Dual Diagnosis and Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment

People who suffer from drug use disorders are usually twice as likely to also suffer from mood and anxiety disorders, and vice versa. Considering the strong connection between mood disorders and addiction, accredited drug rehab centers like Dana Point Rehab Campus can treat both conditions simultaneously.

If you or a loved one is suffering from a dual diagnosis, getting help at drug rehab can prevent one or both of the conditions from worsening and affecting your overall health and livelihood.

What Is Dual Diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis, also known as co-occurring disorders, is the coexistence of both a mental health disorder and substance use disorder. Chronic use of drugs and alcohol can alter the brain’s function and structure thus increasing the risk for mood and anxiety disorders like depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Similarly, people who suffer from such mental illnesses turn to drugs and alcohol to escape or mask their symptoms, which increases their risk for dependence and addiction.

Symptoms of Dual Diagnosis

A person who has a dual diagnosis will exhibit symptoms of both the mental health disorder and drug use disorder. Anxiety disorders typically produce symptoms such as irritability, sleep problems, fatigue, muscle tension, sweating, nausea, and diarrhea. Depression produces the same symptoms but also includes a loss of interest in hobbies and activities, sadness, aches and pains, and suicidal ideation. Many drug and alcohol use disorders have identical symptoms, which is why addiction and mental health disorders commonly overlap.

FAQ About Dual Diagnosis

• How common are co-occurring disorders? Roughly 50% of people who suffer from a mental illness will also suffer from a drug use disorder at some point in their lives, and vice versa.
• Why do drug addiction and mental illness occur together? Both disorders share common risk factors, and one disorder can contribute to the other disorder.
• How is dual diagnosis treated? Substance use disorders are commonly treated using drug detox and behavioral therapy, while mental health disorders can be treated using behavioral therapy and medications, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anti-anxiety drugs.
• Is drug addiction a mental health disorder? Yes, addiction is defined as a chronic relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive behaviors that make it difficult to stop using drugs and alcohol without professional treatment at drug or alcohol rehab.

Start Recovery Today at Dana Point Rehab Campus

Receiving treatment for a dual diagnosis can prevent one disorder from worsening the other and from leading to more serious health problems, such as organ failure, suicide, overdose, and death. Dana Point Rehab Campus offers dual diagnosis therapy to help people overcome both disorders at the same time and to lower the risk for relapse and related problems. Starting the recovery process today can get you back on track with your mental and physical health and help you change the negative thoughts and behaviors driving your addiction.

Dana Point Rehab Campus offers evidence-based dual diagnosis therapy, along with drug and alcohol detox treatments that can help you or your loved one safely overcome drug dependence. Contact us today at 949.569.7517 learn more about our many evidence-based treatments designed to help you experience a safe, fulfilling recovery from addiction and mental illness.