We Must Learn To Treat Dual Diagnosis
Professions in the field can best provide treatment for addiction. They can do this because they utilize various behavioral therapies and clinical expertise. This is especially true of individuals who need to treat dual diagnosis. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health , 45 percent of people with addiction have a co-occurring mental health disorder. By examining the definition of dual diagnosis, common dualities, and current methods of treatment, one can feel confident in seeking professional assistance, as it is necessary in treating this condition.
What is Dual Diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis is a term professionals use to describe the event in which an individual has a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder diagnosis simultaneously. The origin of a dual diagnosis varies. Some individuals suffering from a mental health disorder turn to substances as a way to self-medicate, while others have developmental disorders as a result of their substance abuse. Due to the psychological nature of a dual diagnosis, this condition is extremely common within the addiction and recovery community, with almost half of the members reporting a diagnosis of coexisting disorders.
Common Dual Diagnoses
While we exclude no disorder, neither mental or physical, from the dual diagnosis model, there are several dualities that are most common within the addiction and recovery community. Due to the effects of substance addiction on brain chemistry, the most common dual diagnoses tend to revolve around mental health. The most common diagnoses that come with substance abuse and addiction are depression, anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Bipolar Disorder.
Depression and Addiction
As one of the most common mental illnesses throughout the world, depression is often a coexisting disorder in those struggling with addiction. As many addictive substances act as depressants, using them long-term can often lead to chronic depression as a result of irreversible chemical imbalances in the brain. Likewise, those struggling with depression often feel the urge to self-medicate and do so by abusing addictive substances which eventually leads to addiction.
Anxiety and Addiction
While there are various forms of anxiety, those who suffer from this disorder share a common feeling of restlessness or unease. Oftentimes, anxiety sufferers begin relying on sedative-type substances in order to relieve these symptoms. Common drugs of abuse among those with anxiety include alcohol, opioids and benzos due to their relaxing effects.