According to the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS), about 45 percent of Americans seeking substance use disorder treatment have been diagnosed as having a co-occurring mental and substance use disorder. This is also known as a dual diagnosis and can range from someone developing depression from chronic drinking to someone with bipolar disorder who abuses heroin during periods of mania. If left undiagnosed, untreated or undertreated, co-occurring disorders can lead to a higher likelihood of of experiencing homelessness, incarceration, medical illnesses, suicide, or early death, notes the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Dual diagnosis comes in any combination of mental illness (depression, panic disorders, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, extreme anxiety, PTSD, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, eating disorders) and addiction (alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex, etc.). Co-occurring disorders can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are often complex and may vary in severity, says SAMHSA.
Complete recovery depends on simultaneous treatment for addiction and dual-diagnosis condition. This is because underlying mental and personality disorders can trigger relapse and waylay even the most earnest commitment to recovery. According to SAMHSA, integrated treatment or treatment that addresses mental and substance use conditions at the same time is associated with better outcomes including:
Clients with co-occurring chemical dependency and mental illnesses receive a full continuum of care, including both traditional, holistic and experiential recreational activities that help to further combat mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
Inquire About Our Dual Diagnosis TreatmentIf you or someone you love is suffering from addiction and a co-occurring mental illness don’t wait to seek treatment. As addiction worsens, so does the co-occurring illness — and vice versa. NorthStar’s reputable staff is comprised of certified clinicians, addiction therapists and a board-certified psychiatrist that helps clients manage co-occurring diagnoses. To learn more about our dual diagnosis treatment, call today: 303-558-6400.
