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Dual diagnosis is a term used when someone experiences a mental health disorder and a substance abuse problem at the same time. A dual diagnosis can also refer to having a mental health disorder and a medical condition. This type of diagnosis is also known as co-occurring disorders. Many people who suffer from addiction also have at least one other mental health disorder. In fact, studies show that 50% of people with severe mental illness also suffer from substance abuse. Having a dual diagnosis is not uncommon, but it can be difficult to deal with because it requires treatment for both the mental health disorder and the addiction.
When someone has a dual diagnosis, it is important that they get treatment for both disorders at the same time. treating one disorder while neglecting the other can actually make the symptoms of both disorders worse. That’s why facilities that offer treatment for dual diagnosis are so important. They help patients heal from both disorders simultaneously so that they can live healthier, happier lives.
In this article, we’ll go over the different types of dual diagnosis and how you can find a dual diagnosis treatment center near you.
Types of Dual Diagnosis
There are many different types of dual diagnoses, but some of the most common include:
Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health disorders in the world. They often go hand-in-hand, which is why it’s not uncommon for people who have one to also have the other. People who suffer from anxiety or depression often self-medicate with drugs or alcohol in an attempt to find relief from their symptoms. Unfortunately, this only ends up making the symptoms worse.
Eating Disorders and Substance Abuse
Eating disorders are another type of mental health disorder that frequently co-occurs with substance abuse. This is especially true for eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia, which involve binging and purging behaviors. People with eating disorders often turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with their negative body image and feelings of inadequacy.
PTSD and Addiction
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a type of anxiety disorder that can occur after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event such as 9/11, combat, rape, or Natural disasters. People with PTSD often struggle with flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and depression. Many people self-medicate with drugs or alcohol in an attempt to numb these symptoms, but this only ends up making them worse in the long run.
Find Help for Dual Diagnosis
If you or someone you love suffers from addiction, it’s important to be aware that there’s a good chance that they also have at least one other mental health disorder. This is known as dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders. Many facilities now offer treatment for both addiction and mental health disorders so that patients can heal from both simultaneously. This type of treatment is essential for long-term recovery because it addresses all of the underlying issues that contribute to addiction.
