Dual Diagnosis

Co-Occurring Disorders We Treat

Addiction and mental health problems are often closely linked. It’s very common for people with a substance use disorder such as drug addiction or alcoholism to also suffer from a range of psychiatric or mood disorders, including:

• Depression

• Bipolar disorder

• Anxiety and fear disorders

• Generalized anxiety disorder

• Obsessive compulsive disorder

• Panic disorder

• Personality disorders

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Schizophrenia

• Stress

These mental health issues in people with addiction are referred to as dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders.

Signs of Co-Occurring Disorders

Signs of dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder vary depending on the mental illness and the type of substance abuse/addiction. There are many variables that can affect a specific individual. For instance, a person suffering from depression who is addicted to alcohol might display different symptoms than a person who has bipolar disorder that is addicted to opiates. It is important to recognize the signs associated with a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder so that you or your loved one can receive the appropriate treatment.

Signs and symptoms of a dual disorder include:

• Anxiety, depression, and panic attacks that intensify without access to alcohol or drugs

• Erratic behavior and mood swings

• Anger or rage

• Intense excitement

• Reckless behaviors such as careless driving, sexual promiscuity and spending sprees

• Irritability or edginess

• Inability to keep employment

• Inability to maintain relationships

• Poor judgment and decision-making

• Concentration problems

• Experiencing delusions

• Poor appetite and sleep patterns

The Treatment Process at Our Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, about one-third of those who abuse alcohol and more than half of those addicted to drugs have at least one serious mental illness. Of those diagnosed with a mental illness, about one in three also abuse either alcohol or drugs.

Years ago, treatment for addiction and treatment for psychiatric or mood disorders were separate endeavors. Today, experts at the best addiction treatment centers, understand that substance use disorders and mental health disorders are often deeply intertwined.

Giving patients the best chance of successfully overcoming addiction means also helping patients manage or overcome dual disorders that can lead to relapse by compromising their overall physical and mental well-being. By integrating addiction rehab with mental health care, patients address all of the issues contributing to their addiction or those that have the potential to impact their recovery, while also creating the conditions that lay the groundwork for many years of sobriety and health.

Individuals treated for a dual diagnosis can benefit from the following treatment modalities:

1. Psychotherapy: During psychotherapy, patients will learn ways to cope with their illness and understand how their addiction and mental health disorder impacts their behavior. Frequent one-on-one cognitive therapy greatly improves the negative symptoms associated with both substance abuse and mental illness.

2. Support Groups: Individuals with dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders often feel isolated, embarrassed and ashamed. Support groups provide a healthy outlet that allows people to connect and share experiences in an open and safe environment. Support groups give patients an opportunity to form bonds and offer each other encouragement during recovery.

3. Medications: In some instances, individuals with a dual diagnosis will work with doctors to find the right combination of medication for both the mental health and substance abuse components of a dual diagnosis.

4. Holistic Therapy: Holistic therapy is used in combinations with traditional talk therapy and medication to treat the whole person – mind, body and spirit. Holistic therapies include: nutrition programs, exercise, massage, hypnotherapy, yoga, meditation and acupuncture.

5. Comprehensive Aftercare Plan: Patients that complete the formal inpatient or outpatient dual diagnosis treatment program at PSI will have resources for long-term recovery. Individuals will continue to participate in support groups, individual therapy, 12-step programs and meetings with counselors.

The Importance of Accurate Assessments

Mental health conditions impact the brain. Substances such as drugs and alcohol also act on the brain. When drugs and alcohol are combined with pre-existing mental health problems, the substance use can significantly impact the progression and symptoms of mental health conditions.

Drugs and alcohol can worsen symptoms of mental health problems by interfering with medications such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications and mood stabilizers. Drug and alcohol use can also interfere with sleep and daily routines, which can also exacerbate symptoms or make it more difficult for patients to manage mental health disorders. Research also indicates that alcohol and drug abuse can increase symptoms of mental illness or trigger new symptoms in those who are predisposed.

At the same time, drug and alcohol use can also mask symptoms of underlying mental health conditions. When a person undergoes detox from drugs and alcohol, symptoms that were hidden or mistaken for behavior caused by intoxication or drug use may become more apparent.

We then work closely with patients to treat their addiction, deal with the mental health condition, manage medications and monitor progress to ensure that each patient receives care that is tailored specifically to them, with their unique needs and challenges taken into account.