{"id":1453,"date":"2022-06-20T18:45:23","date_gmt":"2022-06-20T18:45:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arisetc.com\/?page_id=1453"},"modified":"2022-06-20T18:45:23","modified_gmt":"2022-06-20T18:45:23","slug":"dual-diagnosis-treatment","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/arisetc.com\/dual-diagnosis-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"Dual Diagnosis Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/span>What Does it Mean to Have a Dual Diagnosis?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Dual diagnosis is a term used to describe when a person struggles with a co-occurring mental health condition and substance use disorder at the same time. For example, someone who struggles with bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorder is said to have a dual diagnosis.<\/p>\n

In some cases, the mental health condition comes first. People who struggle with mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, and even eating disorders are at an increased risk of substance abuse and addiction due to the difficult symptoms they experience. Someone with depression may begin abusing drugs or alcohol to cope with feelings of sadness or hopelessness, while someone with anxiety may use substances to calm their nerves or socialize with others. Regular substance abuse, or in this case, self-medication, can progress into a substance use disorder.<\/p>\n

At the same time, people who become addicted to drugs and alcohol are at an increased risk of developing symptoms of mental illness. Frequent drug and alcohol abuse can alter brain function and cause chemical imbalances, both of which can eventually turn into a mental health condition.<\/p>\n

Regardless of which disorder comes first, it\u2019s crucial that people seeking recovery receive comprehensive, integrated care that addresses both their substance abuse and mental health.<\/p>\n

<\/span>How Common is Dual Diagnosis?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Dual diagnosis is considered extremely common. In fact, some studies estimate that more than 17 million U.S. adults live with a co-occurring mental health and substance use disorder.[1]<\/p>\n

Within the treatment realm, more than half of people with a substance use disorder also have a mental health condition. These numbers are even higher in adolescents. National surveys have found that more than 60% of adolescents in substance abuse treatment also meet the diagnostic criteria for at least one mental health condition.[2]<\/p>\n

<\/span>Types of Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions<\/span><\/h2>\n

All mental health conditions are unique and treated differently. Some of the most common mental health conditions that exist alongside addiction are:<\/p>\n