Substance abuse often brings about the worst parts of someone’s personality. What many people struggling with drugs and alcohol may not know is that an underlying mental disorder may contribute to their problems. Trying to battle the simultaneous effects of mental health and drug addiction may feel like a losing prospect. However, there is hope for those who may ask themselves the question, “Do I need dual diagnosis treatment?”
What Is a Dual Diagnosis?
A dual diagnosis, also often called a co-occurring disorder, refers to a condition where people with an addiction disorder also suffer from a mental disorder. In the past, the problems related to the mental health issue went untreated as therapists focused on treating the physical symptoms of addiction when a client entered treatment.
People found themselves without the coping tools to manage their mental health problems. The time-lapse that often occurred between the time a client received treatment for addiction and got help for their mental disorder often turned out to be detrimental to their long-term prospects. Many individuals in that situation relapsed without obtaining the necessary support.
Treating mental health and addiction disorders separately meant clients failed to receive comprehensive care. There was often no coordination between the different therapists treating each issue. So if you or someone you care about are asking, “Do I need dual diagnosis treatment?” then you need to make sure you attend a Florida dual diagnosis treatment program.
Signs You May Have a Dual Diagnosis
Mental health and substance abuse issues tend to feed and exacerbate each other. People with undiagnosed mental health problems often turn to drugs and alcohol as a form of self-medication. Other signs you may need dual diagnosis treatment include:
- Turning to drugs or alcohol whenever you experience any emotional upheaval. They feel like the only way you can deal with your problems.
- You’ve previously been diagnosed with a mental health problem.
- You become emotionally unstable when you attempt to quit. Trying to quit may cause you to have thoughts of self-harm and even suicide.
- You only feel normal when you’re indulging in substance abuse.
- There’s a history of mental illness that runs in your family.
The harm caused by a dual diagnosis can include the following:
- Being aggressive toward others
- Indulging in risky behavior, including sexual activity
- An inability to have stable, loving relationships
- Being unable to hold a job, focus on school, or take part in your favorite hobbies
- An increased risk of self-harming behavior
Treatment for a Dual Diagnosis
People who ask themselves, “Do I need dual diagnosis treatment?” should look for facilities offering a Florida mental health treatment program. Some common therapies offered at facilities with the capacity to provide dual diagnosis treatment include:
- Florida PTSD Treatment
- Florida Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
- Florida Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy
- Florida Individual Therapy
These treatments heal deal with common co-occurring mental health disorders, including:
- Depression — People with this condition experience sustained periods of hopelessness and sadness. They use substances to drown out dark thoughts.
- Bipolar Disorder — People with this condition experience rapid shifts in their emotions. It’s because of an imbalance of the chemicals produced by the brain. These episodes last for days or even weeks in more severe instances.
- Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder — This neurological condition leads to an inability to focus on tasks and control impulsive behavior. Drugs and alcohol may seem to be the only thing that helps ease the symptoms.
The best path forward if you say yes to the question, “Do I need dual diagnosis treatment?” is to locate a quality treatment facility focused on treating both conditions. It’s the key to achieving a maintainable state of recovery and a life free of addiction.