What Is a Dual Diagnosis Disorder?
Mental health disorders and substance use disorders frequently coexist, often influencing each other in significant ways. One condition can trigger or exacerbate the symptoms of the other or develop from shared underlying factors. This interplay is commonly referred to as co-occurring disorder, comorbidity, and dual diagnosis. So, what is a dual diagnosis disorder?
While not a disorder itself but rather a combination of disorders, the Cleveland Clinic defines dual diagnosis as a person who is diagnosed with both a mental illness and substance use disorder simultaneously. The connection between mental health disorders and substance abuse has long been understood. While they can cause one another, they can also develop independently and worsen the other’s symptoms.
Some people with mental health struggles may turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate symptoms, seek to cope with difficult emotions, or temporarily change their mood. Unfortunately, substance use often worsens symptoms and leads them to engage in further substance abuse, eventually developing dependence and addiction. Moreover, drug and alcohol abuse increases the underlying risk for mental health disorders. Both disorders share common root causes, including genetics, environment, and family history.
To effectively address co-occurring disorders, it is essential to provide integrated treatment for both addiction and mental health issues. If only one condition is treated, the person is likely to relapse and return to the previous cycle. Dual diagnosis treatment offers a comprehensive approach, offering patients the opportunity to address their substance use disorder and mental health through evidence-based therapies, medication management, and holistic strategies.
What Is the Most Common Dual Diagnosis?
We’ve already answered the main question: What is a dual diagnosis disorder? Next, let’s explore the most common examples of these conditions. People with mental health disorders are at higher risk for developing a substance use disorder than those not affected by mental illness. According to SAMHSA’s 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, about 21.5 million adults in the United States have a co-occurring disorder. The most common co-occurring mental health disorders that accompany substance use include:
- Anxiety disorders.
- Schizophrenia.
- Bipolar disorder.
- Major depressive disorder.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
People with co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders commonly misuse a variety of substances, including alcohol, tobacco, opioids, stimulants, marijuana, hallucinogens, and prescription medications. While the term dual diagnosis is primarily associated with mental health conditions, other co-occurring disorders such as HIV, AIDS, and viral hepatitis are also commonly seen, often due to people sharing syringes or engaging in unprotected sex while under the influence.
Research indicates that depression is the most common mental health disorder found among those with addiction; however, anxiety disorders are also highly prevalent. Various factors that contribute to depression also play a part in substance use disorders, including imbalances in brain chemistry, past trauma, and family history. A particularly strong link exists between alcoholism and major depression. As a central nervous depressant, it can increase symptoms of depression while also impairing motivation and decreasing the effectiveness of depression treatment. Furthermore, the use of drugs and alcohol diminish the efficacy of anxiety and depression medications and are dangerous when used together.
What Medication Is Used for Dual Diagnosis?
There are a variety of medications that are used in dual diagnosis treatment. Medication-assisted treatment aims to support patients in overcoming substance abuse and addressing mental health issues, providing the best chance at recovery. Medical detox often serves as the initial phase in substance abuse treatment, helping to ease withdrawal symptoms and ensure a safe detoxification process. Common medications used in medical detox include anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines, methadone, and buprenorphine. It is important to note that some of these medications carry a risk for abuse and dependency, making close monitoring of patients crucial to prevent the exchange of one addiction for another.
In addition, psychiatric medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and central nervous system depressants are used to treat mental health disorders during dual diagnosis. These medications typically require 4 to 6 weeks to start working fully and must be taken consistently to be effective. It is important to avoid drugs and alcohol while on these medications as they can decrease their effectiveness or lead to dangerous interactions.
While medications have a significant role in treating co-occurring disorders, the best treatment for dual diagnosis requires comprehensive care. A combination of therapy, medication management, and holistic approaches offers the best chance at recovery. Medications can help reduce symptoms of both disorders while patients develop the necessary skills and tools to manage their symptoms long-term.
Can You Have Two Mental Illnesses at the Same Time?
Substance use disorders fall under the category of mental health disorders, so yes, it is possible to have more than one mental illness. In fact, more than half of people diagnosed with one psychiatric disorder will be diagnosed with a second or third mental illness in their lifetime. Having more than one mental health disorder can make treatment challenging but not impossible. Many mental health conditions share similar symptoms, highlighting the importance of receiving a complete and accurate diagnosis.
Identifying the exact causes of mental health issues is complex, as they typically develop from a combination of various factors, including genetic predisposition and environmental influences. Each person has a propensity to develop any range of psychiatric issues, known as the general psychopathology factor or p factor. Those with higher p-factor scores are more likely to experience mental health disorders.
Which Mental Illnesses Are Not Curable?
Most mental illnesses are not completely curable, but with appropriate treatment, people can achieve full recovery or effectively manage their condition, according to Mental Health America. Certain mental health disorders are more challenging to manage and may recur throughout a person’s life, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and borderline personality disorder. Most people will require some type of lifelong management to recover fully, including substance use disorder.
Dual diagnosis treatment centers in Florida can provide patients with the best chance of recovering from substance abuse and mental illness. These programs will address all symptoms simultaneously through behavioral therapy, medication, support groups, and aftercare services. Integrated treatment approaches facilitate the best recovery outcomes for patients with co-occurring disorders. People with co-occurring disorders must find dual-diagnosis treatment centers, as only receiving treatment for one disorder at a time increases the likelihood of relapse.
Dual Diagnosis Disorder Treatment at WhiteSands
WhiteSands Treatment is a network of drug and alcohol addiction treatment centers with locations across Florida. We specialize in mental health care for patients primarily diagnosed with substance use disorders, offering both inpatient and outpatient programs. Our comprehensive treatment programs are designed to meet the unique needs of each individual, guiding them through every step of the recovery process. Our full continuum of care includes medical detox, inpatient rehabilitation, a partial hospitalization program, intensive outpatient care, and aftercare services. Additionally, we provide alternative and holistic therapies to help heal the body, mind, and spirit from the impacts of addiction. We can help you figure out what is a dual diagnosis disorder and then find the specialized care and treatment you need to overcome both conditions.
For those opting for inpatient care, our unique dual diagnosis programs are conducted in a serene, modern setting, prioritizing patient comfort. We offer private rooms with full bathrooms and televisions, ensuring an at-home feel during healing. Patients can access their electronics and phones each evening, allowing them to stay connected with family and friends. For more details about our dual-diagnosis disorder treatment at WhiteSands, please contact us today at 877-855-3470.
External Sources
- Cleveland Clinic — Dual Diagnosis
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration — Co-Occurring Disorders and Other Health Conditions
- Mental Health America — Is Mental Illness Curable?
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.
About the Author
Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.
