Mental Health Month
In honor of Mental Health Month, which has just come to an end, Portage wants to shed some light on a type of diagnosis that, although widespread, remains largely unknown to the general public: dual diagnosis. What is it about? What are the warning signs? When and how should dual diagnosis be handled?
What is Dual Diagnosis?
Briefly, the term dual diagnosis applies when a patient receives both a diagnosis of a mental health disorder and a diagnosis of a substance abuse problem. The term substance abuse refers to a physical and psychological dependence on one or more substances such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, crystal meth, prescription drugs and synthetic drugs. When an individual cannot stop using a substance (even if they desperately want to), and they begin to experience intense urges to use, followed by withdrawal symptoms when they attempt to abstain, he is considered to be suffering from drug addiction.
As dual diagnosis is a medical matter, any individual experiencing the symptoms described above should seek professional services. Although not always the case, drug addiction can be accompanied by various mental health disorders. These include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, and schizophrenia.
In some cases, substance abuse occurs first, followed by mental health issues after a period of sustained use. But it’s most often the mental health-related symptoms that show up first; then, in their attempt to alleviate their suffering, sufferers turn to drugs or alcohol to temporarily alleviate their symptoms. It should be noted, however, that people with an addiction problem do not all suffer from a mental health disorder and respond very well to treatments including psychosocial therapies. An alcohol rehab near me can help you get rid of your addiction problem.
What are the warning signs?
How do you know if someone has concurrent disorders? The signs usually vary from person to person and depend on the type of substance used and the severity of the mental health disorder. It is therefore important to observe the signs, of which we present a partial list below:
- Difficulty managing day-to-day responsibilities and tasks
- Sudden change in behavior
- Neglect of hygiene and health
- Avoidance of social situations and activities
- Cognitive impairment or negative thinking
- Erratic and impulsive behavior
- Mismanagement of finances
- Poor performance in school or work
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Refusal of treatment
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), people with drug addiction are twice as likely to suffer from anxiety disorders or mood disorders.
People with serious mental health conditions like schizophrenia are four times more likely to drink alcohol heavily and five times more likely to use tobacco daily.
When and how should concurrent disorders treatment?
Drug addiction and mental health disorders must treat simultaneously, hence the importance of dual diagnosis. Because symptoms associates with one of the disorders diagnoses can affect the other disorder, both conditions should be manages as part of an overall treatment plan. Since 1995, Portage has successfully treats patients with concurrent disorders.
Addicts with mental health issues
The TSTM program for drug addicts suffering from mental health problems recently marked its 25thanniversary. This program is specifically for men and women with mental health issues to help them overcome their addiction problem through the rehab centers near me. As dual diagnosis is a medical matter, any individual experiencing the symptoms described above should seek professional services. Although not always the case, drug addiction can be accompanied by various mental health disorders. These include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, and schizophrenia.
As dual diagnosis is a medical matter, any individual experiencing the symptoms described above should seek professional services. Although not always the case, drug addiction can be accompanied by various mental health disorders. These include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, and schizophrenia.
