Mental health and addiction are two of the most pressing issues facing our society today. It is estimated that up to half of all people with a mental illness also have a substance use disorder.
This is known as a co-occurring disorder—or dual diagnosis.
There are many misconceptions about addiction and mental disorders. One misconception is that they are two completely separate things. However, this is not the case. In fact, there is a high overlap between the two conditions. For example, some mental illnesses have substance abuse as a symptom. Additionally, many people with substance abuse also have co-occurring mental disorders.
Dual-diagnosis treatment is a type of rehabilitation that is specifically designed for people with co-occurring disorders. This type of treatment has been shown to be effective in helping people achieve long-term recovery. However, many people need help understanding what dual diagnosis is and why it can be helpful.
What is Dual Diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis is a term used to describe the presence of a mental illness and a substance use disorder in the same person. This means that the person is struggling with both conditions at the same time.
Some of the most common mental illnesses diagnosed with substance abuse disorders are:
There are a number of ways in which mental health disorders can lead to addiction. For example, people with mental health disorders may use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate for their symptoms. They may also use drugs or alcohol to cope with stress or difficult emotions.
In addition, some mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, can make it difficult to think clearly and make rational decisions. This can make it more likely that someone will engage in risky behaviors, such as substance use.
Addiction Can Worsen Mental Health Symptoms
People with substance use disorder will experience more severe symptoms of depression or anxiety. They are also more likely to experience relapses.
In addition to masking mental health symptoms, addiction can make them more severe. This is because substance abuse can damage the brain, making it more difficult to cope with stress and emotions of daily life. As a result, people with addiction issues may experience more intense symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders due to their self-medicated therapy.
Addiction can lead to relapses. When someone is struggling with addiction, they are more likely to relapse. This is because addiction is a chronic condition that requires ongoing treatment. If someone does not receive treatment for their addiction, they are more likely to start using drugs or alcohol again, which can worsen their mental health symptoms.
Treatment For Dual-Diagnosis
Several different treatment options are available for people with co-occurring disorders. These options may include medication, therapy, and support groups. Medication can be helpful for treating both mental health disorders and substance use disorders. Therapy can help people to understand their mental health and addiction problems and to develop coping skills. Support groups can provide people with a sense of community and support.
At LA Valley Recovery, our program offers dual diagnosis treatment in Los Angeles, which allow patients to learn how they too could achieve long term recovery from substance abuse and co-occurring mental health issues. From psych evaluations to medication management and individualized therapies, we provide our clients with all the tools needed to effectively treat mental illness and recover from the disease of addiction. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
We understand that you may be hesitant to call because of the unknown, but it’s important to, for your own mental health. We help every person who contacts us in finding the dual diagnosis program that fits their individual needs, whether that is our program or not!
We want everyone to live their best life possible, so call LA Valley Recovery today!
There is hope for recovery.
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