Many people who struggle with mental illness also have diagnosable substance abuse issues. When someone has both conditions, it is known as having a dual diagnosis. Often, people with a dual diagnosis are only treated for their substance abuse or addiction. If they do not get help for their mental illness, their symptoms may lead to a relapse. Even when people finally receive a correct diagnosis, finding a dual diagnosis treatment center is difficult. The staff must be experienced in treating both mental health and substance abuse and must offer people the chance to complete the program at their own pace.
If you or someone you love have a dual diagnosis, you do not have to manage these conditions on your own. The knowledgeable staff at the Atlanta Center for Mental health can help you overcome addiction and learn the skills you need to live a healthy life with mental illness. Call us at 833.625.0458 or fill out an online intake form today.
What Are Signs of a Dual Diagnosis?
Diagnosing someone with co-occurring disorders can be a challenge. It can be difficult to determine if the mental health issues caused the substance abuse or if the substance abuse caused or worsened their mental health symptoms. Some of the common signs of a dual diagnosis are:
- Having difficulty enjoying activities without substances
- Using drugs or alcohol to numb their stress or other difficult feelings
- Beginning to use substances after a trauma
- Family history of mental illness or substance abuse
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Hiding their drug or alcohol use, becoming secretive
- Developing tolerance—needing more of the substance to get the same effects
Many people who have substance abuse issues also struggle with common mental illnesses like bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety. In fact, some research shows that about 50 percent of people with a diagnosable mental health condition also have substance abuse disorder. The overlap of these conditions makes it important for people to have access to competent dual diagnosis treatment.
Mental Health Treatment For Dual Diagnosis Patients
Living with substance abuse and mental illness can be exhausting, and getting treatment can sometimes feel like a burden. People often delay treatment for their conditions. In fact, the average person struggles with their conditions for 11 years before getting help. Both their substance abuse and mental illness can make it difficult to function in daily life.
If someone with a dual diagnosis receives focused treatment only for their substance use, their untreated mental health symptoms can later relapse. Similarly, if someone with a dual diagnosis receives treatment only for their mental health, their substance use may interfere with any improvement in their symptoms. Because dual diagnosis treatment is so complex, it is important to get treatment at a center specifically qualified to treat co-occurring disorders.
Why Should I Choose a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center?
Untangling the relationship between someone’s substance abuse issues and mental illness can be a challenge. A person’s mental illness can contribute to their substance abuse, and their substance abuse can make their mental health symptoms worse. It takes special skills to treat a person who has both addiction and mental health issues.
Learn More About Dual Diagnosis Care at the Atlanta Center for Mental Health
- A residential mental health treatment center
- Depression treatment
- Anxiety treatment
- PTSD treatment
- Dual diagnosis treatment program
With competent, comprehensive treatment, you can overcome your addiction and learn how to manage your mental illness so you can live a fulfilling, self-directed life. The knowledgeable staff at the Atlanta Center for Mental Health are ready to help and support you in your recovery journey. Call 833.625.0458 or fill out an online intake form here.
