When a person suffers from both a mental illness and a substance abuse problem, it is called a dual diagnosis. This condition requires a special type of treatment that takes both issues into account.

Mental disorders can contribute to drug addiction, and addiction can worsen mental illness. Many people who struggle with a mental health condition also have a co-occurring substance use disorder (SUD). The conditions may occur simultaneously or one may begin first and then lead to the other. Often, a SUD exacerbates a mental health disorder and can make it more difficult to treat the condition. However, each situation is different and it is possible to recover from both conditions with proper care.

It is important to get help for both a mental illness and an addiction at the same time. If you only address the drug addiction, the underlying psychological issue will not be treated. This can lead to relapse after you have successfully overcome your addiction. It is important to have a comprehensive recovery plan that addresses both issues and includes medication as well as therapy.

Some of the most common dual diagnoses are bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, and depression. Mood disorders often coincide with an addiction to alcohol or drugs, and people with these conditions are more likely to self-medicate by abusing substances to relieve their symptoms. This can lead to serious problems including hallucinations, delusions, and suicide attempts.

The relationship between a developmental disability and a mental health issue is complex. Some genetic disorders that cause a developmental disability such as fragile X syndrome or 22q11 deletion may predispose you to certain mental health problems, such as anxiety or schizophrenia.

A dual diagnosis can be very challenging to deal with and it is important to find the right type of treatment program. There are many programs that specialize in mental health and addiction recovery. Some offer medication, therapy, and support groups. Many also offer alternative therapies such as art therapy, meditation, and sleep therapy. There are also programs that focus on specific aspects of recovery, such as family therapy or group support.

While it is important to find the right type of therapy, it is even more important to have a team that understands the unique needs of those with a dual diagnosis. This team should include a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, and addiction counselor. Having someone on your side who understands your situation can help you feel more confident in your ability to manage your condition and reach recovery.

It is also important to remember that it is impossible to fully heal from an addiction without healing the underlying trauma or emotional imbalances that caused it. Often, individuals in recovery try to focus solely on overcoming their addiction and forget that they have not addressed the trauma or anxieties that led to their addictive tendencies. This can lead to relapse after they have seemingly overcome their addiction, or it can prevent them from moving on to other areas of recovery because they will continue to struggle with these underlying struggles.