Dual diagnosis is the term used when someone has been diagnosed with one or more mental health disorders, such as anxiety, personality disorder or depression, alongside substance use disorders like alcoholism or opiate addiction. Comorbidity is another term for dual diagnosis.
People can, for example, be addicted to sex, drugs, alcohol, or a mix of these, as well as having a psychiatric condition like schizophrenia, depression, or borderline personality disorder.
Dual diagnosis treatment should address both problems, allowing for a complete and long-term recovery. The intensity of substance abuse and psychological illnesses may differ. Because of the challenging physical and mental health issues, those with co-occurring illnesses may require more intensive and lengthier treatment.
Mental health and substance abuse have a complex and intertwined relationship. Substance abuse can exacerbate mental health symptoms; for example, cannabis abuse has been connected to depression, anxiety and psychotic disorders.
These are some of the co-occurring disorders that often go hand in hand with substance abuse and addiction:
Don’t go through the process of recovery alone. Treatment providers can answer your questions. Get in touch with one today.
Call 0800 999 1083 today!
Internal and external factors interact with each other to cause co-occurring disorders. Some of these factors could be inherited or environmental.
According to medical research, genetics plays a critical role in addiction and mental health disorders. A person who comes from a family with a history of addiction or depression is more likely to develop such conditions. A variety of factors might contribute to this.
Individual genes, as well as gene networks, appear to operate differently in people suffering from addiction than in people who have not been exposed to drug usage, according to current scientific findings into the genetics of addiction. Furthermore, individuals who are exposed to substances while still in the womb are more likely to face mental health problems later in life.
The environment is an external factor that can cause co-occurring disorders. Children who have grown up in homes where drugs and alcohol are freely used may become addicted to the substances because they believe it is acceptable.
Stressful events like divorce, the death of a loved one, financial pressure, exposure to particular substances or chemicals, and traumatic experiences like horrible road accidents and physical or sexual abuse can all contribute to mental illness and addiction.
There is evidence that addiction and mental health problems stem from the same underlying factors, such as genetic predisposition or early trauma. Furthermore, some people experiencing symptoms of a mental illness may use substances to “self-medicate” (control their unpleasant psychological states by using substances such as drugs or alcohol), which may exacerbate the symptoms of poor mental health. This is considered to be especially prominent in people who have experienced trauma, such as childhood abuse or post-traumatic stress disorder.
A co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis is when you have a substance addiction problem and mental health problems like depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety. It’s never easy to deal with substance misuse, alcoholism, or drug addiction, and it’s considerably worse when you’re simultaneously dealing with mental health issues.
Both the mental health issue and the drug or alcohol addiction have their own symptoms in co-occurring disorders, which can interfere with your ability to function at work or school, have a stable home life, deal with life’s challenges, and relate to others. To make the situation worse, co-occurring disorders also affect each other.
When a mental health issue goes untreated, the substance abuse problem usually worsens. And as a result of increased alcohol or drug abuse, mental health problems tend to worsen as well.
Co-occurring substance abuse and mental health problems are more common than many people realise. The Journal of the American Medical Association published the following findings:
It’s important to know that you don’t have to feel this way. There are things you can do to conquer your demons, repair your relationships, and get on the road to recovery. With the right support, self-help, and treatment, you can overcome a co-occurring disorder, reclaim your sense of self, and get your life back on track.
Call us on 0800 999 1083 for confidential help and to discuss treatment options.
Although one does not always cause, the other, substance addiction and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety are frequently related. Marijuana and methamphetamine abuse can lead to long-term psychotic symptoms, while alcohol abuse can exacerbate depression and anxiety disorders.
People frequently abuse alcohol or drugs to alleviate the symptoms of an undiagnosed mental illness, cope with painful emotions, or change their mood temporarily. However, self-medicating with drugs or alcohol has negative side effects and, in the long term, typically worsens the symptoms it was intended to alleviate.
It’s difficult to establish whether substance abuse causes mental health problems because they are produced by a complex combination of genetics, environment, and other variables. Abusing alcohol or drugs, on the other hand, may drive you over the edge if you are at risk for a mental health disorder. For example, there is evidence that people who overuse opiate medications are more likely to develop depression, and frequent cannabis use has been related to a higher risk of schizophrenia.
Substance abuse can exacerbate or even cause new signs and symptoms of mental illness. Antidepressants, anxiety medications, and mood stabilisers can all interact with alcohol or drug abuse, making them less effective at treating symptoms and delaying recovery.
