People with dual diagnosis face many challenges, including finding a treatment program that will work for them. Inpatient programs that specialize in treating co-occurring disorders often provide the services, onsite professionals with multidisciplinary backgrounds and individualized care needed to help individuals with dual diagnosis. They also offer regular support groups that can be a valuable way for those with co-occurring disorders to learn that they are not alone or unique and to meet others who are also dealing with these issues.
Individuals with a dual diagnosis often require more intensive treatment than those who have just one disorder. The combination of mental health and substance abuse issues can make it difficult to manage daily life activities, such as getting a job or maintaining healthy relationships, and these problems can trigger drug or alcohol use. They may also experience a worsening of their symptoms during periods of heavy substance use, which can make it harder to stop using drugs or alcohol.
While it is sometimes hard to determine which came first – the mental health condition or the substance abuse – both can cause or worsen the other. For example, a person who experiences depression may become addicted to methamphetamine or alcohol, and the substance abuse can exacerbate the symptoms of the depression. It is also common for someone who experiences PTSD or other mental health conditions to turn to drugs or alcohol as a means of coping with the unpleasant feelings or memories associated with their condition.
It is important to seek out a treatment program that will address both the mental health and the substance abuse issues at the same time. This can include therapy with a therapist who has expertise in treating dual diagnosis, group therapy sessions with peers who are facing similar problems, cognitive behavioral therapy and the use of medications to treat the underlying mental health or addiction problem.
A good treatment center will understand that dual diagnosis can affect other areas of a person’s life, such as their social health and physical well-being. It is important to find a facility that offers programs for these as well so that the individual can gain skills to cope with stress and anxiety in a more healthy way.
If you have a friend or family member who is struggling with dual diagnosis, it is important to encourage them to seek help. You can do this by learning as much as you can about the disease and its effects, and by supporting them in their recovery efforts. You can also help by being a listening ear, and by offering to be a source of practical assistance such as providing transportation or helping with chores around the house. In addition, there are a number of support groups and hotlines that can provide help and information for friends and family of those with mental health and addiction issues. You can find out more about these by calling your local alcohol and drug services or the national hotline number.
