What is Dual Diagnosis?
According to NAMI, dual diagnosis (also referred to as a co-occurring disorder) is a term used when someone experiences any combination of a mental illness and a substance use disorder simultaneously. It might at first seem as though it is referring to the diagnosis of two mental health disorders, but that is not the case. The term dual diagnosis is not in it of itself a diagnosis, it is just a term to describe a combination of diagnosis.
Which Issue (Mental Health or Substance Use Disorder) Came First?
It is important to note mental illnesses may not be directly linked as a cause of substance use disorders or the other way around but it still remains likely. While mental health conditions may not directly cause substance use disorders (and vice versa), it is a possibility.¹ Those with mental illness are more susceptible to addiction—substance abuse is twice as prevalent among adults with mental illness—because of the desire to self-medicate symptoms.¹ Some people with mental illness may not even know that their substance use constitutes as a disorder.¹
This tends to be the case because those with mental illness often self-medicate and then become addicted. We do know that substance use can increase the mental illness symptoms. Additionally, substance use can intensify the mental illness symptoms. Continued use of substances enhances the original risk for mental illness.
What Can I Do About my Dual Diagnosis?
Both addiction and mental illness are problematic to conquer. Therefore, if someone is dealing with both in tandem, expertise becomes even more paramount. The great news is that there is help out there. At a dual diagnosis treatment center like Santé Center for Healing, the main goal is to find the underlying cause of the addiction and the mental illness. Sometimes, neither problem actually begins first. They can develop at the same time and gradually worsen simultaneously.
If you are already in treatment for a mental illness and suspect that you might have a substance problem, discuss it with your therapist. Share with your therapist that you want to be treated for both conditions concurrently. It’s vital to work with a therapist who is willing to do that.
Through dual diagnosis treatment at a place like Santé Center for Healing, you will meet others facing similar challenges. It’s beneficial to find others who understand what you’re going through and to work with professional experts to guide you on your journey.
Connection is the opposite of addiction. After Residential treatment or during Intensive Outpatient treatment you can maintain recovery connections by participating in a peer support program such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous or Smart Recovery. If you live with dual diagnosis, it’s nice to know that you are not alone.
Dual diagnosis is a common issue with which many people contend. Even though it is an extremely difficult matter, people are able to recover with proper treatment and support.
Why Santé for those who Suffer from Dual Diagnosis?
Santé Center for Healing provides integrity-driven, evidence-based, and personalized long-term recovery customized for those suffering from substance use disorders, mental health, trauma, compulsive sexual behavior disorder, disordered eating and other compulsive behaviors. Founded in 1996, Santé’s mission is to provide long-term recovery because left untreated, addiction is a fatal disease.
Sources
- National Alliance on Mental Illness. Understanding Dual Diagnosis. Retrieved from https://www.nami.org/advocate/understanding-dual-diagnosis/ on 2017, October 4.
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