When we talk about mental illnesses or substance abuse, one of the major disorders which top the list is Dual Diagnosis. The reason for that is because dual diagnosis victims suffer from mental illnesses and substance abuse simultaneously. This disorder is becoming popular amongst the masses. However, many people are still unaware of what dual diagnosis basically is and about the other aspects attached to this dual disorder.

What is Dual Diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis, commonly known as co-occurring disorders, is a term which refers to the co-existence of mental illness and substance abuse in a person. For some people, multiple mental illnesses may occur and for other, multiple addictions might take place in the case of dual diagnosis. The symptoms of dual diagnosis varies from person to person as it is a combination of two disorders occurring simultaneously. Dual diagnosis usually occurs when people seek out different addictions in order to deal with mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety etc.

Importance of Dual Diagnosis?

Almost 37% of individuals suffering from alcohol abuse and approximately 53% of individuals addicted to drugs have one serious mental illness according to the national Association of Mental Illness (NAMI). That means that the number of patients suffering from dual diagnosis has risen in the past few years. Many people in mental health parlance, use alcohol and drugs as self-medication to get relief from the symptoms of these mental illnesses.

Getting drunk can fix the mental condition for a while and people get habitual of abusing drug intake. Dual diagnosis is important to understand so people can find a cure. However, most of the times it is a chicken-or-the-egg kind of situation. Nobody can properly tell which of the two disorders developed first; the mental illness or substance abuse.

Consequences of Dual Diagnosis?

• Behavior of a patient suffering from dual diagnosis can sometimes be hard for the family and the society to tolerate.
• Dependence issues collaborated with mental illness can create a violent behavior by the patient.
• The physical or psychological health of the patient can be affected negatively before and during the treatment.
• The patient might face problems with relationships with family, friends and other people around him. Employment issues can lead to financial problems and provoke unstable accommodation.
• People suffering from dual diagnosis may be prone to breaking laws and regulations in this unstable mental condition.

Treatment of Dual Diagnosis?

• The process of detoxification must be carried out and the patient should be monitored 24/7 to note the gradual progress.
• A patient suffering from an extreme case of dual diagnosis might benefit from an inpatient rehabilitation center. The patient can be monitored all the time and given necessary attention.
• The correct medications is a reason a variety of different disorders are cured. However, the medications are to be prescribed by a therapist according to the patient’s situation.
• Psychotherapy can help in treating dual diagnosis. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in particular can help the patient to change ineffective patterns of thinking.

As we conclude, we would like to state that clients in need of dual diagnosis treatment can find the help they need at Right Path Drug Rehab. Call our experienced intake coordinators today.