What Is Dual Diagnosis? Signs You May Have a Co-Occurring Disorder
Sometimes the problem doesn’t fit into one box.
It is possible that you may be depressed and use drinking as a way of getting away from it. Substances can help ease anxiety, but can make it worse in the end.
Perhaps you’ve been in therapy for an issue, yet something still doesn’t feel right? It could represent two related issues that require attention.
This is where a dual diagnosis comes into play.
Dual diagnosis is the term used to refer to a mental health illness with a substance use disorder. These conditions can exacerbate each other.
In 2024, an estimated 21.2 million adults in the United States experienced a mental health condition and substance use disorder.
When Depression and Substance Use Feed Off Each Other
A depressed person might use alcohol to dull his or her emotional responses. They may feel less distress and agitation for a few hours.
Later, they may get depressed once again. They could then drink more in order to numb down those feelings. This is an example of how substance use and depression can become linked.
Substances can make it difficult to feel good, get sleep, and maintain relationships over time.
CDC determined that 22% of individuals who died of drug overdose in 2022 suffered from a mental health disorder that was not related to the drug overdose.
13% of those who died from an overdose also had a depressive disorder. (CDC)
This does NOT mean that using drugs or alcohol will inevitably lead to depression. But both issues may need to be addressed if they happen at the same time.
What Are Co-Occurring Disorders?
A co-occurring disorder is a condition of having both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder.
One person can suffer from anxiety and alcohol abuse.
Other may be enduring trauma and/or opioid use.
Someone else may be suffering from depression and be abusing the prescription medications.
There can also be some overlap in symptoms. Substance use can make some person’s emotional issues worse. Symptoms of mental health can make substances appear to be a simpler coping mechanism.
Signs You Might Have More Than One Problem
Some possible symptoms are:
- You use drugs and/or alcohol to change your mood.
- Your mood becomes worse following drug use.
- The urge for the drug arises due to symptoms of mental illness.
- When the use of drugs or alcohol stops, emotional symptoms persist.
- When you’re being stressed, you go back to drugs.
- Treatment for one problem is not enough.
These signs are NOT a diagnosis. But they might indicate that a professional assessment may be helpful.
The Cycle Can Be Easy to Miss
You experience nervousness prior to work. You use something to relax.
Afterwards, you’re feeling guilty or exhausted. Then the next stressful situation begins the cycle once again.
That’s why it is important to understand that mental health and addiction cannot always be separated.
The Key to Breaking A Pattern Is To Understand It
Knowing that there is a connection can alter the way you view recovery.
You can ask yourself the question: What causes you to continually fail?
If you are unsure whether anxiety, depression, trauma, or another condition is causing the substance use, you and your treatment team will be able to develop a more comprehensive recovery plan.
Why People Frequently Fail To See the Connection
Most of the times, only one simple answer is sought.
People might feel that they just have to cut back on their drinking. Some people might only treat their depression.
But even a single untreated situation can exacerbate symptoms and be a hindrance in recovery.
Massachusetts understands that Integrated Care is important. That’s why integrated Mental Health & Addiction (IMA) services are part of the services offered by Community Behavioral Health Centers.
Everyday Massachusetts Life: How Can Dual Diagnosis Impact It?
Don’t get stuck in a struggle; life goes on. It’s possible to commute through Boston or to deal with responsibilities at home.
A person may seem perfectly healthy when strolling around Boston Common.
A driver on Route 128 could be silently suffering from depression and/or substance abuse.
These are challenges that are not visible. This is why it’s important to have the right evaluation.
Taking Steps to Prevent A Crisis
There are many people who put off treatment because they don’t know where to begin.
The state Behavioral Health Roadmap shows that only 50% of Massachusetts residents with mental illness receive treatment.
There are also 25 Community Behavioral Health Centers throughout Massachusetts.
If you get help sooner, it will be easier to find suitable assistance – such as finding help that matches your work schedule and responsibilities.
How is Dual Diagnosis Treatment Done?
Dual Diagnosis Treatment considers the whole individual.
Treatment may include:
- Individual therapy
- Group support
- Psychiatric evaluation
- Appropriate use of medication (as needed)
- Relapse prevention planning
The aim is to gain insight into the relationship between mental health and substance use.
How Forrest Behavioral Health Can Help
Treatment at Forrest Behavioral Health can help individuals discover the relationship between mental health symptoms and drug intake.
The professional assessment will be able to give a better perspective of your needs.
You need to get the right treatment plan that suits you. There are no two alike ways to recover.
You Don’t Have To Do It on Your Own
No need for you to self-diagnose. You don’t have to decide between taking care of your mental health or your drug/alcohol use.
The two issues can be raised simultaneously.
If you feel the symptoms are related, you may want to get a professional evaluation. For more information about treatment in Massachusetts, visit Forrest Behavioral Health.
The objective is to learn the whole story and get on with it.
