Dual Diagnosis refers to co-occurring Mental Illness such as Depression, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, or Anxiety, plus Drug Addiction and/or Alcoholism.
It’s important for those with a psychological disorder and an addiction to recognize that both the substance abuse and the co-occurring illness need to be treated in unison.
Self-medicating through drugs and/or alcohol is a common reaction for people who are dealing with a psychological disorder. This is how their addiction starts to develop and is why the correct treatment for their dual diagnosis is vital to an individual’s successful recovery.
Addiction is common in people with mental health problems
According to reports published in the Journal of the American Medical Association:
- Roughly 50 percent of individuals with severe mental disorders are affected by substance abuse.
- 37 percent of alcohol abusers and 53 percent of drug abusers also have at least one serious mental illness.
- Of all people diagnosed as mentally ill, 29 percent abuse either alcohol or drugs.
Source: National Alliance on Mental Illness
Dealing with substance abuse, alcoholism, or drug addiction is never easy, and it’s even more difficult when you’re also struggling with mental health problems, but there are treatments that can help.
If you or a loved one need help with mental illness and addiction, please call us today in Austin TX at (512) 474-5904.
