Dual diagnosis and addiction is very common among addicts. While people do make the initial decision to use drugs or alcohol, they never do it wanting to become an addict. Addiction is destructive and devastating to a person’s life. More often than not, there are reasons behind the addiction. Some of which can include other underlying emotional and psychiatric problems that have gone unnoticed. As a person goes into rehab for addiction, if they are found to be diagnosed with both an addiction and another underlying problem, then they are said to have a dual diagnosis.
Common Dual Diagnosis and Addictions
When a person is diagnosed with dual diagnosis and addiction, they then will have to be treated for both problems in order for them to have a successful recovery from the addiction. If both problems are not treated, then the recovery program will be a waste of time and energy as both problems contribute to one another. If one goes undiagnosed, then the other can not be treated. Some of the disorders that you may see with dual diagnosis and addictions are depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, schizophrenia and other personality and psychiatric disorders. Dual diagnosis is actually a very common thing. 37% of alcohol abusers and 53% of drug abusers have at least one mental illness, while at least 29% of the diagnosed mentally ill have abused either alcohol or drugs.
In most situations, the psychiatric problem usually develops first. The person will attempt to use drugs as a way to fit in socially or to make themselves feel better. Self medication can eventually become a dependency on the drugs or alcohol making the one problem into two problems. In other cases, however, the psychiatric disorder may be a direct result of drug or alcohol abuse. Years of continued drug abuse can sometimes develop into depression, fits of rage or hallucinations. Either way, both problems should be treated simultaneously for the most promising chances of a successful recovery. The only problem with that being that a person must go through a complete detoxification before they can begin any type of therapy or counseling.
Take Back Control From Dual Diagnosis and Addiction
Taking back control of your life from years of addiction and abuse can begin with the decision to seek help. Healing of the mind, body and spirit can begin with a treatment program that is designed to fit the needs of your unique and individual addiction. Call us today to begin the path to a life free of addiction, or for more information on dual diagnosis and addiction.