Identifying a dual diagnosis might be challenging. It takes time to figure out what symptoms are related to a mental illness and which are due to a drug or alcohol problem. The signs and symptoms also differ based on the sort of substance abused, whether it’s alcohol, recreational drugs, or prescription medications. For example, the signs of depression and marijuana abuse could look very different from the signs of schizophrenia and alcohol abuse. There are, however, certain warning signs that you may have a co-occurring disorder:
Denial is a typical symptom of both substance abuse and mental illness. It’s difficult to admit how reliant on alcohol or drugs you are or how much they affect your life. Similarly, symptoms of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or PTSD can be terrifying, so you may try to ignore them and hope they go away. You might be ashamed of admitting you have a problem, or you might be terrified of being judged as weak if you do.
However, substance abuse and mental health problems can affect anyone at any time. Admitting you have a problem and getting help is the first step toward recovery.
Prescription medications (such as opioid pain relievers, ADHD medications, and sedatives), recreational or street drugs (such as marijuana, methamphetamines, and cocaine), and alcohol (beer, wine, and liquor) are all commonly abused substances. However, the type of drug you use or the type of alcohol you consume has no bearing on whether you have a substance abuse problem. It all boils down to how your drug or alcohol use affects your life and relationships. In essence, you have a substance abuse problem if your drinking or drug use is causing problems in your life.
Answering the following questions can help you recognise the indicators of a substance misuse problem. The more “yes” responses you give, the more probable it is that your drinking or drug use has become an issue.
Depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders are the mental health problems that most frequently co-occur with substance abuse.
Schizophrenia, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder are some of the other mental health conditions that often co-occur with substance abuse or addiction.
The best treatment for co-occurring disorders is an integrated approach, where both the substance abuse problem and the mental disorder are treated simultaneously. Getting therapy for both illnesses by the same treatment provider or team is critical for long-term recovery, regardless of whether your mental health or substance misuse problem started first.
Depending on the nature of your problems:
Check if the programme is properly certified and accredited, if the treatment methods are research-based, and if there is a follow-up programme to prevent relapse. You should also check if the programme has experience with your specific mental health issue. For example, some programmes may have treated depression or anxiety but not schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
Treatment programmes can take several approaches, but there are several basic characteristics of effective treatment that you should look for:
Call us on 0800 999 1083 for confidential help and to discuss treatment options.
Finding the right program can help you to:
When it comes to co-occurring disorders, veterans face unique obstacles. The pressures of deployment or combat can exacerbate underlying mental health disorders, and substance abuse is a common way of coping with the unpleasant feelings or memories associated with PTSD.
These issues frequently take time to manifest after a vet goes home, and they are sometimes misdiagnosed as readjustment. Untreated co-occurring illnesses can cause significant problems at home, at work, and in everyday life, so seeking help is crucial.
Mood disorders, as well as alcohol and drug abuse issues, are both curable conditions. It takes time, dedication, and fortitude to recover from co-occurring disorders, but people with substance abuse and mental health problems can and do get better.
If your doctor needs to prescribe medication for your mental health problem, mixing it with alcohol or drugs could have serious negative effects. Similarly, if you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol, talk therapy will be ineffective.
Don’t get too discouraged if you relapse. Slips and setbacks happen, but most people can recover from their relapses and continue their rehabilitation with hard work.
Joining a self-help support group like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous may be beneficial. A support group allows you to lean on people who are going through the same thing as you and learn from their experiences.
BACP accredited psychotherapist with 16 years experience working in mental health specialising in psychodynamic person-centred therapies treating those with a range of mental health disorders including anxiety, depression, OCD and Addiction.
Fill in your details and we’ll send you a message via SMS.
No matter where you live, there are drug and alcohol rehab options for you to discover. Treatment providers are waiting to answer your questions. Get started today.
In our journey towards health and well-being, we often encounter a crossroads between medical treatment and lifestyle choices. The intersection of antibiotics and alcohol is one such area that demands our attention and understanding. Antibiotics, powerful agents against bacterial infections, operate within our bodies to eradicate harmful pathogens. However, when alcohol enters the … Continued
The term addictive personality is often used to describe someone who seems prone to repeated patterns of addictive behaviour. Although it’s not an official psychiatric diagnosis, understanding this concept is crucial in comprehending addiction. It refers to a set of characteristics that may increase the risk of developing addictive behaviours for an individual. In … Continued
By Ana
Embarking on the path to recovery from addiction often involves seeking support from rehabilitation centres, commonly known as “rehab.” This article aims to provide an in-depth exploration of rehabilitation, elucidating the types of rehab centres available in the UK, and delineating the specific programmes tailored for drug addiction and alcoholism, supported by pertinent facts, statistics, … Continued
By Ana
Rehabilitation serves as a beacon of hope for individuals navigating the complexities of recovery. In its essence, rehabilitation represents a transformative journey, encompassing physical, psychological, and social aspects to restore individuals’ well-being. Its significance reverberates across diverse fields, from healthcare to social reintegration, reshaping lives and fostering resilience. Exploring the Meaning of Rehabilitation … Continued