Dual diagnosis (also referred to as co-occurring disorders) is a term that refers to when a person is dealing with a mood disorder like anxiety or bipolar disorder at the same time that they’re struggling with a dependence on alcohol or drugs. According to a national survey on drug use and health done in 2014, 7.9 million people were undergoing substance abuse or chemical dependency at the same time that they were dealing with a mental disorder.

Half of those people – at 4.1 million – were men. 

Those numbers are likely to be higher now as increasing numbers of people have access to healthcare and feel more comfortable confessing their problems and getting help!

Either way, research shows that drugs and alcohol actually worsen the severity and symptoms of mental illnesses so a person that may think they’re being helped due to the feelings that the drugs or alcohol inspire in them are actually experiencing the opposite effects of the chemicals that they’re consuming. 

As a result of having these parallel but absolutely separate conditions, a person with a dual diagnosis needs to have their individual problems treated in order to manage both issues and make progress on the road to recovery. Treating one part of the problem isn’t recommended, as anyone dealing with both addiction and a mood disorder needs to be in a position to move forward from both conditions. 

Warning signs are parallel to symptoms in some ways, as many of the symptoms then lead to the warning signs that other people can pick up. Below are some warning signs that may be a sign that someone is struggling with a dual diagnosis or a co-occuring substance dependency and mental health issue and that they need help:

• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Using substances under dangerous conditions 
• Constant craving or need for the substance
• Feeling as though the substance is the only way that your mental health issue can be managed
• Confused or fuzzy thinking and logic problems
• Thoughts of suicide

While dealing with a dual diagnosis – or a co-occuring substance dependency and mental health issue – may seem difficult, it’s important to note that getting help for both of your disorders is possible!

Inpatient Rehabilitation: An inpatient facility such as The Meadowglade will allow you to have a more immersive therapy experience where you can get immediate access to therapists when you need assistance across the detoxification and rehabilitation process.

Psychotherapy: Therapy techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) allows therapists to help you learn how to change your patterns of thinking and to develop better coping mechanisms.

Medications: Medications are useful for treating mental illnesses and can help a patient manage their disorder as they detox from their substance of choice. 

The Meadowglade will help you understand your underlying issues at the root of your dual diagnosis and will help you manage your substance dependency as well as your diagnosed mood disorder. We treat addiction, build your confidence, and help you develop your self-management skills through a variety of therapies that are specific to your needs.