Dual Diagnosis Mental Health & Addiction

It is not always the case that someone who is suffering from some form of addiction will have an associated mental health condition but it is something that professionals in either discipline will come across all too often.

In other words, qualified and empathetic addiction treatment professionals will often be well-versed in some of the common mental health disorders which are seen in the general population. Equally, mental healthcare workers will often have a sound working knowledge of addiction types and some of the most usual addiction treatment methods.

To be clear, if you – or someone you know – is addicted to a substance or a behaviour, then it does not necessarily follow that they have a mental health disorder. However, dual diagnoses are often made and one diagnosis can assist with the other. Read on to find out more about the role that poor mental health can have on addiction.

Some people turn to substance misuse because they are suffering from an underlying mental health disorder (Dual diagnosis). Whether they know it or not, this sort of behaviour is often referred to as self-medication.

Because someone feels down due to anxiety or depression, has a personality disorder or bipolar disorder for example, he or she may feel the need to use drugs, drink to excess to help regulate or alleviate the symptoms of the mental health disorder which can then create additional mental health complications and symptoms.

Some studies have shown that around half the people who become substance abusers are known to also suffer from one or more mental health conditions.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment Is Not the Same for Everyone

Equally, people who behave in addictive ways or use certain types of substance can alter the chemical make-up of their brain. In turn, this can lead to the development of a mental health disorder where none existed before.

As such, mental health and addiction are often seen as two sides of the same coin. Therefore, dealing with both at the same time can help to overcome them whereas acting on one alone may not be so effective.

This is very much down to the individual concerned, of course, which is why at Infinity Addiction Solutions we take such a carefully considered approach to everyone we help.