Mental Health and Substance Abuse: Dual Diagnosis in Florida

Mental health and substance use disorders such as depression and anxiety are closely linked. Dealing with substance abuse or addiction is never easy, but it is even more difficult when mental health problems are also present. When both disorders are present simultaneously, it is referred to as a dual diagnosis. Treatment may be more difficult and complex, but recovery is possible with an integrated treatment approach.

Understanding Dual Diagnosis: Mental Health and Substance Abuse

Dual diagnosis refers to the presence of a substance use disorder along with mental health disorders. About half of individuals with severe mental disorders are also affected by substance abuse. An individual with a mental health disorder may turn to drug or alcohol abuse in an attempt to self-medicate. However, this causes the mental health disorder to go untreated and can worsen. Continued substance abuse can also develop into dependence or addiction.

Abusing drugs or alcohol can also trigger a mental health disorder or worsen its symptoms. This can create a vicious cycle in which both disorders feed off the other leading to all symptoms worsening. Mental health and substance abuse additionally have common risk factors, such as adverse childhood experiences, genetics, and trauma.

The best treatment for dual diagnosis is an integrated approach, where both mental health and substance abuse problems are treated simultaneously. If one disorder goes untreated, it increases the risk of relapse.  Dual diagnosis is complicated, and it is important to seek out professional help to achieve long-term recovery.

Common Mental Health Disorders Linked with Substance Abuse

Co-occurring disorders can include any combination of two or more types of addiction and mental health disorders. With over 200 identified psychiatric conditions identified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), there are almost endless combinations of co-occurring disorders. However, the most common mental health disorders linked with substance abuse include:

• Anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and social anxiety
• Depression, including major depressive disorder
• Bipolar disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Eating disorders, including bulimia and anorexia
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
• Schizophrenia

The Impact of Substance Abuse on Mental Health

Substance abuse may stem from someone attempting to deal with their mental health illness. However, drugs and alcohol can hurt the structure and chemistry of the brain, making symptoms worse. Substance abuse can also trigger a mental health disorder. While not every person who uses drugs or alcohol will develop a mental health disorder, it is much more likely to happen in someone predisposed, such as someone with a family history of mental illness.

Certain drugs and alcohol affect areas of the brain responsible for mood regulation. While they may initially get relief from their symptoms, once the substance wears off, the person often feels worse than they did before. Over long-term substance abuse, brain structure and regulation can be altered, causing worsening symptoms.

Several unhealthy habits are also associated with substance abuse which can impact mental health. A person engaging in substance abuse may not eat adequately, exercise, become isolated, and have disturbed sleep. All of which can negatively impact mental health on their own as well.  

Signs and Symptoms of Dual Diagnosis

Mental health and substance abuse can have overlapping symptoms, which is what makes co-occurring disorders often difficult to diagnose. Signs and symptoms of dual diagnosis will vary depending on the type of substance abuse and mental health disorder present. Some common signs and symptoms associated with dual diagnosis include:

• Inability to cut down drug or alcohol use.
• Developing tolerance to a substance, including more of the substance to achieve the same high or experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using.
• Negative impacts on work, school, relationships, and home life because of substance abuse.
• Craving drugs or alcohol
• Engaging in risky activities when using, such as driving under the influence.
• Changes in mood or behavior, such as irritability, aggressiveness, or lethargy.
• Changes in sleep patterns, either sleeping too much or too little.
• Loss of interest in daily activities.
• Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness.
• Excessive tension and worry.
• Unrealistic, grandiose beliefs.
• Delusions or hallucinations.

The Importance of Integrated Treatment for Dual Diagnosis

Co-occurring disorders can be complex, and treatment is much more difficult. However, an integrated treatment approach for dual diagnosis can provide the best chance of successful recovery. Integrated treatment for dual diagnosis recognizes the close relationship between the two disorders and aims to treat them simultaneously. Through integrated treatment, clinicians from multiple specialties can work together to understand the patient’s symptoms and create a customized treatment plan.

Both disorders must be treated simultaneously. If a person with a dual diagnosis only receives treatment for their addiction, their mental health symptoms are still present. They are at higher risk for relapse because they may begin to use drugs or alcohol again in an attempt to soothe their symptoms. If only mental health symptoms are addressed and the person continues to engage in substance abuse, it will continue affecting the areas of the brain responsible for regulating mental health.

Treatment Approaches for Dual Diagnosis

Comprehensive treatment plans are the most effective for dual diagnosis. Recovery programs that use a variety of evidence-based and holistic therapies can address the effects of addiction and mental health on the body, mind, and spirit. Comprehensive treatment plans can include a combination of individual therapy, medication, support groups, and inpatients. Behavioral therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) are some of the most effective forms of therapy for addiction and mental health issues. Robust treatment programs will also include relapse prevention planning, nutrition, exercise, and holistic therapies such as meditation, acupuncture, and art therapy.

Finding the Right Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center in Florida

One of the biggest challenges to co-occurring disorders is that not many treatment facilities offer dual diagnosis care. Patients with mental health and substance abuse issues must find dual diagnosis treatment with integrated approaches for successful long-term recovery. The best dual diagnosis treatment facilities in Florida will be licensed by the state and certified by a third-party organization like the Joint Commission. When looking for the right treatment center, some aspects that indicate they are a right fit for dual diagnosis include:

• Use personalized treatment plans.
• Offer flexible lengths of stay.
• Have a full continuum of care, including medical detox, inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, and aftercare programs.
• Licensed clinical staff able to diagnose and treat co-occurring disorders.
• Use of evidence-based therapies, such as CBT and DBT.

How WhiteSands Treatment Can Help with Dual Diagnosis

Mental health and substance abuse can be difficult to treat, but with the right recovery center, anyone can achieve long-term sobriety. WhiteSands Treatment is a network of drug and alcohol addiction treatment centers throughout Florida with dual diagnosis treatment. We accept patients with a primary diagnosis of substance use disorder but offer dual diagnosis treatment for those with a co-occurring disorder.

Our dual diagnosis programs begin with a thorough evaluation so clinicians can work together to create a personalized treatment plan.  Programs can include medication management, individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, nutritional therapy, yoga, biofeedback, chiropractic care, and much more. We aim to help patients not only achieve sobriety but maintain long-term recovery through our aftercare programs. Patients will leave our facility with the tools and skills needed to manage their mental health and substance abuse issues successfully with enough support and resources to have a better quality of life.

If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues, please do not hesitate to call us today at (877)855-3470 to talk to one of our addiction specialists.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.