What You Should Know About Dual Diagnosis

A person with dual diagnosis suffers from two separate illnesses, a mood disorder and substance abuse. Because there are two illnesses, each needs its own method of treatment. Living with and treating dual diagnosis can be difficult, but recovery is not impossible. Here are some things you should know about dual diagnosis and those who suffer from it.

Self-Medication

One factor that may lead to a dual diagnosis is self-medication. Those who may already unknowingly suffer from a mood disorder may use substances to help temper the symptoms of the disorder. For instance, alcohol may help calm a racing mind in a manic person, or drugs may lift the spirits of a depressed person. However, these quick fixes are just that, and once the effects of the substance wears off, the initial symptoms become worse than before.

Mood Disorders

It is important to be aware of the symptoms of mood disorders in order to help prevent a dual diagnosis. You cannot diagnosis yourself, but recognizing the signs and visiting a health care professional can help you avoid turning to substance abuse for relief. The symptoms of depression and mania, the most common mood disorders, may be common individually, but in occurrence simultaneously and excessively, they are signs of a much bigger issue.

Treatment

For the greatest chance of recovery from dual diagnosis, both disorders should be treated. If only one is treated, treatment is less likely to be effective. And if neither are treated, one disorder can make the other worse. Even more, it is important to stay sober while treating dual diagnosis not only because of the substance abuse, but it is also dangerous to mix drugs or alcohol with the medication for the mood disorder.

Because of the two separate illnesses, it may be necessary to go to more than one doctor and support group during treatment. Treatment options can include talk therapy, support groups, medication, counseling and recovery groups. Because each treatment is tailored specifically for a particular disorder, it is important that different methods of treatment for each illness are used for the best likelihood of a full recovery.

There is help and hope available for those who have dual diagnosis. Find out how South Coast Counseling can help you or a loved one get treatment for and recover from dual diagnosis.