Approximately 38% of people with addiction also have co-occurring mental health disorders. For some, addressing both addiction and other mental health conditions simultaneously is invaluable. For this reason, our team at Birmingham Recovery Center offers dual diagnosis treatment. Here is what you should know.
What is Dual Diagnosis?
Co-occurring mental health disorders exist when you have a substance use disorder, also known as SUD, and at least one mental health disorder at the same time.
Disorders that can lead to dual diagnosis include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- ADHD
In the past, mental health disorders and SUD were considered separate. They were diagnosed and treated individually rather than together. Today, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or SAMHSA, has issued a “no wrong door” policy.
This means that when you enter addiction treatment, you will be screened for mental health disorders, and when you go to a mental health professional, you will be screened for SUD. Once diagnosed, the professional will see you get treatment for both disorders.
Why is Dual Diagnosis so Common?
One reason for the high rate of dual diagnosis is that substance use disorder is often the symptom of another issue. Many people begin using drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with a mental or emotional imbalance. In this case, the underlying mental health issue leads to addiction.
On the other hand, substance use disorder can occur first. Addiction can bring different types of mental and emotional pain or trauma, which can lead to a mental health issue along with substance use.
Common Risk Factors
There are also common risk factors for both types of disorders.
Environmental factors, particularly stress and trauma, are one risk factor. Another common factor is genetics. Both types of disorders can run in families. If a family member has one or both disorders, you are at a higher risk due to your genetics.
Additionally, the neurology associated with both disorders is similar. One theory is that issues in the brain can contribute to both disorders. There are instances where one disorder triggers changes in the brain that increase the risk of another disorder.
The Importance of Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Dual-diagnosis treatment is more complex. Instead of facing problems from one disorder, you are facing two. This leads to more issues that will need to be worked through. People with both disorders typically need more prolonged treatment times. They also have a higher rate of relapse.
The Disorders Feed Each Other
When you have co-occurring disorders, one will “feed” the other. Let’s consider someone who has alcohol addiction and depression. Alcohol bathes the brain in serotonin. Over time, the serotonin levels become depleted, which can lead to feelings of depression and hopelessness.
If you treat the alcohol addiction without treating depression, the symptoms of depression may be increased. The depression may lead to relapse to feel relief or happiness.
On the other hand, if you treat depression without treating addiction, serotonin levels are depleted, which can also cause depression symptoms.
Learn Coping Strategies
When you have an SUD, poor coping skills are common. You may find yourself using the substance as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, or anger.
One component of treatment is learning healthy coping strategies. These coping strategies can help you manage both disorders.
Address Trauma
People with co-occurring mental health disorders have often experienced some type of trauma. This can fuel your addiction and worsen your mental health disorder. Dual diagnosis allows you to address this trauma, which can help you heal. This may lead to better outcomes for both disorders.
Understand Your Disorders
Dual diagnosis treatment also allows you to learn about both disorders and how they interact. Understanding your conditions can help you manage them more effectively. Knowing how they interact can help you understand your behavior, which is an essential part of recovery.
Meet Others In Treatment
Building new peer relationships is also critical during recovery. A dual diagnosis allows you to meet others who also have co-occurring disorders. This can provide the understanding and acceptance you need on your recovery journey.
What’s Involved in Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
Dual diagnosis treatment will include treatment for your SUD and mental health disorder, but what does this look like in practice?
Detox
The first step in treatment is stopping the addictive substance. For many people, this means a medically supervised detox. Some substances, including alcohol and benzodiazepines, are dangerous to stop without medical supervision.
Once you are stabilized, you can begin the next phase of treatment.
Therapy
Therapy is often one component of treatment. This may include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and traditional talk therapy.
Therapy allows you to address any trauma or underlying issues that can contribute to your disorders. It can also help you learn to live a drug-free lifestyle.
Support Groups
Support groups or group therapy are another critical part of treatment. This allows you to discuss your thoughts and feelings with others with similar experiences and challenges.
Addiction and mental health disorders can be very isolating. Knowing you aren’t alone can make a big difference. It also allows you to create a new support network.
Medication
You may need medication for one or both disorders. Some medicines can treat both certain mental health disorders and addiction, while others treat one condition.
Medication can be an essential part of your recovery. They can treat your mental health condition and withdrawal symptoms and help prevent a relapse.
Education and Lifeskills
You will learn about both disorders as a part of your treatment. This can help you understand your experience and how to manage your conditions in the future.
You may need to learn some new life skills in recovery as well. This can support your recovery and help you lead a better life.
Relapse Prevention
Lastly, relapse prevention should be a part of your treatment plan. This focuses on specific strategies you can use to avoid relapse. It may include a plan to address any temptations or cravings you experience during recovery.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Birmingham Recovery Center
Seeking treatment for a dual diagnosis can be a difficult and overwhelming decision but know that at Birmingham Recovery Center, we are here to support you every step of the way. Our team of professionals is dedicated to understanding your unique challenges and needs so we can create an individualized treatment plan just for you. Don’t wait any longer to start your recovery journey. Call our experts in Birmingham, AL, at (205) 813-7400 today and take the first step toward healing and wellness.
