You are probably familiar with mental health conditions and may struggle with one yourself or know someone who does. But what about people struggling with mental health issues and a substance use disorder (SUD)? This is called having a dual diagnosis or two conditions that co-occur. How do you know if you have a dual diagnosis, and how is it treated? Learning more about addiction and mental health statistics, symptoms, and treatment is vital.
At My 5 Palms, we know that the best treatment for co-occurring disorders is a comprehensive dual diagnosis program that addresses both conditions. Our medication-assisted treatment and addiction therapy programs can address your unique needs. If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of another mental health condition and addiction, call us at 1.844.675.1022 to schedule an intake assessment.
What Is a Dual Diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis, also known as co-occurring disorders, is the term used to describe someone with two or more conditions. Some common examples of conditions that co-occur with addiction include:
- Anxiety disorder
- Depressive disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
In addition to these commonly diagnosed conditions, it is possible for someone with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia also to have an addiction. People with this type of dual diagnosis often experience more severe symptoms than those whose habits are not paired with another mental health issue. This is because untreated depression can increase one’s likelihood of abusing drugs or alcohol to self-medicate their symptoms. Meanwhile, substance misuse may trigger psychotic episodes in people with schizophrenia who are already susceptible to them.
Dual Diagnosis Statistics: How Common Is It?
It is highly common for a person with a substance use disorder to have a co-occurring mental health issue—over seven million Americans have a dual diagnosis. And it can be difficult to tell which one came first. People struggling with mental health conditions are likelier to misuse substances as self-medication and develop addictions. On that same note, those who misuse drugs or alcohol can trigger mental health concerns.
Of the millions of American adults with co-occurring disorders, just under 10 % receive dual diagnosis treatment. Many mental health and addiction treatment centers now provide dual diagnosis treatment programs to help address this growing issue.
One of the most concerning addiction and mental health statistics is that more than half of people with dual diagnoses do not receive treatment for either condition. Without the proper treatment, both disorders can worsen and threaten a person’s health and longevity.
How to Recognize Co-Occurring Disorders
Co-occurring disorders can exist in various combinations, so your symptoms will vary depending on which substances you misuse and which mental health issues you have. Here are some general signs that you or a loved one may need dual diagnosis treatment:
- Using alcohol or drugs anytime you are stressed or upset
- Having mood swings often
- Difficulty staying asleep or falling asleep or excessive sleeping
- Persistent mental and physical fatigue
- Avoiding activities you once enjoyed
- Struggling to keep up with work and home obligations
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Difficulty concentrating
Many other symptoms can manifest if you have a dual diagnosis. If you are using drugs or alcohol and notice any of the above symptoms, contact your healthcare provider for an assessment.
Find Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Florida at My 5 Palms
Although dual diagnosis is relatively common, many people do not receive the thorough treatment they need to overcome co-occurring disorders. But you do not have to be a statistic. Contact My 5 Palms today at 1.844.675.1022 to schedule an evaluation to determine if you would benefit from our dual diagnosis treatment program. Through therapy and medication, we can have you feeling like yourself again.
