Dealing with a mental condition is not easy, but it can be even more difficult if a dual diagnosis disorder develops. A dual diagnosis is a co-occurring mental disorder that occurs when a person self-medicates the condition they are dealing with by using drugs and alcohol. The person would then be diagnosed with the original disorder as well as a substance abuse disorder.
Dual diagnosis disorders are not easy to deal with, but there are ways to overcome them. This article will discuss dual diagnosis disorders and how you can get the help you need.
What is Dual Diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis occurs when a person is diagnosed with a mental health disorder as well as a substance use disorder. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 45% of people with addiction have an underlying mental health condition.
What are Common Dual Diagnosis Disorders?
Dual diagnosis disorders are any type of mental health disorder that occurs alongside any type of substance abuse issue. Here are some of the most common:
- ADHD and Stimulants: Stimulants are often prescribed for the treatment of ADHD. Unfortunately, many are habit-forming, making ADHD and stimulant addiction a likely combination.
- Borderline Personality Disorder and Drugs and Alcohol: BPD is a mental health disorder characterized by excessive mood swings. Many people drink or take drugs to keep them under control.
- Depression and Drugs and Alcohol: People with depression often use drugs and alcohol to try to boost their mood. However, when the high wears off, they are left feeling worse than they did initially.
- Eating Disorders and Diet Pills: People with eating disorders often suffer from feelings of low self-esteem. They may take diet pills to control their weight and lift their spirits. Unfortunately, these pills can be addictive.
- Anxiety and Benzodiazepines: Benzos are often prescribed to people dealing with anxiety issues. However, they produce withdrawal symptoms that lead to dependency issues.
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Drugs and Alcohol: OCD is a type of unhealthy, repetitive behavior performed in an attempt to keep obsessive thoughts under control. It is often accompanied by feelings of anxiety and depression. People turn to drugs and alcohol to improve their mood but end up worsening their condition.
- PTSD and Alcohol: PTSD involves flashbacks, nightmares, and general anxiety caused by a traumatic incident that occurred at some point in a person’s life. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, nearly 75% of soldiers that suffer from PTSD due to war-related incidents abuse alcohol to self-medicate.
- Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia is characterized by delusions and hallucinations. People often self-medicate their condition worsening symptoms overall.
When people use drugs or alcohol, it can make them feel better for a little while. But it often leads to plummeting lows that make addiction worse. Additionally, it causes a substance abuse problem, giving a person another condition to treat.
Why is Finding Dual Diagnosis Treatment Important in Recovery?
Some therapists focus on a patient’s addiction without considering its underlying cause. However, this makes relapse likely. The demons that led the person to drink or do drugs never go away. So, whenever they pop up, the person may return to using.
Dual diagnosis therapy targets both the addiction and its underlying cause. It teaches people healthy ways to deal with their emotions, so they are less likely to go back to using. It is a recommended solution for promoting long-term recovery.
How to Find a Dual Diagnosis Treatment That’s Right for You
There are many substance abuse facilities that offer dual diagnosis treatment. But it can be challenging to find one that’s best suited to your needs. It would be best to consider the environment, the treatments offered, the staff, and more.
After weighing all your options, you will find that Rise in Malibu is the best choice.
Rise in Malibu is a luxury rehab in Malibu offering comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment. We combine traditional, holistic, and modern treatments to work out a customized program that’s best suited to your needs. Our staff consists of triple-board-certified doctors and psychiatrists.
Dual diagnosis disorders are challenging to deal with. Rise in Malibu can get you the assistance you need. Contact us to find out how to reclaim your health and happiness and rise in every way.
