A 2021 report suggests that 1 in every five adults in the US experiences some sort of mental health condition. While a significant fraction of the population actively seeks medical assistance for their mental problems, there is a section that resorts to drugs and other substances to get some relief. There is also a section of people who develop mental conditions when they start abusing drugs and other substances.
It is quite common to experience co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis when you are already suffering from a substance use disorder. While undergoing inpatient treatment at a drug rehab in Arkansas or any other area, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about your mental health and address the conditions simultaneously.
What Is Dual Diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis refers to a condition where a person experiences both a mental health disorder and substance use disorder simultaneously. In a majority of the cases, a substance use disorder (such as drug abuse or alcohol addiction) stems from a mental health condition (depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc.).
Untreated mental health problems can worsen the substance use problems. On the flip side, when a person develops substance use disorders, their mental health problems may get worse. Since these two conditions can worsen each other’s impact, an individual with a dual diagnosis requires a specialized treatment program.
How Common Is Dual Diagnosis?
Studies suggest that dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders are quite common. In 2021, an estimated 19.4 million adults in the US were diagnosed with co-occurring disorders. This is more common among young adults aged between 18 and 25. The most common mental health disorders that co-occur with substance use disorders (SUDs) include the following:
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Borderline personality disorder
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Grief
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
These disorders can interact with drug abuse in complex ways, complicating the treatment process. As mentioned, people suffering from mental health disorders often turn to substance abuse in search of relief from symptoms of anxiety, depression, or psychosis.
What Are the Major Causes of Dual Diagnosis?
Mental health and addiction experts agree that biology plays a major role in developing dual diagnosis in individuals. However, other factors also influence a person’s decision to try drugs and other substances or develop a mental health disorder. A childhood trauma, poverty, poor self-image, or easy access to substances can lead to experimentation, which gradually turns into an addiction over time.
A person with a genetic predisposition for mental health disorders may also resort to drug abuse as a form of self-medication. On the other hand, long-term substance abuse can have a serious impact on the brain, causing mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
How Is Dual Diagnosis Diagnosed?
It is important to note that dual diagnosis is not a diagnosis but a combination of diagnoses. Healthcare providers often find it difficult to accurately diagnose such conditions as the symptoms of both disorders usually overlap.
Most medical practitioners use different screening tools to evaluate individuals for both disorders. If a healthcare professional for dual diagnosis is diagnosing you, you need to be honest with your answers. Experts rely on your answers to determine which disorders you may have and figure out appropriate treatment.
How Is Dual Diagnosis Treated in a Drug Rehab?
The treatment for dual diagnosis focuses on treating both conditions at the same time. You will have to work with your healthcare provider to understand how each disorder impacts the other. This will help determine which treatment will be appropriate for you.
To recover from a dual-diagnosis condition, individuals need to stop using drugs (and other addictive substances). This is where drug rehabs play a crucial part. For most people, the treatment starts with detoxification and for those seeking a serene and exclusive environment for their recovery journey, a luxury drug rehab center in Malibu can offer a transformative experience.
During inpatient detox, medical professionals monitor the individual round the clock for up to a week. Based on how an individual’s health is responding to the detox, the healthcare providers may suggest a combination of behavioral therapy, medication, in-patient care, and/or support groups.
Wrapping Up
With dual diagnosis, you cannot really focus on treating just one condition. Even if you try the most effective ways to treat a substance use disorder, the untreated mental health condition can cause a relapse very soon. So, it is better to consult with your healthcare professional and find a way to address both conditions simultaneously to ensure a successful recovery.
