Understanding Dual Diagnosis
A dual diagnosis characterizes an individual with two or more concurrent conditions. These concurrent conditions usually include substance abuse disorder and mental illness. These conditions are known as “comorbid” since one disorder can significantly impact the other. For instance, someone suffering from severe anxiety may use alcohol to ease their worries and make them more social. However, their heavy reliance on alcohol could cause more stress. Someone with alcoholism and an anxiety disorder may feel the urge to drink if they can’t control their anxiety. Therefore, you can’t treat one condition without addressing the other.
Types of Concurrent Conditions
Dual diagnosis doesn’t describe a single set of conditions. Healthcare professionals use this term to describe various combinations of substance abuse disorders and mental health conditions. In some cases, individuals may have three or more concurrent conditions. Some of the most prevalent concurrent conditions include, but are not limited to:
- Alcohol and bipolar
- Drug abuse and schizophrenia
- Depression and cocaine
- OTC weight-loss pills and eating disorders
- Various drugs and personality disorders
- Alcoholism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
United Recovery Project offers a comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment program in our luxurious drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. All clients receive a tailored treatment plan that best fits their individual recovery needs. We highly encourage you to seek care in a New Jersey dual diagnosis treatment program if you suffer from any concurrent conditions above.
Connecting Substance Abuse and Mental Health
There’s a strong correlation between substance abuse and health disorders. However, researchers are still trying to understand the root causes better. Various studies show that drug abuse typically starts during one’s youth – a time when individuals are also vulnerable to mental health conditions. In addition, the brain is still developing during teenhood, and the decision-making functions mature last. Therefore, early drug exposure can trigger long-term substance abuse disorders and, in some cases, mental illness. There’s even more considerable risk for those who have genetic predispositions. Teenagers and young adults need additional support as they mature into adulthood.
Teenagers are not the only population susceptible to concurrent mental health conditions and substance abuse. For instance, a thirty-year-old could develop a depressive disorder after experiencing a traumatic life event. The individual may turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with the trauma instead of using the healthy coping mechanisms taught in rehabilitation centers. Resorting to substances may end up worsening the individual’s depressive disorder and damage relationships with family and friends.
Mental health conditions don’t always lead to substance abuse – sometimes, it’s the other way around. For example, drugs can cause substance-induced anxiety disorder – a condition that triggers panic attacks, fatigue, and nervousness. Anyone struggling with mental health conditions and substance abuse should consider receiving treatment in a rehabilitation center that accommodates dual diagnosis.
A Real-Life Dual Diagnosis: ADHD and Substance Abuse
According to data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, over 6.1 million children in the United States live with ADHD. You might be thinking, does ADHD have something to do with substance abuse? Research indicates that numerous children with ADHD never receive a formal diagnosis. Children with ADHD have difficulties with concentration and hyperactivity. Hyperactivity and the inability to concentrate can lead to substance abuse, so treating ADHD during one’s youth is essential.
The best way to treat ADHD is often up for debate. In many cases, doctors prescribe medications such as methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine. But, overreliance on medication may lead to addiction. Therefore, many healthcare professionals recommend a blend of therapy and medication. Therapists incorporate therapies with occasional medication (especially during detox) to promote a healthy and speedy recovery. The same approach holds true in a New Jersey dual diagnosis treatment program.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
When you start a dual diagnosis treatment program, you’ll meet with a licensed therapist or psychiatrist for an initial evaluation. This evaluation helps determine which type of therapy best meets your recovery needs. You’ll start dual diagnosis treatment with detox, enabling you to flush your body of toxins and overcome the various side effects of withdrawal. After detox, you’ll receive care in either an outpatient or inpatient setting, depending on your needs. During treatment, you will have the opportunity to participate in various therapies, allowing you to build the skills needed to maintain long-term sobriety and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
