What is meant by Dual Diagnosis and Co-occurring Conditions?
A person with dual diagnosis or co-occurring conditions has both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder (SUD), or multiple mental health and/or SUD disorders simultaneously. These conditions frequently occur together. Many individuals with a mental health disorder will also experience a substance use disorder at some point in their lives, and vice versa. The interaction between these two conditions can make them more challenging to overcome.
Why do Substance Use Disorders and Mental Disorders Occur Together?
Although these issues often occur together, this does not mean that one caused the other, even if one appeared first. Researchers suggest three possibilities as to why they occur together:
- Common Risk Factors:
- Genetics, stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma are common factors that may contribute to both mental disorders and substance use disorders.
- Mental Disorders Contributing to Substance Use:
- People with mental disorders often use drugs or alcohol to temporarily feel better, known as self-medication. Mental disorders may also change the brain, making it more likely to develop a substance use disorder.
- Substance Use Contributing to Mental Disorders:
- Substance use can alter the brain in ways that increase the likelihood of developing a mental disorder.
What are the Treatments for Dual Diagnosis?
It is generally more effective to treat the SUD and the co-occurring mental disorders together rather than separately. At Inspiration Health, individuals seeking help for a SUD and other mental health disorders are evaluated by our healthcare providers for each of their conditions. Since overlapping symptoms can make accurate diagnosis challenging, our providers use comprehensive assessment tools to ensure appropriate diagnoses and targeted treatments.
Inspiration Health utilizes evidence-based behavioral therapies and medications tailored to each client’s specific combination of disorders and symptoms. This includes treatment for the misused substance(s) and the specific mental disorder(s).
Our Approach Includes:
- Comprehensive Evaluation:
- Thorough assessments to accurately diagnose and understand the interactions between substance use and mental health disorders.
- Integrated Treatment Plans:
- Personalized treatment plans that address both substance use and mental health disorders simultaneously.
- Evidence-Based Therapies:
- Proven behavioral therapies and medications designed to treat the unique combination of disorders each client faces.
- Supportive Environment:
- A nurturing and supportive environment that promotes recovery and well-being.
At Inspiration Health, we are dedicated to providing holistic care that addresses the complexities of co-occurring disorders. Our comprehensive approach ensures that individuals receive the support and treatment they need to achieve long-term recovery and improve their quality of life.
