Dual Diagnosis is when someone struggles with both a mental health issue and a drug or alcohol addiction at the same time. It is a common phenomenon that affects people from all walks of life and age groups. Mental illness and drug or alcohol addiction have a direct relationship with each other, meaning that one disorder will worsen the other. This is why it is so important for drug or alcohol treatment centers to be able to identify and treat co-occurring disorders.

This is often difficult because it is easy for an addiction specialist to miss a co-occurring disorder. Many symptoms of mental health issues also appear as symptoms of addiction. For example, people with mental health disorders often have mood swings which can be very similar to those of an addiction. It is also easy for people to believe that the depression or anxiety they are experiencing is simply caused by their drug or alcohol addiction, when in fact it may be a symptom of an underlying psychological imbalance.

The comorbidity of mental and substance misuse disorders is highly underestimated and under-diagnosed throughout the world. It is not only a serious medical condition but it can have a significant impact on quality of life. It can result in poorer outcomes, increased risk of violence, suicide and self-harm, impaired family and social relationships, difficulty at work and in school, poorer physical health and reduced overall wellbeing.

It is thought that at least 1 in 3 people with a mental health problem has a co-occurring substance misuse disorder and at least 1 in 5 have a comorbid psychiatric disorder. It is important that these disorders are treated together in order to improve the person’s quality of life and reduce their risk of harm.

A good treatment plan will address both the psychiatric disorder and the drug or alcohol addiction. This is known as integrated care and it involves a team of professionals working together. Depending on the severity of the co-occurring disorders, different treatments will be used. These may include psychological therapies, pharmacological treatment (such as the use of drugs to manage symptoms) and support groups.

For those who are struggling with a dual diagnosis, finding a compassionate provider is key to getting the right help. This article is intended to be a guide to help those who are concerned about a friend or loved one who has been diagnosed with a dual diagnosis. It provides information about what a dual diagnosis is, how common it is, the specialist services available for support and treatment and practical tips on how to support a friend or relative through their recovery. If you or a loved one are living with a dual diagnosis, our expert addiction treatment center can help. Contact us today to find out more about how we can assist you on the road to recovery. We offer a variety of drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs that are designed to address co-occurring disorders, ensuring that we give each individual the best chance of overcoming their addiction.