If you are dealing with a co-occurring disorder, you’re not alone. Statistics show that nearly 22 million adults have a co-occurring disorder in the United States, meaning that they are dealing with a mental health issue and substance use disorder at the same time.[1] Dual diagnosis is essential not only to diagnose but also to treat these issues simultaneously. Those looking from the outside in may not realize the complexities that this type of diagnosis can trigger and how people struggle to cope. This is why education is critical.
As a drug and alcohol treatment center in Southern California, Ocean Hills Recovery knows how difficult it can be for those trying to deal with and overcome mental health and substance use issues. We offer dual diagnosis treatment so patients can see that recovery from both conditions is within reach. As we explore co-occurring disorders, we’ll also look at some stigmas surrounding them and how treatment and other actions can help break them and provide hope for those facing them.
What is Dual Diagnosis?
Someone with a dual diagnosis has both a mental disorder and a substance use disorder at the same time.[2] This is also referred to as a co-occurring disorder. As we mentioned above, many people around the country are dealing with a dual diagnosis. For some, substance use leads to mental health issues, and for others, the reverse is true. People with a mental health disorder may use drugs or alcohol to make themselves feel better temporarily. Mental health disorders can change the brain to make addiction more likely. Substance use can also change the way the brain works to make developing a mental health disorder more likely.
No matter which disorder came first, it is essential to treat both simultaneously. When this does not happen, a patient cannot fully recover from either condition.
Why Does Dual Diagnosis Occur?
While it can be challenging to determine which condition came first, researchers believe stress, genetics, and trauma can all play a role.[2]
There are also additional risk factors of a dual diagnosis, including:
- Family history of substance use, mental illness, or both
- Using drugs or alcohol at a young age
- Abuse
- Adverse childhood experiences
For many people, quitting using substances can also bring about mental health disorders. It can make them feel anxious, depressed, or have unsettling thoughts, thus making treatment even more critical.
Common Mental Health Disorders Associated with Addiction
Several common mental health disorders can impact those battling a drug or alcohol use disorder:[3]
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Schizophrenia
- Personality Disorders
- Panic Disorders
- Eating Disorders
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
No matter what mental health issues are occurring with a substance use disorder, it’s essential to seek treatment for both at the same time to have the best chance at success.
What are the Symptoms of Dual Diagnosis?
While it can sometimes be challenging to detect a dual diagnosis, several symptoms can indicate someone is suffering:[4]
- Behavior changes
- Trouble focusing
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Confusion
- Suicidal thoughts
- Feeling like a substance is needed to function
- Worsening mental health symptoms when not using drugs and alcohol
Recognizing these symptoms in yourself or a loved one can indicate a dual diagnosis that needs immediate treatment.
Treating Dual Diagnosis
Dual diagnosis treatment can include a combination of efforts to help each patient have the best chance of living a successful and productive life. Many treatment plans begin with detox to eliminate any substances from a person’s body. This needs to be done before any further action is taken.
Once a person completes their detox program, they will begin a customized treatment plan to help them get on a path to recovery. This can include a variety of treatments, such as:[2]
Behavioral Therapy
Different types of behavioral therapy, such as individual, group, and family, can all help a person work through a dual diagnosis.
Support Groups
Support groups can also be helpful as people can share their stories and listen to others with the same experiences. This can provide coping techniques and a sense of comfort that they are not going through things alone.
Medications
Medications may be prescribed to help people deal with their substance use and mental health disorders. A healthcare provider will determine what, if any, medications are needed and for how long.
Treatment is necessary for anyone to overcome a dual diagnosis. Ignoring the need or trying to do it on your own will not produce successful results.
Stigmas Surrounding Co-Occurring Disorders
Besides battling mental health and substance use disorders at the same time, those with a dual diagnosis also face stigmas that can stunt their treatment and progress. Some people believe that someone with a dual diagnosis is dangerous or incompetent. They may also be blamed for their disease and perceived as untreatable. All of these are misconceptions that only further hurt those with a dual diagnosis.
Words that Stigmatize Co-Occurring Disorders
Besides beliefs, the language someone uses to describe mental illness and substance abuse can also be damaging. These are some words that contribute to the stigmas surrounding dual diagnosis:
- Abuse– This is often associated with negative judgments. Using use or misuse is preferred.
