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and substance use disorder
  • Borderline personality disorder and substance use disorder
  • Eating disorders and anxiety
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder
  • Bipolar disorder and substance use disorder
  • Substance use disorder and depression

The term co-occurring disorders refers to having more than one health issue at the same time. For example, a person might have both diabetes and depression. Frequently, these disorders co-occur because they can influence and exacerbate one another.

Many people with mental health issues like depression and anxiety may start using drugs or alcohol to feel better. This can create a cycle; using substances for a long time can change the brain and may even lead to more mental health problems.

Effective treatment for both issues, known as dual diagnosis, means helping people with their mental health and their substance use at the same time. This approach ensures that all of their symptoms are managed appropriately.

Signs and Symptoms of Co-Occurring Disorders

If you think you or someone you care about has co-occurring disorders, it is essential to know the warning signs. However, diagnosing these disorders can be challenging.

Symptoms of substance abuse or addiction may hide the signs of mental health issues, while symptoms of mental illness can be mistaken for signs of addiction.

People with mental health issues may not see their substance use as part of their overall problems. Understanding this connection is essential for effective treatment.

Nonetheless, certain common trends can be observed in individuals with co-occurring disorders:

  • Extreme tension or worry
  • Changes in sleep patterns
  • Social withdrawal from family and friends
  • Changes in weight or appetite
  • Aggressive or reckless behavior
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Significant changes in mood or energy levels
  • Dramatic changes in mood and behavior
  • Experiencing delusions or hallucinations
  • Expressing feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
  • Difficulty keeping up with home, job, or school responsibilities

The Silver Lining of a Dual Diagnosis

The most effective approach for dual diagnosis is an integrated treatment plan. This means that individuals receive support for both their identified mental health condition and their substance use disorder. The belief that “I cannot help with your depression while you are drinking” is no longer valid; both concerns must be treated together.

Hearing that you require treatment is never easy. However, everyone needs assistance at various points in their lives. Gaining insight into your challenges and what lies ahead empowers you to make changes. Focusing on all aspects of the problem increases your chances of recovery.

A significant benefit of dual diagnosis treatment is that it helps you learn to manage the problems in your life. It enables you to identify possible triggers, which is crucial. This understanding allows you to create a plan. You can use this plan to reduce the chance of a relapse later.

What to Do if you Suspect a Dual Diagnosis

If you think a friend or family member might have an undiagnosed mental health issue or could be using drugs or alcohol, it is crucial to ensure they do not feel attacked or cornered. There are helpful ways to support someone without worsening the situation or causing more stress.

Co-occurring disorders are often misdiagnosed. This happens because drugs or alcohol can cause symptoms that seem like mental health problems.

For example, people with addiction might feel depressed or paranoid. These feelings can be seen as mental health issues. However, they often connect directly to the addiction, not a separate disorder.

To make a proper diagnosis, people who may have a co-occurring disorder need to be sober for some time. This means they should not use alcohol or drugs for a while. This helps healthcare providers find out if the symptoms are due to substance use or a different mental health issue. A qualified mental health professional will diagnose any mental health conditions using guidelines from the American Psychiatric Association.

If someone thinks they have a co-occurring disorder, it’s essential to seek help. They can contact a local doctor, psychiatrist, counselor, psychologist, or therapist for an evaluation.

Next Steps After a Diagnosis

No matter how hard it seems, a treatment program is always available. These programs can help you stop using substances. They also help you stay focused on your recovery.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) advocates for a combined treatment strategy. Instead of treating each disorder separately, the team at Palm City Wellness creates personalized treatment plans. These plans include both substance abuse and mental health care. This approach offers a more complete way to help individuals.

Patients are provided with a combination of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) along with motivational incentives. CBT encompasses individual and group therapy sessions, counseling, coping strategies, and relapse prevention techniques.

Motivational incentives can include evidence-based, holistic services like massage therapy, meditation, chiropractic care, auriculotherapy, and nutrition education. We aim to treat each patient as a whole, addressing their mind, body, and spirit.

To learn more about our treatment program for co-occurring disorders, please contact us. Our dedicated and caring healthcare team is eager to assist you in breaking free from the limitations of addiction and mental health challenges, allowing you to embark on a rewarding journey of sobriety!

References:

  1. Cleveland Clinic: Dual Diagnosis
  2. National Institute of Mental Health: Substance Use and Co-Occurring Mental Disorders
  3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Co-Occurring Disorders and Other Health Conditions

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