One reason so many people turn to substances is because they have underlying mental health issues that need addressing, a condition referred to as having a dual diagnosis. It’s also why some individuals have a hard time adjusting after leaving a rehab center. They may receive treatment for the outward signs of their addiction, but not get help for their mental disorder. People who suffer from a substance abuse and mental disorder are said to have a dual diagnosis. Read on to see if you should be asking yourself, “Do I require dual diagnosis treatment?”
Common Mental Health Issues Associated With Addiction
There are some common conditions that often manifest among clients dealing with addiction issues. Anyone who shows signs of a mental disorder should work considerations for that illness into any long-term treatment plan.
You may need to ask yourself, “Do I require dual diagnosis treatment” if you’ve been diagnosed with or exhibited signs of the following mental issues:
- Anxiety — Individuals with anxiety disorders feel intense, persistent worry about situations most people navigate without issue. You may feel peaks of terror, called panic attacks, that paralyze you and keep you from acting. It could get to the point where you’re unable to function normally.
- Depression — You may suffer from clinical depression if you find yourself battling feelings of hopelessness and despair. There may be constant thoughts of self-harm, including the desire to end your life. Substance abuse may be your way of keeping those ideas out of your head.
- Bipolar Disorder — People with bipolar disorder suffer from rapid shifts in mood. You may feel happy one moment, then feel anger or despair in the next. The episodes can last for long periods covering days or even weeks. Those emotional swings are caused by a chemical imbalance in your brain. Genetics also play a role in whether you end up developing bipolar disorder.
Signs You May Require Dual Diagnosis Treatment
One of the reasons getting the right answer to the question, “Do I require dual diagnosis treatment?” is so essential is that mental health and substance abuse problems tend to feed into each other. Here are some signs that you may suffer from a dual diagnosis:
- You use substance abuse as an emotional crutch.
- Using drugs or alcohol is the only time that you feel like “yourself.”
- There’s a recognized history of mental health disorders in your family.
- You experience withdrawal symptoms or become unstable when you try to quit using drugs and alcohol.
- A doctor has medically diagnosed you with a mental health disorder.
Other symptoms often exhibited by people with a dual diagnosis include:
- Acting out impulsively and erratically
- Sudden changes in behavior
- Not following through on responsibilities
- Rejection of any attempts to get treatment
- Issues with finances
- Issues with performance at school or work
Receive Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Atlantic Recovery Center
Atlantic Recovery Center offers a variety of programs and treatments aimed at helping those who are asking questions like, “Do I require dual diagnosis treatment?”
- Residential Treatment
- Intensive Outpatient Program
- Partial Hospitalization
- Aftercare Treatment
Learn more about how we can help you treat your dual diagnosis condition by calling 1-866-824-5193.