- Former Addict– A reference to a person in long-term recovery is often a better choice.
- Addict– Refer to people who use drugs or alcohol as a person with a substance use disorder rather than an addict.
- Junkie– A person who actively uses a substance is a better choice of words.
- Alcoholic– Describe this person as one with an alcohol use disorder.
Research has shown that using the appropriate language to describe substance use disorders and mental illness can help to decrease the stigma surrounding those with a dual diagnosis.[5]
The Impact of Stigma on Treatment
Stigmas surrounding co-occurring disorders can have damaging effects. From impeding treatment to low self-esteem, the impact stigmas can have is extremely dangerous.
Barriers to Treatment
Because stigmas can make someone with a dual diagnosis feel ashamed and judged, it can make them reluctant to seek treatment or talk to a doctor about their problems. They may hide their issues so they won’t be singled out or mistreated.
Low Self-Esteem
Being the victim of stigma can make someone experience low self-esteem. Being ridiculed can make someone feel bad about themselves and will only cause mental health illnesses to worsen and may also contribute to increased substance use.
Engaging in Risky Behavior
If someone has lower self-esteem, they may not care as much about what they are doing to themselves, resulting in risky behaviors. These behaviors may harm not only the person doing them but also those around them.
The impact of stigmas on dual diagnosis can have severe consequences, which is why patients must receive treatment. Being more understanding of those with dual diagnoses and breaking the stigma can lead to more people receiving the treatment they need.
How to Break the Stigmas Surrounding Dual Diagnosis
Education
Increasing awareness of dual diagnosis is critical to breaking the stigmas surrounding the condition. Some people don’t even know the condition exists! Education about the causes, symptoms, and misconceptions surrounding the illness can help eliminate the stereotypes surrounding it.
Also, educating people that substance use disorders are not a choice is critical. While many people may voluntarily use a substance, once they form a tolerance, the substance overtakes them, and they are no longer in control.
Advocacy
Advocacy for those with dual diagnosis can help to bring about more mental health screenings, integrated care, and treatment programs. Fighting for legislation and funding for these measures is essential for any change.
Access to Care
By providing greater access to care, people can see that those with dual diagnosis are not dangerous or incompetent. They are simply individuals living with a condition requiring the proper medical treatment. Many people who need dual diagnosis care don’t have the tools to improve.
Seek Treatment for Dual Diagnosis at Ocean Hills Recovery
If you or a loved one is dealing with a dual diagnosis, Ocean Hills Recovery is here to help. Our “collaborative recovery” is a unique approach to dual diagnosis. This treatment combines physical, social, mental, and spiritual health treatments to achieve the best outcomes.
All treatment plans begin with an assessment to ensure the correct diagnosis. We will devise a customized treatment plan once our staff confirms a dual diagnosis. Since each person’s condition is different, their treatment plan must reflect that.
Treatment programs can include:
- Detox
- Residential Treatment
- Partial Hospitalization
- Intervention Services
- 12-Step Recovery
- Family Programming
Therapists, physicians, and family members are all part of the recovery process for those with a dual diagnosis. To learn more about dual diagnosis treatment at Ocean Hills Recovery, call us today or reach out to us online.
Sources:
[1] https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/medications-counseling-related-conditions/co-occurring-disorders
[2] https://medlineplus.gov/dualdiagnosis.html
[3] https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/mental-health-substance-use-co-occurring-disorders
[4] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24426-dual-diagnosis
[5] https://archives.nida.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/2021/07/words-matter-language-can-reduce-mental-health-and-addiction-stigma-nih-leaders-say
About the author:
As CEO of Ocean Hills Recovery, Robert Leigh brings forth an immense passion for helping those suffering create change in their lives. With years of experience in the addiction treatment industry, Robert’s active role at Ocean Hills helps integrate his philosophy that addiction and recovery is a personalized journey, and addiction treatment should echo the same mission. Robert’s innovation in the addiction treatment industry has involved integrating exceptional and effective treatment to those that walk into the doors of Ocean Hills, creating a truly unique and individualized treatment program – ensuring that individuals have the foundation and tools they need to live successful lives long after treatment has been completed.
