Dual diagnosis refers to a person facing a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder (SUD). It is not uncommon for those battling addiction to have an undiagnosed mental health condition. Sometimes, it is very difficult to know what is occurring until you have a formal assessment from a professional trained to spot unique characteristics.
If you believe you are struggling with a mental health disorder and an SUD, set up some time to speak to our team. Do not wait any longer to get help. It is not possible to simply stop using substances to “fix” your feelings, or the other way around. Let us put you on the path for comprehensive healing.
Symptoms of Dual Diagnosis
Symptoms of dual diagnosis can be difficult to identify or distinguish from one another. However, your counselor will be very thorough in your assessment. That is because treating one without treating both simultaneously may limit your overall success. Some of the most common symptoms of dual diagnosis include these common SUD symptoms:
- Pulling away from family and friends, or activities that you have always enjoyed
- Difficulty maintaining focus
- Engaging in increasingly riskier behaviors
- Suffering withdrawal symptoms or having a very high tolerance for substances
- Trouble maintaining responsibilities
- Sudden changes in mood
The most common symptoms of mental health disorders include:
- Extreme changes in mood
- Confusion that seems out of place
- Thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself or others
- Problems concentrating on tasks
- Avoidance of social activities and interactions
- Unable to function as expected for age and health
In these situations, a person may find themselves unable to understand why they have certain thoughts or why they engage in risky behaviors.
Symptoms that many people with dual diagnosis share include:
- Use of drugs or alcohol as a way to deal with thoughts, actions, or emotional pain
- Being erratic in behavior
- Being irritable but often unable to state why they are
- Signs of a mental health disorder that were present before the onset of alcohol or drug use
- Feelings of depression that increase when no longer using a substance
A person with an SUD and a mental health disorder is unable to stop simply. If they do, they are likely to find themselves facing complex mental health symptoms, including extreme anxiety and frustration.
Which Came First in Dual-Diagnosis?
Many people want to know what started their struggle. It’s not always clear. If you have a mental health disorder, you may be using substances to self-medicate or soothe symptoms you have to cope with life. On the other hand, some people with a substance use disorder develop an SUD before they begin to display any symptoms of a mental health disorder.
Either one can begin first. Both need treatment at the same time for you to recover and rebuild.
How to Treat Dual Diagnosis
At Iron Bridge Recovery Center, our team of highly skilled professionals collaborates with individuals to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs. It is very common for our care plans to include dual-diagnosis treatment, a strategy that helps you find mental health wellbeing along with SUD treatment.
To help you, our first step is to provide a comprehensive assessment. Our objective is to determine what signs of SUD and mental health disorders are present and the severity of each. We then determine the most effective treatment strategy.
For many people, this begins with a detox program in our medically monitored location. Here, your body rids itself of the toxins while you start working on your mental health. Medications to help stabilize mental health symptoms are available as well.
Most people then move into inpatient treatment programs. This is the step that provides you with the tools to navigate the challenges you face with a dual diagnosis. This includes recognizing symptoms, knowing how to ask for help, and obtaining immediate support when needed. Our programs provide each person with incredible insight and strategies designed for the complexities you are facing.
Take the Time Now to Get the Help You Need
Dual diagnosis is not a condition that improves on its own. It requires a careful balance of treatment, which may include medications, evidence-based therapies, and a safe living environment. When you are ready to find your way forward, let Iron Bridge Recovery Center help you. Our team provides comprehensive support, utilizing advanced technology and resources to guide you.
Contact us now to speak to a compassionate counselor. The sooner you recognize the presence of a dual diagnosis, the faster treatment can occur and relief can be provided. Contact us now to learn how we can guide you.
