Learn the meaning of dual diagnosis, its link to mental health and addiction and how MAT supports recovery.
Many people recognize that mental health and addiction are critical public health concerns in the United States today. However, most are unaware that addiction and mental health conditions often occur together. When someone experiences both simultaneously, it’s known as a dual diagnosis. A common yet misunderstood condition that deserves attention.
Approximately 20.4 million adults in the US have a dual diagnosis of mental illness and substance use disorder. This means that people are showing symptoms of a clinical mental health condition along with signs of addiction. These co-occurring disorders make life very difficult, although there are varying degrees of functionality for each individual.
Understanding what is dual diagnosis, its causes, and how it impacts recovery is essential for helping individuals and families move forward. Keep reading to explore this important topic and how HCRC supports patients with dual diagnoses.
What is the Relationship Between Mental Illness and Substance Use?
In many cases, it’s hard to tell which came first, mental illness or addiction. Most people with a dual diagnosis experience mental health symptoms and substance use issues at the same time. Often, individuals turn to drugs or alcohol in an attempt to manage symptoms like anxiety, depression, or trauma.
For example, depression and substance use appear often in popular media, from movies to historical novels. Before mental health awareness was mainstream, people frequently turned to mind-altering substances for comfort. In almost every story, the protagonist falls victim to the pitfalls of substance use, making their situation much worse. Unfortunately, this still happens today, but on a much larger scale.
Shared Risk Factors and Common Co-Occurring Disorders
Most underlying causes of both mental health and substance use disorders share common risk factors, including:
- Early life trauma: any form of abuse, abandonment or hardship at a young age
- Genetics: hereditary predisposition to addiction
- Changes in brain function: learning disabilities or developmental issues
- Environmental vulnerability: early exposure to substance use and disordered lifestyles
The most common mental illnesses associated with addiction include:
- Depression
- Bipolar Disorder
- Anxiety Disorder
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Personality Disorders
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Many other mental illnesses can cause someone to cope with substance use that are not listed here. Chronic stress, while not an official mental illness, is something that can contribute to the development of other conditions. Some people suffer from physical chronic pain that can lead to self-medication.
Some examples of common co-occurring disorders are:
- Schizophrenia and cannabis misuse
- Bipolar disorder and stimulant addiction
- PTSD and opioid use disorder or alcohol use disorder
Self-medication significantly contributes to many dual diagnoses. There is no easy way to prevent people from going down this path. The current addiction rate nationwide requires more focus on this issue. The need for addiction treatment and trauma-informed care is urgent.
Symptoms of Dual-Diagnosis
Symptoms of dual diagnosis of mental illness and addiction can differ greatly depending on particular disorders. However, most often they include mood changes, concentration problems, social withdrawal and substance misuse resulting in adverse outcomes.
Some mental health symptoms to look out for are:
- Frequent mood swings
- Disruption in sleep pattern
- Difficulty doing everyday tasks
- Changes in appetite
- Extreme weight loss or gain
- Social withdrawal
- Suicidal ideation
- Extreme paranoia
- Auditory or visual hallucinations
- Self-harm and risky behaviors
Substance use disorder symptoms include:
- Frequent inebriation from misusing substances
- Developed tolerance to substances
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using
- Lack of self-control around psychoactive substances
- Neglected responsibilities
- Job or home loss
- Social isolation
- Drastic change in appearance
It is important to remember that these are only some common symptoms. Dual diagnosis can present itself very differently from person to person. Some people may suffer from dual diagnosis but are high-functioning. They have a greater capacity to conceal their struggles from others and suffer silently. In all cases, a diagnosis from a professional medical provider is the best solution.
Treatment for Addiction and Mental Health
The intertwined nature of mental illness and addiction is difficult for most people to overcome on their own. Still, managing co-occurring conditions is possible with professional help. Many who suffer from mental illness and addiction reach successful recovery with the help of medication-assisted treatment.
Comprehensive programs like medication-assisted treatment offer specialized medical assistance along with essential addiction recovery tools. Patients meet with clinical physicians who are qualified to diagnose both mental health conditions and substance use disorder. With the right combination of medications and therapies, patients have the tools needed for success.
Medical providers specialized in dual diagnosis use a wide range of screening techniques to test patients for both conditions. Patients should be candid with their providers about substance use and their mental health. With the correct diagnosis, patients find that they feel better within only a couple of weeks of starting treatment.
Outpatient medication-assisted treatment has higher retention rates of patients in recovery than other formats. The combined convenience of appointment scheduling, treatment referrals and counseling encourages positive outcomes. Additionally, patients in treatment have access to dual diagnosis support groups and other recovery resources that can help them on their journey.
Dual Diagnosis Assistance with the Help of HCRC
At HCRC, we know that a possible dual diagnosis can be scary, and seeking help may feel intimidating. Our skilled and compassionate staff is prepared to handle any questions you may have about seeking treatment. The highly experienced and specialized medical providers at HCRC understand that dual diagnosis is not a moral judgment on your character. It is a medical situation that requires the appropriate treatment.
Our outpatient facilities make treatment for dual diagnosis simple and easy, offering methadone maintenance. We are committed to giving each patient who walks through our doors the best care possible. We strive to help each person in our care achieve their recovery goals.
Recovery is possible for everyone. Make the call today to speak with someone about the treatment programs at HCRC. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is waiting for your call.
