Mental illness and addiction are closely related. It is common for individuals with a mental health disorder to struggle with substance use disorder (SUD) and vice versa. About half of the people in each category overlap with the other. When someone experiences both disorders, we refer to it as a dual diagnosis.
To achieve lasting recovery, individuals must seek treatment for all conditions simultaneously. That means finding a treatment facility capable of treating addiction and other mental illnesses. These may include depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Reach out to NorthStar Transitions if you or someone you love is struggling with a dual diagnosis. Our evidence-based programs get to the root of the problem. Our goal is to empower clients to overcome all mental health and SUD struggles and achieve lasting recovery.
As mentioned, dual diagnosis occurs when a mental illness and alcohol or drug problem occur together. One condition does not necessarily cause the other. However, many individuals use substances to cope with mental illness, leading to dependency. Turning to substances to cope with symptoms of mental illness is referred to as self-medication. On the opposite side, mental illness can come on as a result of chronic substance use. In either scenario, symptoms of each condition exacerbate the other, and individuals can fall into a vicious cycle of suffering.
Each condition within a dual diagnosis can be called a co-occurring disorder. Common co-occurring disorders with SUD include:
To truly live life in addiction recovery, individuals must seek proper treatment for their co-occurring disorders. Otherwise, the risk of relapse is more significant. Dual diagnosis programs target the core of the problem. When faced with distressing mental health symptoms in recovery, individuals will have the coping skills necessary to manage those symptoms without turning to substances.
It can be hard to make an accurate diagnosis because symptoms of many mental illnesses overlap. For this reason, people seeking treatment must be evaluated for each disorder by a professional healthcare provider. In addition, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), co-occurring disorders must include a combination of at least one SUD and one mental illness.
After a healthcare provider makes a dual diagnosis, they can recommend a treatment plan. Individuals with co-occurring disorders can then consider the addiction treatment options and rehabilitation facilities available to them. Additionally, they should discuss all options with their doctor and loved ones and make a decision based on what they and their doctor think will work best for their mental health and addiction recovery needs.
The best approach to treating co-occurring SUD and mental health disorders involves comprehensive, integrated treatment to heal both conditions simultaneously. Treatment may consist of behavioral therapies, holistic healing methods, medications, or any of these in combination.
Mental health professionals utilize many behavioral therapies when treating addiction and mental illness. Some of the most common behavioral therapies individuals may expect from dual diagnosis treatment, according to the National Institue of Mental Health (NIMH), include:
At NorthStar, we use several evidence-based modalities, behavioral therapies, and more to tailor treatment to each client. Our programs are designed to help clients overcome a dual diagnosis. Our programs, modalities, and comprehensive assessments identify the root cause behind SUD. To treat a dual diagnosis, we believe in offering a highly therapeutic experience to address the full scope of one's mental, physical, and emotional health needs.
Some of the techniques clients can expect from our dual diagnosis program include the following:
Our facility is able to treat a wide range of mental health and substance use disorders. We offer a variety of programs—including detox, residential treatment, day treatment, intensive outpatient, and outpatient programs. This allows us to meet individuals wherever they are in their journey. As a result, living a life of recovery is possible for everyone.
A dual diagnosis occurs when someone simultaneously struggles with a mental illness and substance use disorder. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), about 45% of individuals struggling with drug or alcohol addiction also struggle with a co-occurring mental health disorder. Some people use substances to cope with their distressing mental health symptoms, and others develop mental illnesses due to a SUD. In both scenarios, individuals must seek treatment for all conditions in question at once to achieve full recovery. The most important thing for you to know is that recovery is possible. If you are struggling with a dual diagnosis and require treatment, call NorthStar at (303) 558-6400.
