When someone has been determined
to have a dual diagnosis, this means that they have a substance abuse problem
in addition to a mental health disorder. The world of dual diagnosis is complicated
because it can come in so many different forms. Here are five things you should
know about dual diagnosis so that you can better understand the disorder and
help those who may be suffering.
1. Dual Diagnosis is Common
Some studies have shown that as
many as half of those with a substance abuse problem also suffer from a dual
diagnosis, due to a form of mental illness. Alternatively, four million of
those who have a diagnosed mental health disorder also struggle with substance
abuse.
According to the Substance Abuse
and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA),
of these millions of people, only a little more than seven percent attend dual
diagnosis rehab for both of their disorders. Some receive treatment for one of
their struggles, but most do not receive any treatment at all.
2. It Can Come in Many Forms
Basically any combination of a
mental disorder and a form of substance abuse can be considered a dual
diagnosis. Because of this, treatment can prove to be difficult. Until
recently, patients were treated for their disorders and substance abuse
problems separately, which proved to be ineffective more often than not.
3. There are Common Forms
Despite the seemingly endless
combinations of dual diagnosis, certain patterns have been detected, resulting
in common forms of this disorder. Along with substance abuse, the most common
mental disorders associated with dual diagnosis are: depression, anxiety, bipolar
disorder, personality disorders and schizophrenia.
While the substance paired with
these mental health issues can vary, alcohol is most commonly associated with
depression, personality and bipolar disorders and anxiety. It is mistakenly
believed that alcohol takes the “edge” off the symptoms of these illnesses,
which unfortunately can lead to substance abuse.
4. Patients can be Considered “High-Risk”
Because mental health disorders
can take a toll on someone’s brain and body, adding substance abuse to the mix
can only worsen the situation. While the sufferer may think that drinking or
using drugs will make them feel better, it can maximize the symptoms that are
associated with their mental health disorders. This is why some are led to
believe that high-suicide rates can be associated with dual diagnosis.
5. It can be Difficult to Treat
Considering the fact that there
are so many types of this disorder and that the patients can be at high-risk, dual
diagnosis can be difficult to treat. Few rehab centers in the country are
equipped with the tools and the staff to be able to treat someone with a dual diagnosis rehab. Medical advances have been made in order to more effectively
treat these kinds of patients, but unfortunately, it is not easily accessible
for every rehab center at this current point in time.
South Coast Counseling is one of
those few centers that is able to treat patients in dual diagnosis rehab. If
you feel that you or a loved one is suffering from dual diagnosis, please, do
not hesitate to contact
us for more information about therapy options.
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