Addiction rarely exists in a vacuum. Many people battling substance use are also living with mental health conditions that either contribute to or are worsened by their addiction. This combination is known as dual diagnosis, or co-occurring disorders, and it’s quite common.
Dual diagnosis isn’t a single diagnosis; it’s a broad term covering any instance where a person experiences both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition at the same time. There’s no fixed number of dual diagnosis types because virtually any mental health disorder can co-occur with any substance use disorder. However, certain combinations are more commonly seen in treatment settings.
At the Robert Alexander Center for Recovery in Kentucky, we understand how deeply interconnected mental health and addiction can be. That is why we strive to provide comprehensive, integrated treatment for dual diagnosis.
Common Types of Dual Diagnosis
- Anxiety Disorders and Substance Use
People living with chronic anxiety may turn to alcohol, marijuana, or prescription medications like benzodiazepines to calm their nerves. Over time, this self-medication can lead to dependence, creating a cycle that’s hard to break without professional help.
- Depression and Alcohol or Drug Addiction
Depression can make even the simplest daily tasks feel overwhelming. It’s not uncommon for individuals struggling with depression to use substances to escape emotional pain or numb feelings of hopelessness. Unfortunately, substance use often worsens depressive symptoms.
- PTSD and Opioid or Alcohol Addiction
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) often follows traumatic experiences such as military combat, assault, or severe accidents. Those with PTSD may take alcohol or opioids to avoid flashbacks or emotional pain. This combination is particularly prevalent among veterans and trauma survivors.
- Bipolar Disorder and Substance Use
Bipolar disorder involves extreme mood swings between manic highs and depressive lows. During manic episodes, individuals may engage in risky behaviors, including drug or alcohol use. During depressive episodes, they might self-medicate to lift their mood, leading to addiction.
These are just some of the more frequent combinations, but any mental health condition, such as schizophrenia or ADHD, among others, can co-occur with substance abuse. That’s why diagnosis and treatment must be individualized.
Why Integrated Treatment Matters
Dual diagnosis is best treated through an integrated approach, where both the mental health condition and substance use disorder are addressed simultaneously. Treating only one issue often leads to relapse because the underlying problems haven’t been fully resolved.
At the Robert Alexander Center, our approach to dual diagnosis treatment in Kentucky includes comprehensive assessments, individualized care plans, therapy, medication management, and aftercare support, all tailored to the unique needs of each client.
Reclaim Your Life with Our Support
You don’t have to face the complexities of dual diagnosis alone. The Robert Alexander Center for Recovery offers evidence-based treatment designed to meet you where you are and help you heal from both substance use and underlying mental health conditions.
If you or someone you love is struggling, now is the time to take that first step toward lasting recovery. Get in touch with us to learn more about admission and how we can help you break free from the cycle of dual diagnosis.