Co-Occurring Disorders, also known as dual diagnosis, refer to a situation where an individual is simultaneously affected by both a mental health disorder and a substance abuse issue. It’s important to understand its impacts as it affects a large portion of the population. This blog will dive into co-occurring disorders, their symptoms, and how they can affect individuals and their loved ones.
Additionally, we will explore various treatment options for co-occurring disorders and how to get the needed help and support. By understanding co-occurring disorders, we can work towards reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and substance abuse and creating a brighter future for those affected.
What are Co-Occurring Disorders?
Co-occurring disorders, also known as dual disorders, are identified in people with drug use problems and mental health issues. Dual diagnosis is another name for this. In addition, patients receiving treatment for mental illnesses frequently abuse the following substances:
- Prescription drugs
- Marijuana
- Alcohol
- Opioids
- Hallucinogens
- Stimulants
- Tobacco
Substance use disorder: Substance use disorders are more common in individuals with mental illness than those without such a condition.
- Abuse of alcohol or drugs: When substance use affects one’s ability to perform at work, alcohol or drug abuse addiction is identified. It is also identified when substance use results in the development of or aggravates a health condition or happens in risky circumstances.
- Dependency on drugs or alcohol: A more serious condition than the above is alcohol or drug dependency. People with dependency are unsuccessful in attempting to manage or refrain from using drugs and encountering more detrimental effects. Some people may also have a physiological dependency.
Mental Health Conditions
Mood and anxiety disorders are some of chemically dependent individuals’ most prevalent mental health conditions. Even more persons with serious mental disorders also have drug use problems co-occurring with them. These mental health diseases, which include schizoaffective and schizophrenia disorder, are severe due to the intensity and length of the illness episodes.
Symptoms Of Co-occurring Disorders
As a result of co-occurring disorders, people may display a wide range of symptoms connected to their mental health and addiction issues. The following warning signs and symptoms might indicate that a person has several mental health issues:
Behavioral Signs
- Using drugs or alcohol to cope with grief or rage
- Drastic personality changes
- Withdrawal from friends or relatives
- It was no longer taking part in things that were formerly very important.
- Abnormal behavior
- Intense energy bursts
- Relationships with drug users
- Aggressive attitudes
Physiological Signs
- Hypersomnia or insomnia
- Malnutrition
- Significant weight gain or decrease
- Extreme tiredness
- Bad hygiene
Cognitive signs
- Paranoia
- Panic
- Fluctuations of bewilderment
- Disorientation
- Unable to concentrate
- Loss of awareness or blackouts
Mental and social symptoms
- Unjustified rage or hostility
- Dramatic changes in mood
- Extreme impatience and agitation
- Disrespect for others
- Long stretches of intense melancholy
- Feeling unstoppable or supremely powerful
- Moments of emotional distance
- Self-hatred
- Suicidal thoughts
How Do Co-Occurring Disorders Affect You?
Various negative consequences can be placed on people who are coping with co-occurring disorders and cannot or cannot obtain treatment. Although the precise short- and long-term consequences will invariably differ from individual to individual, the following scenarios could be given as some examples:
- General deterioration of one’s mental health
- The overall deterioration of one’s physical condition
- Disturbances in one’s friendships and familial ties
- The decline in attendance and performance at work might lead to a loss of employment and long-term unemployment
- Financial difficulty
- Homelessness
- Law enforcement involvement as a result of utilizing illicit drugs
- Separation from society and seclusion
- Beginning of self-harming habits
- Suicidal thoughts
Treatment Options for Co-Occurring Disorders
Experts urge integrated therapy for those with co-occurring disorders, which entails treating both the addiction and the mental condition. Some types of therapy appear to be especially useful for those with co-occurring conditions:
Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment (CBT)
This form of therapy assists people in replacing harmful attitudes and behaviors with healthy ways of thinking and acting. Because CBT is considered the “gold standard” for curing mental health issues like depression, this may be an extremely effective treatment method for persons suffering from addiction and depression.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Because this therapy is intended to eliminate dangerous behaviors such as cutting, suicidal ideation, and substance abuse, it is a good choice for those with co-occurring disorders.
While the most successful style of therapy may differ from person to person, it is critical to remember that if an individual has co-occurring disorders, both illnesses must be treated. A person’s mental health may never improve if drug use disorders are not addressed, and vice versa. Therefore, individuals with co-occurring problems may choose an integrated residence treatment program that incorporates mental health care, drug addiction therapies, housing help, and other supporting services.
Mental Health Treatment in Los Angeles
When you have a mental health disorder, you may believe you are the only one experiencing certain symptoms. Furthermore, you may be uncertain where you should look for assistance or of the available resources. Launch Centers understands that you are not alone in Mental Health Treatment in Los Angeles. Adults & children of every age are affected by mental health illnesses, and their beginning can profoundly influence mood, relationships, and the way they think. That is why we offer excellent treatment options for various psychiatric conditions, assisting clients in receiving the care they require to cope with their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Call us today to learn more.
