Understanding a Dual Diagnosis

In simple terms, dual diagnosis refers to the presence of a mental health disorder alongside a substance abuse issue. Usually, the conditions have a mutual interaction, and they’re treated simultaneously.

At New Spirit Health, we regularly use medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with our dual-diagnosis patients, one of the most effective ways to approach alcohol or substance abuse accompanied by mental health disorders.

Understanding a dual diagnosis can be valuable for patients, family, and friends in their support system. Knowing what dual diagnosis means and what to expect from treatment leads to better outcomes and increased chances for successful recovery.

A common experience

Dual diagnosis happens frequently since people with mental health disorders are more susceptible to substance abuse. The United States Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) 2022 national survey reported that over 21 million American adults had a dual diagnosis combining these two disorders.

The most common substance abuse issues suffered by those with mental health disorders include:

Tobacco
Alcohol
Marijuana
Opioids
Stimulants
Hallucinogens
Prescription medications

The most common mental health disorders connected with substance abuse are:

Anxiety
Depression
Bipolar disorder
Schizophrenia
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Sometimes, eating disorders can overlap with both mental health conditions and substance abuse issues. Though mental health disorders and substance abuse often occur together, they may not have a cause/effect relationship, despite their interaction, where each condition can contribute to the reasons behind the other disorder.

Treating dual diagnosis patients

The most typical form of MAT combines medications that treat addiction and neurotransmitter conditions in the brain with behavioral therapy and counseling. It’s often easier for a patient to respond to the challenges of self-analysis when the effects of substance abuse or mood disorders are minimized through medication.

Often, behavioral therapy alone won’t improve a patient’s mental health disorders. Treating substance abuse without behavioral analysis leads to frequent relapse. MAT provides two-way support for treatment, offering benefits such as:

Increased patient response to treatment
Reduced chances of relapse
Improved employability through treatment
Reduced risk of criminal activity related to opioid and other drug use

MAT is often effective at breaking up the use/reward cycle as well as minimizing cravings so that it becomes easier to control the substances that most often interfere with other aspects of your treatment.

You’ll find that MAT is a comprehensive approach to treating dual diagnosis, incorporating strategies and techniques that provide practical solutions to many of the common life components affected by your diagnosis.

You can reach New Spirit Health by phone, online, or text. We specialize in telehealth support for your convenience. Call, click, or text to book your consultation today.