Individuals who struggle with substance abuse and a mental health disorder are described as having a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder. Because there are two diseases feeding off each other, these individuals often have a harder time recovering from addiction. This, unfortunately, is an all-too-common situation.
How Likely Is It To Have A Dual Diagnosis?
The National Alliance on Mental Illness suggests that between one-third and one-fourth of people who have a mental illness also battle addiction.
To complicate matters, the relationship can go both ways. People who have ongoing mental health problems may use drugs and alcohol to cope with their symptoms, while those abusing drugs and alcohol may show signs of mental illness.
Additionally, there are certain groups of people with mental illness that are more at risk for substance abuse, such as:
- Males
- Lower-income individuals
- Military veterans
- People with underlying health conditions
What Are The Signs Of Dual Diagnosis?
Some of the signs of dual diagnosis include:
- Difficulty with day-to-day functioning
- Trouble maintaining relationships
- Irrational emotions and behaviors
- Complications of keeping a job
Why A Diagnosis Is Important
Finding treatment for a dual diagnosis may appear to be difficult, but rest assured that more treatment centers are recognizing the relationship between mental illness and substance abuse. If you suspect that your loved one is suffering from both conditions, the key is to get a complete diagnosis from a qualified health professional.
Treatment centers like The River Source provide each patient with an assessment before treatment is started. This ensures that your loved one gets the help they need for both mental illness and addiction.
Individualized Treatment Is Key
No single method of treatment is the “right” way; instead, it’s important to look at how the mental disorder is affecting the individual and how consuming the drug or alcohol addiction is. A person who abuses alcohol and suffers from depression will require a different course of treatment than someone who battles chronic pain and is addicted to painkillers.
With an accurate assessment from a dual diagnosis treatment center in Arizona, your loved one will receive individualized treatment for both issues. The good news is that holistic therapies like infrared sauna, vitamin therapy, acupuncture, and biofeedback are beneficial for both conditions. When you combine these therapies with individual and group counseling, patients are able to tackle both illnesses and stop them from feeding off each other.
Dual diagnosis is a complex issue, but The River Source has the means to treat both issues. We will support you or your loved one through every stage of the recovery process and offer individualized treatment that includes detox, counseling, and sober living.
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