Dual diagnosis treatment occurs when you display symptoms of mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, alongside a substance use disorder. When these disorders happen together, it is called a co-occurring disorder and can disrupt your productive life. Midwest Recovery Center reveals that rehab treatment is crucial because many individuals experiencing mental health conditions battle an addiction-related disorder at some point in life. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services concurs that about half of individuals who abuse drugs suffer from at least one severe mental condition.
The Correlation Between Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Mental health conditions and substance use disorders are closely connected. Although substance abuse can result in severe psychotic reactions, there is no evidence indicating that one can cause the other. However, studies point to several conclusions, as discussed here.
Many individuals use drugs and alcohol as a remedy for dealing with mental illness. Sometimes, people use substances to cope with emotions and temporarily relieve symptoms of undisclosed mental conditions. Such individuals believe that drugs or alcohol can lift their moods and make them feel better.
However, long-term substance abuse worsens the symptoms of an underlying mental condition instead of offering a solution. The majority of mental issues originate from a complex set of contributing factors, including the environment, genetics, and individual experiences.
Individuals who are vulnerable to mental conditions risk their health once they start abusing drugs. Statistics reveal that marijuana users develop psychosis, while opioid abusers struggle with depression.
What Are the Symptoms of a Dual Diagnosis?
The process of diagnosing a mental health and substance abuse condition is complicated. As such, you need a healthcare provider’s professional intervention to determine whether you are battling a dual diagnosis or another completely different illness.
Individuals display diverse symptoms depending on the type of substance they use and the underlying mental condition. For example, people who abuse marijuana and suffer from depression will manifest different symptoms from those who abuse alcohol and have schizophrenia.
Before you seek addiction treatment therapies, watch out for several symptoms indicating a dual diagnosis, such as:
- Abandoning your old lifestyle for new activities
- Difficulty in completing crucial tasks, such as school assignments or professional duties
- Inability to quit substance abuse and extreme withdrawal symptoms when you try
- Poor interpersonal relationships both at work and home
- Short concentration span and trouble holding onto one activity for long
- Over-reliance on drugs or alcohol as a means to attain emotional peace or alleviate the symptoms of mental health illnesses
- Unresolved history of trauma or abuse
Finding Treatment for a Dual Diagnosis
The first step towards recovery from a dual diagnosis is enrolling for addiction treatment therapies. Once you make a rehab appointment, your therapist will evaluate your condition to determine whether you are battling a dual diagnosis or another issue.
The therapist will review your psychiatric history by asking you questions concerning your mental health and substance use. If the therapist diagnoses a drug disorder and a mental illness, you are experiencing dual diagnosis.
The good news is that rehabs will combine different treatment approaches to help you make a full recovery. For a holistic approach, rehab centers offer various treatment programs, such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Group therapy program
- Trauma therapy program
- Individual therapy program
- Outpatient treatment program
Manage Your Dual Diagnosis at Midwest Recovery Center
At Midwest Recovery Center, our therapists handle mental health and substance abuse conditions to facilitate our clients’ permanent recovery. Check into our rehab to embark on your journey of regaining your sobriety and optimal mental health. Contact Midwest Recovery Center at 833.627.0039 for a consultation.
