Abusing drugs can elicit symptoms that mimic a mental illness. Excessive Marijuana use, for example, can give rise to psychosis in some individuals; psychosis is a severe mental disorder that causes people to lose touch with reality. A person’s genetic predisposition can make them more likely to develop an addiction or a mental disorder. Research shows that genes make up 40 to 60% of a person’s susceptibility to addiction. Chronic stress, persistent anxiety, or a traumatic event can kickstart an addiction or mental disorder. People who experiment with drugs or alcohol at a young age may develop a substance abuse problem and/or mental health disorder later on. This is because adolescents and young adults are more prone to brain damage from substance use than older adults. The signs of a dual diagnosis vary greatly between individuals. Generally, symptoms will depend on the type of substance abused as well as the severity of the co-occurring condition.
One of the most common issues surrounding dual diagnosis is self-medication. Self-medication involves using drugs or alcohol to mask the symptoms of a mental illness. However, using substances as a coping mechanism for mental or behavioral illness can induce an addiction and make the underlying condition even worse. The following scenarios demonstrate how some people attempt to self-medicate a mental illness. Sadly, resorting to substances as a way to escape a mental health condition can be a damaging decision. People struggling with a mental or behavioral illness who start abusing drugs or alcohol will consume as much as it takes to achieve the effects they want. Over time, the person will build a tolerance and need to consume more of the drug each time to achieve the same high. This is a hallmark of both dependency and addiction. People addicted to drugs are twice as likely to suffer from mood and anxiety disorders, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
Nearly 17 million adults in the US have both a mental health condition and an SUD, makeup according to the 2020 NSDUH. People with severe mental illnesses are about 4 times more likely to be heavy alcohol users. They are also over 5 times more likely to be daily tobacco smokers, according to a study by NIDA. While some individuals develop an addiction to drugs or alcohol before being diagnosed with a mental illness, others become addicted afterward. Whichever happened first, it’s paramount to find a tailored treatment plan that targets both disorders simultaneously rather than a plan that treats them separately. In the case of a dual diagnosis, the structured and safe environment of an inpatient rehab center can be extremely beneficial. Going to inpatient rehab for a co-occurring disorder is ideal because of the high level of attention and care that patients receive. Oftentimes, people with co-occurring disorders arrive at rehab in various states of distress and poor general health.
The combination of extensive substance abuse and a neglected mental condition generally requires the help of both mental health and addiction professionals. When deciding on a rehab center, choose one that specializes in you or your loved one’s type of addiction and co-occurring disorder. Doing so will ensure the most effective care as well as the greatest potential for a full recovery. 1. Do you offer individualized treatment plans for all residents? 2. Is therapy structured to treat a dual diagnosis? 3. Will I or my loved one be evaluated by a licensed psychiatric professional or physician before admission? 4. Are both of my disorders viewed as interconnected health issues, or are they viewed as separate illnesses? 5. If I or my loved one relapses during rehab, decordeals.shop how would that be handled? 6. Does your facility offer aftercare referral services? Addiction Center is not affiliated with any insurance. Once you or your loved one is settled into rehab, the treatment process can begin. Rehab facilities can incorporate a number of therapies, medications, and activities that will take place throughout the course of the program. Counselors may hold group and Deals individual therapy sessions, while residents can take advantage of any of the center’s offered activities and amenities. Discover more information on online therapy options here. Get professional help from an addiction and mental health counselor from BetterHelp via phone, video, or live-chat. Take the Quiz. Get Matched. Mental health support, with or without insurance. Match with a licensed therapist and get convenient care from anywhere. Get matched with a therapist now. Get connected to mental health care with MyWellbeing. Complete the questionnaire and receive personalized matches for you. Answer a few questions to get started. Paid Advertising. We may receive advertising fees if you follow links to promoted online therapy websites.
This conte nt w as creat ed by G SA Content Generator Dem oversion.