Dual Diagnosis and Co-Occurring Disorders are interchangeable terms for someone who has a substance abuse problem as well as a mood or personality disorder. These co-occurring disorders can affect mood, thinking, and behavior. With a dual diagnosis, patients are simultaneously treated for their substance abuse and their mood or personality disorder. A lot of times people who suffer from mental, mood, or personality disorders become addicted to substances they think are helping them cope with their underlying disorder. If this underlying disorder isn’t also treated then the patient may never overcome their addiction. Sometimes these mood or personality disorder do not present themselves until after withdrawal from the substance that was being abused. That is why it is so important to use a dual diagnosis treatment program. If they are not treated properly then the patient is more likely to relapse. The National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services says about 45% of U.S. citizens seeking treatment have been diagnosed with co-occurring disorders. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health in 2014 approximately 7.9 million adults in America suffered from co-occurring disorders. It is important for all these people to receive the treatment they need so that they can start their road to recovery. There are two definitive groups of disorders.
Mood Disorders
The clinical definition of the term mood disorder is a disturbance in a person’s mood which is, or eventually becomes, the underlying cause of a detrimental physical or mental condition. The most well-known and common mood disorder is clinical depression, which can be the underlying cause for a host of physical maladies. Some other well-known mood disorders are: anxiety, bipolar disorder and substance induced mood disorders. A mood disorder is considered substance-induced if its roots can be traced directly back to the physiological effects of specific substances the person is using. For addicts, quite often such mood disorders first come to light during the process of withdrawal, although that’s not always the case. In some addicts, mood disorders occur simultaneously with a substance abuse disorder; a condition known in the medical community is having co-occurring disorders.
Depression
Depression (major depressive disorder or clinical depression) is a common and serious mood disorder that often coexists with drug addiction; sometimes as one of the root causes, while other times as a result of substance abuse. It affects how you think, feel, and handle daily activities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 10% of U.S. citizens suffer from depression. For more information on depression click here.
Anxiety
Anxiety disorder is a common chronic disorder of long-lasting anxiety that is not focused on any one object or situation. Those suffering from this mood disorders experience persistent, excessive and unrealistic fear and worry about everyday matters. It can interfere with schooling, careers, relationships, and everyday activities. Recent surveys have found that as many as 18% of Americans may be affected by an anxiety disorder. For more information on anxiety click here.
Bipolar
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that is sometimes referred to as manic-depressive illness, or simply manic depression. Individuals with this disorder, experience episodes of excessively elevated energy, emotions, and cognition which is known as manic behavior. They also experience opposite episodes of depression. People can experience either a manic episode or depressive episode for hours, days, or even weeks depending on the severity. Bipolar disorder is often linked to clinical depression and anxiety disorders, many bipolar individuals are treated for all three disorders. For more information on bipolar disorder click here.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD is one of the most emotionally debilitating disorders and is caused by psychological trauma. It causes intrusive memories, nightmares, flashbacks, and severe anxiety that interferes with everyday life. The National Center for PTSD says between seven and eight out of every 100 people will experience PTSD at some point in their life, and women are more likely to develop PTSD. To be diagnosed with PTSD an adult possess all of the following for at least one month. For more information on PTSD & trauma click here.
Personality Disorders
There are many types of personality disorders. They can range from mild to severe in terms of how much they interfere with day-to-day functioning. Most people can live normal lives with mild personality symptoms. However, increased times of stress can make a personality disorder more problematic. It is common for people with personality disorders to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol to escape the pain of their disorder. Personality disorders that co-occur with substance abuse can include, but are not limited to: antisocial personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, and paranoid personality disorder.
Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a seriously debilitating mental illness characterized by impulsiveness, extremely unstable emotions, distorted self-image, and intense unstable relationships. It is one of several personality disorders. People with BPD often suffer from other mood disorders like depression and anxiety. They can experience intense episodes of anxiety, depression, or anger for a few hours to a few days. For more information on borderline personality disorder click here.
Find Dual-Diagnosis Addiction Treatment
Finding the best dual diagnosis addiction treatment is as easy as calling 1-888-986-7848. This number will direct you to the Recovery Ways admissions staff where they can review your medical history and insurance benefits to find the best rehab options available.
