What is dual diagnosis? The link between addiction and mental health 

Dual diagnosis and addiction: They often come together. Simply put, dual diagnosis means that someone is tackling addiction while also experiencing a mental health condition. Dual diagnosis and addiction require treatment for both at the same time, with the realization that treatment for the mental health condition is on management of that condition rather than curative treatment. 

When someone has a mental health condition, addiction can make the symptoms more severe. The coexistence of addiction and a dual diagnosis condition can worsen underlying anxiety states or depressive illnesses. It is not uncommon for people with underlying anxiety states, and or a depressive illness to use alcohol and find themselves caught in dual diagnosis and addiction situations. 

Here at find me a rehab, we have expert addictions clinicians who can provide 24-hour addiction help as well as a free rehab referral service. 

What are the statistics for dual diagnosis? 

Recent research suggests that up to half of those who experience addiction will also have a mental health condition. For example, if you look at the United States, addiction paired with dual diagnosis translates to 17 million adults in the year 2020. 

What causes it? What are the symptoms?  

As they are separate conditions they have separate symptoms. However, there can be some crossover. In cases of dual diagnosis, significant mood changes and confusion may be evident alongside addiction. Someone experiencing dual diagnosis and addiction may experience significant mood changes, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. 

What comes first?  

Good question and impossible to answer. Dual diagnosis and addiction can be difficult to unpick. Just because someone uses drugs/alcohol doesn’t mean they will go on to develop a mental health disorder. In scenarios involving dual diagnosis, addiction might complicate mental health conditions. 

What causes it?  

Again, this is not clear. It can be genetic or environmental: or a combination of the two. Some people who have a family history of dual diagnosis and addiction are predisposed to a higher chance of developing problems. A person’s environment can also be a strong influencing factor: Put the two together and there is a very likely combination of factors. 

How is it diagnosed and treated?  

Dual diagnosis is not a condition itself: but a combination of the two. In cases of dual diagnosis and addiction, overlapping symptoms often occur. 

Treatment for a mental health condition, within a rehab setting, is about learning about the condition, how to minimize symptoms and understand triggers and dealing with flashpoints, which is vital in dual diagnosis cases. This can also include group and individual therapy, family therapy and mindfulness etc. 

For a free rehab referral service, call and speak to one of our addictions clinicians here at find me a rehab. We provide 24-hour addiction help. 

Here at find me a rehab, we have expert addictions clinicians who can provide 24-hour addiction help as well as a free rehab referral service. 

Will I be given medication?  

For those dependent on certain substances, such as alcohol, a medicated detox is essential. In cases of dual diagnosis and addiction, medication may be offered to assist with some of the symptoms of a mental health condition while recovering from a substance dependency. 

What about aftercare?  

Continuing to get support, after leaving a rehab center, is just as important as the residential treatment itself. In cases involving dual diagnosis and addiction, ongoing aftercare becomes crucial. All centers offer a minimum of 12 months support. 

How can I support someone who I think is in active addiction and experiencing a mental health condition? 

The most important thing to understand is that, like the proverb: You cannot take a horse to water and make it drink. Treatment, in the UK, is only available on a voluntary basis. Trying to force someone to get treatment by coercion is illegal. There is nothing wrong with giving information to a loved one, showing them websites, leaflets, information on support groups etc. Most importantly: Let the person know you are there for them and want to help them make positive choices but, at the same time, remembering you cannot make the decision for them and that it is their decision to make. This is especially relevant in dual diagnosis situations, as addiction adds complexity. 

Our expert addictions clinicians are here to provide 24-hour addiction help, including dual diagnosis care which includes a free rehab referral service. Call in to find me a rehab or enquire online. Dual diagnosis and addiction can be overcome.

Recent Posts