There are many factors that can push a person to choose substance or alcohol use as a coping mechanism. Sometimes, it can be the situations the person is in, while other times, it can be due to an underlying mental disorder. But there can be times when a mental disorder can co-occur with a substance use disorder, and such a multifaceted condition is termed dual diagnosis.
While there are various Miami luxury rehabs that provide adequate treatment plans to ensure every unique care need is catered to, it is still crucial to understand the extent of damage that the combination can cause. Although many believe dual diagnosis can result from environmental conditions the person lives in, other factors are also worth considering.
Here’s everything you need to know about dual diagnosis:
What Is Dual Diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis is when a person has both a mental disorder as well as a substance use disorder at the same time. There are other names as well that are used to recognize the condition, including co-occurring disorder and co-morbidity.
The combination of strikingly different types of disorders makes the person more prone to using substances to manage or cope with the symptoms of the disorder. When these disorders occur together, it can become immensely challenging for the person to care for themselves, making it crucial to seek professional help.
It is unfortunate that dual diagnosis is more common than perceived, making it immensely important to be on the lookout for potential symptoms that your loved ones could possibly exhibit.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse: The Link
People with undiagnosed mental health conditions are often on the lookout for ways to calm themselves. The use of drugs and alcohol becomes a part potentially due to the sudden bursts of serotonin they direct the body to produce.
Serotonin is the hormone that makes a person feel good about themselves, an aspect that often gets suppressed due to mental disorders. There’s always a chance the use of substances started as a way to manage the symptoms of mental disorders.
In other cases, they can start at the same time due to factors such as trauma, genetics, and abuse. Long-term exposure to substances can alter brain chemistry, making it challenging for an individual to develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Symptoms of Dual Diagnosis
The symptoms shown by the mental disorder as well as the substance disorder are different from each other. Due to this, the symptoms will depend on the nature of the substance and the mental disorder the person has. The symptoms can vary widely, making it crucial to keep a close watch and identify behavior patterns that are out of the ordinary.
Commonly seen substance use disorder symptoms:
- Finding it challenging to stay consistent and focused.
- Sudden erratic changes in behavior.
- Constant urge to engage in substance use.
- Engaging in risky behaviors that are out of character.
- Withdrawal from social network.
Commonly seen mental disorder symptoms:
- Self-isolation and abandoning relationships.
- Extreme mood swings.
- Excessive negative self-talk.
- Suicidal thoughts.
- Feelings of losing hope or motivation in life.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment Methods Used
There’s no thumb rule as to what can be used and what cannot. The spectrum of symptoms exhibited by the person determines the treatment methodologies used. In a majority of cases, the mental disorder is addressed first to make managing substance disorders easier. These are some frequently incorporated treatment methods:
- A combination of cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapy to help break harming patterns of thoughts and actions.
- Medications that can help lower the impact of mental health disorders and substance cravings.
- Support groups enable people to share their struggles, identify areas for improvement, and even get guidance on how to live a fulfilling life.
Bottomline
People’s experiences of dual diagnosis vary, and there can be unique symptoms, making it challenging to understand if it is due to substance use or a mental disorder. Being transparent with your therapist and counselor will help you determine the course of treatment that is right for you. With appropriate care, support, and the right treatment methods, the person can significantly recover and confidently embrace their new life.
