The number of Americans who are suffering from some form of mental or emotional illness as well as addiction is astounding. When someone struggles with a dual diagnosis disorder it means they have a mental health disorder and a substance abuse disorder. In some cases, the mental illness is a by-product of the victim’s struggles with addiction. Other times, the mental illness comes from an injury or chemical issues in the brain. Of course, for the person struggling, the causes matter little if they don’t have access to treatment.
What is Dual Diagnosis Disorder?
Dealing with a mental illness is a challenge for even the strongest among us. Many of the most prominent mental disorders can be debilitating, often affecting the victim’s quality of like. Unfortunately, many Americans are passing through everyday life without knowing they have a mental disorder. Some will even use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate in order to find relief from symptoms of mental health disorder.
Dual diagnosis disorders are the result of underlying mental illness and substance abuse. It can be difficult to determine whether addiction came first or the mental health disorder came first. Both disorders can have similar signs and symptoms, so diagnosing both can be more difficult in some cases.
What came first? The addiction or the mental health disorder?
In situations where the mental health disorder came first, it is common for the person to turn to drugs and alcohol as a means to self-medicate and self-treat their mental health disorder. Different types of drugs and alcohol can alleviate their mental health disorder symptoms and provide temporary relief. However, as the body develops a tolerance to drugs and alcohol, they need to increase their usage to achieve the desired effects. Continued self-medication with drugs or alcohol can lead to dependence and addiction.
Conversely, when addiction comes first, addictive tendencies and behaviors can aggravate minor mental health conditions. As a result, these minor conditions develop into a mental health disorder. Alcohol and drugs can change how the brain functions, disrupting neurotransmitters and exacerbating pre-existing conditions and potentially creating new ones.
What are Some Common Symptoms of a Dual Diagnosis Disorder?
The symptoms that someone with a dual diagnosis disorder exhibits do vary based on the substances being abused and the mental health disorder. In general, some of the more common symptoms are:
- Insomnia
- Frequent mood swings
- Noticeable personality changes
- Engaging in risky behaviors
- Inability to function without the substance
- Aggression and Anger
- Isolation from friends and family
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Impulsive behaviors
- Suicidal thoughts or ideation
- Withdrawal symptoms, including intestinal distress, shaking, cold sweats
What Addiction and Mental Health Disorders Typically Co-occur?
There can be various combinations of addiction and mental health disorders. However, the most common ones are those related to anxiety, stress, and mood disorders, such as:
- PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
- Bipolar Disorder
- OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Personality Disorders
- ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
- Schizophrenia
- Eating Disorders
Why it is Essential to Treat Addiction and Mental Health Disorders
When treatment focuses on just the substance abuse or the mental health disorder, the other condition is being ignored. After the person leaves treatment, it is very easy for them to relapse and turn to drugs and alcohol once more to manage their mental health disorder. Conversely, treating the mental health disorder could involve various drug therapies that could further contribute to the substance abuse disorder. Furthermore, the addiction could make it even more difficult to continue treatment for the mental health disorder as it worsens.
People who suffer from dual diagnosis disorders require help from addiction treatment specialists and mental health professionals. In addition, the treatment facility should offer custom-tailored dual diagnosis treatment plans that fit the individual’s substance abuse disorder and mental health disorder.
Therefore, it is essential to treat the addiction and the mental health disorder simultaneously.The best course of treatment is a structured treatment program in a caring, safe, and supportive environment of a residential or inpatient addiction treatment facility. However, the rehab facility should have experience diagnosing and treating co-occurring conditions. Facilities that treat dual diagnosis disorders can provide a higher level of care and attention required when treating both conditions.
Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Options
Crest View Recovery Center’s goal is to help each and every addiction sufferer find the path to recovery. To this end, we are offering a full range of cutting edge treatment options. Of course, our counselors and clinicians have the ability to customize these programs for each of our clients. Building these specialized treatment plans also helps patients feel that their treatment is tailored for them. Our addiction treatment services include:
- Intensive Outpatient Program
- Dual diagnosis for co-existing conditions
- Trauma therapy
- Continual care model of treatment over 90 days
Dual Diagnosis Disorder Treatment Asheville, NC
If you are looking for help with your co-occurring condition, Crest View Recovery Center in Asheville, NC, offers dual diagnosis disorder treatment and rehab at our treatment center. We understand that each person has specific needs and work with them to create a treatment plan addressing their addiction and mental health disorder.
For further information about our dual diagnosis disorder treatment and rehab facility, please feel free to call us at 866-350-5622 or contact us today!
