Addiction to drugs and alcohol has become a common condition among adults in our country. Out of those addicted to substances, many also suffer from an underlying mental health condition. Such a co-occurrence of disorders is known as dual diagnosis.
Though the definition might be easy to understand, there are still many questions revolving around this topic. Thus, we have compiled this blog to answer all the frequently asked questions about dual diagnosis. The questions are as follows:
What is a Dual Diagnosis?
The simple definition of the term dual diagnosis is diagnosing two disorders at the same time. However, the National Library of Medicine defines this term as “co-occurring substance-related and mental disorders”. It means a simultaneous existence of addiction to drugs and/or alcohol and mental health conditions like depression.
How Common is Dual Diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis is a common occurrence among individuals abusing substances. This can be proved by a few numbers:
- Among all the cannabis users, 75% are diagnosed with anxiety disorder
- 55% of patients with substance abuse cases are also diagnosed with schizophrenia
- 66% of patients with addiction issues also have a pre-existing psychiatric disorder
- Depression, PTSD, etc. are also common mental health conditions diagnosed alongside addiction
What are the Causes Behind Dual Diagnosis?
Mental health conditions and addiction both can be the cause and result of dual diagnosis. Out of all the cases of dual diagnosis, the majority of them are diagnosed with a mental health issue which then leads them to abuse substances. Such behavior involves consuming substances as means of self-medication.
The same condition can be reversed when the patient develops anxiety or depression as a side effect of substance abuse.
What are the Challenges Associated with Dual Diagnosis?
The cases of dual diagnosis have been observed for years but the integrated treatment came in a lot later. Initially, the patients diagnosed with multiple disorders were encouraged to treat them separately. This helped but also increased the risk of relapse as one of the disorders was left untreated.
However, with the evolving procedures and treatments, dual diagnosis treatment has become easier and simpler than before.
How to Treat Co-Occurring Disorders?
Co-occurring disorders can be treated by attending specialized treatment programs at a rehab center. The professionals help you address both disorders simultaneously. You can approach our professionals at Skyward Treatment in Houston, Texas for more details about the same.
Contact us now to schedule an appointment.