People with mental health issues may turn to drugs or alcohol to manage their symptoms. They may not have a formal diagnosis and instinctively seek out anything that will give them a break from the feelings that overwhelm them. That can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, which then makes everything worse. When individuals struggle with substance abuse and have a mental health issue, professionals refer to it as a co-occurring disorder and use dual diagnosis treatment to address it. People with a dual diagnosis need comprehensive treatment for all their issues to give them a better chance of achieving lasting recovery.
What is a Dual Diagnosis?
People described as having a dual diagnosis have been diagnosed with both a problem with substance abuse and a mental health disorder. Many people go through life without ever knowing they have a mental illness contributing to their substance abuse. Sometimes it’s hard to recognize which condition is driving the other without proper treatment.
A person with depression who is also addicted to heroin is an example of a dual diagnosis. People have been known to become heroin addicts because of bipolar disorder. The first step toward clarifying what may be going on is getting rid of toxins left in the body from drug or alcohol abuse.
Pines Recovery Life Detox offers various programs aimed at helping people get clear of specific substances. Once you get through the detox process, you will likely be better positioned to make decisions about ongoing care for your dual diagnosis.
How Do I Know If I Have a Dual Diagnosis?
It is a good idea to seek care from a physician experienced in dealing with mental health disorders and addiction issues to determine whether you have a dual diagnosis. Doctors in the past used to treat the symptoms of your mental illness and addiction separately. That meant you might enter a rehab facility and receive help for your addiction, then be referred elsewhere for separate treatment for your mental health disorder.
The opposite could also happen if you sought treatment for depression while having a dependency on heroin, for example. You would not receive help for your addiction, only for your mental illness. That often led to clients not getting the treatment needed to address either issue adequately. People might fall through the cracks because no one followed up to make sure both conditions received treatment.
What Are the Symptoms of a Dual Diagnosis?
Signs that you may have a dual diagnosis may vary depending on your substance of choice and underlying mental health issues. Pines Recovery Life Detox has qualified staff on-hand to work with clients and find the right treatment course to address all present conditions. Some common symptoms found among those found to have a dual diagnosis include:
- Changes in behavior
- Not being able to focus on the task at hand
- Going through withdrawal
- Pulling away from close relationships
- Needing a substance to make it through the day
- Involving yourself in harmful or risky pursuits
- Neglecting your hygiene
- Thinking about suicide
You may benefit from seeking out treatment at Pines Recovery Life Detox. Our mental health professionals can assess you and determine whether you have a dual diagnosis that keeps you from fully pulling away from your addiction.
How is a Dual Diagnosis Treated?
Once you get through detox, Pines Recovery Life Detox will work with you to determine what therapies and services should go into your treatment plan. We do that by making sure we understand every aspect of your illness. That includes asking questions about your physical and mental health history, along with getting more details about your addiction.
Pines Recovery Life Detox believes in taking a comprehensive approach to help people, especially when they have a dual diagnosis. We offer programs that assist people addicted to various substances, including:
Find out more about what Pines Recovery Life Detox has to offer clients by calling 800.263.3869, or contact us online.