Dual Diagnosis Treatments

Dual-diagnosis occurs when a person with substance abuse and addiction issues also experiences a co-occurring mental disorder, such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and clinical and major depression. Some providers refer to these conditions as “co-occurring disorders” or “comorbid disorders.”

The most common substance involved in dual diagnosis is marijuana, followed by alcohol. However, the condition can also occur when you abuse other drugs and prescription medications, including opioids, stimulants, and even cigarettes.

Dual diagnosis is relatively common. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 7.7 million American adults experience substance use disorders and accompanying mental health issues. In other words, nearly 38% of people with addiction also have a mental illness.

The symptoms of dual diagnosis are often similar to substance abuse and mental health disorders. People with co-occurring conditions may experience:

• Lack of interest in activities they used to enjoy
• Weight changes
• Sleep problems
• Uncontrollable urges to misuse substances
• Social withdrawal
• Risky behaviors
• Mood swings
• Suicidal thoughts
• Alcohol or drug use to manage mental health symptoms, such as flashbacks or low mood
• Increased mental health symptoms after drinking alcohol or using drugs

Having a co-occurring mental health problem can make addiction recovery more challenging, as some people use illegal substances to self-treat their emotional or physical symptoms. Furthermore, substance abuse can increase your risk of developing certain mental health disorders. For example, research shows that chronic opioid use may increase your risk of developing major depressive disorder. Meanwhile, marijuana abuse can cause schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.

People with addictions and comorbid mental health disorders often find themselves stuck in a vicious circle of using drugs to relieve their distress, which can worsen their mental health problems. Alcohol and other illicit substances may also make certain drugs prescribed to treat mental health disorders less effective. Therefore, dual diagnosis is complex and difficult to treat without the right expertise.

However, recovery is often possible with specialized treatment. Providers experienced in treating people with dual diagnoses understand how addiction and mental health problems interact and treat both issues simultaneously.

Treating both the addiction and any comorbid mental health disorders can help reduce the risk of relapse and help you enjoy a more fulfilling lifestyle. Beachway’s therapists have extensive knowledge of dual-diagnosis disorders and use specialized treatment programs to help people recover from mental illness and achieve freedom from addiction.

Knowing what to expect from dual-diagnosis treatment can make it easier to start your journey toward healing. Below, we’ll outline the treatment process from diagnosis to recovery.

An accurate diagnosis is essential for effective dual-diagnosis treatment. For example, people with substance abuse and depression may require different treatment strategies than those with comorbid anxiety. Before starting treatment, your provider will assess your symptoms to determine which co-occurring diagnoses you have and use this information to inform your treatment options.

Bear in mind that dual-diagnosis disorders can occur in either order. Some people develop substance abuse disorders after mental health issues, while others may develop a mental health disorder before addiction. Occasionally, people develop unrelated substance misuse and mental health disorders. However, their conditions will still likely interact with and worsen each other.

Your provider may also assess you for other factors contributing to your condition. For example, certain physical health problems can exacerbate substance abuse and mental health disorders. Social issues such as unemployment or insecure housing arrangements could also impact your conditions. Addressing these factors during treatment may help improve your symptoms and increase the likelihood of recovery.

Following your assessment, your provider will recommend a treatment plan to manage your substance abuse and mental health disorders. Your team will provide education to help you understand your dual diagnosis and how it affects you. They should also involve you in the decision-making process, encouraging you to participate in setting achievable goals and determining how to reach them.

>Often, you’ll receive care from a multidisciplinary team. While some treatment centers train their staff in both substance abuse and mental health treatment techniques, most employ professionals from a range of disciplines. A multidisciplinary treatment team allows you to benefit from the expertise of both mental health disorder and addiction recovery specialists. Depending on your treatment pathway, your team may include:

• Physicians
• Mental health specialists
• Addiction counselors
• Support workers

Dual-diagnosis treatment plans usually include specialized therapies to help you reframe negative thoughts, learn effective coping behaviors, and manage the symptoms of your mental health disorder. Depending on your diagnosis, your team may prescribe medications to treat your addiction or the physical and emotional symptoms of mental health problems.

You’ll also receive medical support to allow you to stop abusing drugs safely and manage the physical symptoms of withdrawal. For some people, this means an inpatient stay, while others may receive treatment as outpatients.

Many dual-diagnosis treatment programs include holistic therapies alongside evidence-based addiction and mental health treatments. For example, some people find yoga, massage, and other therapies designed to promote well-being and relaxation helpful during recovery.

Dual-diagnosis treatment doesn’t end when you finish your treatment program. Your provider will deliver aftercare support to reduce the risk of relapse, maintain accountability, and help you manage challenges following treatment. For example, your team may help you develop strategies to avoid situations where you’re more likely to abuse substances by changing your social group or finding new hobbies and activities to fill your time.

Many dual-diagnosis treatment centers also offer services and education for friends and family members to help them support their loved ones and maintain their own physical and mental wellness.

Witnessing someone you love struggling with addiction and a co-occurring mental health disorder can be distressing. Often, it’s hard to know how to help without sacrificing your own mental and physical well-being. Fortunately, dual-diagnosis treatment centers aren’t just there to support people living with a dual diagnosis; they can also help friends and family navigate treatment and recovery.

Encouraging your loved one to engage in a dual-diagnosis treatment program can help them access the expert support they need to heal. However, you cannot force someone to seek help until they’re ready. Offering support while maintaining healthy boundaries can help you manage during this difficult time. Consider using the following tips while supporting someone with a dual diagnosis.

While watching someone going through addiction can spark frustration and even anger, it’s important to remember that substance abuse can cause changes in the brain that make the habit hard to kick. The same applies to mental health disorders. Experts believe mental illnesses develop due to changes in how neurons communicate in the brain.You should always protect your own well-being, and this may include limiting contact with the person if their drug use puts you at risk of harm. However, try to avoid shaming statements when discussing their substance abuse or mental health problems. Mental illnesses and addictions are diseases, and feelings of shame can make it harder for the person to ask for support and treatment.

Educating yourself on substance abuse and mental health disorders can help you make sense of your loved one’s symptoms and behavior and how their conditions interact. If your loved one is receiving treatment, ask their treatment center about educational resources and support services for friends and family members. Alternatively, consider joining a support group or contacting a mental health or addiction charity for help.

Caring for someone with a dual diagnosis can impact your own well-being. Therefore, it’s important to give yourself an emotional outlet by talking to a trusted person, such as a friend, religious leader, or counselor. Consider seeking support from a therapist if your loved one’s dual diagnosis is affecting your mental health.

It’s natural to want to throw yourself into helping your loved one through mental health struggles and addiction. However, supporting them without limits can be exhausting and lead to burnout or isolation. Establishing boundaries around what you can and can’t do and sticking to them is essential for staying safe and healthy.

Prioritizing enjoyable, relaxing activities can help you manage stress and anxiety while supporting your loved one. Many people find self-help practices, such as mindfulness, yoga, and meditation, useful. Getting enough physical exercise, eating a healthy diet and maintaining a regular sleep routine can also help you cope with the physical and emotional impact of caring for someone through recovery.