When someone is struggling with their mental health, it can be tempting to find solace in drugs and alcohol. In a similar vein, repeated and frequent substance abuse can also cause symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses to surface. When substance use and mental illness occur at the same time in a person, it may be referred to as dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders.
According to national sources, over one-third (35%) of adults in the United States have both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder. Even more (an estimated 50%) of those struggling with severe mental illnesses abuse drugs and alcohol. Co-occurring disorders are all around us. You are not alone.
If your loved one is struggling with dual diagnosis, it can be difficult to know how to help. Dual diagnosis is a complex condition that requires very specialized care. The best thing you can do right now is to ensure that your loved one receives the dedicated level of treatment and support required. And, at the same time, remain a caring and consistent presence in their life as they navigate these issues.
In this guide, we’ll offer some strategies and resources you can implement to help someone with dual diagnosis. Hint: It starts with professional care.
What is Dual Diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis is a clinical term used to describe multiple conditions (typically a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder) that affect a person simultaneously. While it’s still in use by some people and providers, dual diagnosis is referred to as “co-occurring disorders” in modern medicine. This is because an individual can struggle with more than two types of conditions, and these disorders exist independently from one another. However, they often interfere.
This is what makes co-occurring disorders so complex—they often interact with one another. Substance use disorders and mental health conditions both affect the brain, and when occurring simultaneously, can exacerbate one another’s symptoms. This poses unique challenges in treatment and recovery.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Patients with substance use disorders and other co-occurring mental disorders typically have a harder time staying in treatment, and following treatment guidelines, which leads to worse health outcomes.”
However, dual diagnosis is very treatable and manageable. To accomplish this, the condition must be addressed through a specialized, integrated dual diagnosis treatment program.
Every case of dual diagnosis is unique. Sometimes, repeated substance abuse triggers the onset of mental health problems. In others, mental health struggles lead a person to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol. Certain risk factors—such as trauma, chronic stress, and genetics—can make a person more vulnerable to mental health and substance use disorders.
Common cases of dual diagnosis include, but are not limited to:
- Depression and substance abuse
- Anxiety and substance abuse
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse
- Bipolar disorder and substance abuse
- Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and substance use
So, how do you help someone with dual diagnosis? Read on to find out.
3 Ways to Help a Loved One with Dual Diagnosis
- Find (or encourage them to seek) professional help.
Generally speaking, dual diagnosis is a complex condition that cannot be treated at home. While there are things you can do to ease recovery and support your loved one, the initial phase of treatment should be completed in a professional setting. This step can be daunting, but it’s one of the most powerful things you can do to help your loved one right now.
The most effective treatment for dual diagnosis is integrated, meaning all co-occurring disorders are treated at the same time and place. While providers recognize that each disorder is distinct, the idea of unifying treatment ensures that all symptoms and needs are addressed at once and no stone is left unturned. This approach can only be carried out by clinicians with specialized training in dual diagnosis.
Additionally, dual diagnosis treatment must be personalized to each person’s individual needs. There are hundreds of combinations of disorders a person may face, and everyone’s experiences are unique. Treatment must be adapted and customized to address the unique needs of the individual, and remain flexible to change along the way. For example, if a client has experienced trauma, has a history of suicide ideation, or has unsuccessfully tried therapy in the past, they will require a different approach.
Look for dual diagnosis treatment providers that:
- Are specialized and trained in co-occurring disorders
- View and approach treatment through an integrated lens
- Offer personalized treatment plans to meet every client’s needs
- Educate yourself about dual diagnosis.
Once you find a treatment center for your loved one, you can start to do work at home to help them through recovery. Because dual diagnosis can be complex, we recommend arming yourself with basic knowledge about dual diagnosis and your loved one’s conditions. In addition to knowing what dual diagnosis is, and how it’s best treated, take time to learn about the conditions your loved one is facing. For example, if they are struggling with depression alongside substance abuse, research the symptoms of depression and supportive strategies you can try. If your loved one is dealing with constant anxiety and panic (coupled with substance abuse), explore different tactics you can use to help keep them safe and grounded.
- Offer unconditional love and ongoing support.
While professional treatment is needed to address and manage dual diagnosis, personal support can go a long way, too. Throughout their treatment program and beyond, your loved one needs a safe, trusted, and caring person to turn to in times of need. Whether they are stressed at school, feeling lonely, or just having an “off” day, you can be the buffer that prevents them from relapsing.
Be sure to let your loved one know how much you love them and are there for them. Listen to them without judgment and allow them to be fully open with you. If you’re a parent and your child is facing co-occurring disorders, try not to jump to punishment for drug-using behaviors. Rather, focus your energy on creating a safe, supportive space where they can feel comfortable communicating with you. If your loved one is already in treatment, let them know that you’re willing to be involved in the process. For many people, family involvement and therapy can drastically improve treatment outcomes.
Seeking Help for Dual Diagnosis?
Turnbridge is a mental health and substance use treatment provider, specializing in co-occurring disorders in youth. If your teen or young adult is battling dual diagnosis, and in need of an integrated, yet engaging treatment program, do not hesitate to explore our treatment programs.
As a dual diagnosis treatment provider, Turnbridge helps adolescents and young adults get to the root of their conditions, identifying the triggers for their mental health struggles and substance abuse. We also teach youth helpful, healthful strategies for coping with negative emotions and outside pressures. All the while, in our residential programs, teens and young adults learn new life skills that help them build a productive, meaningful life outside of treatment.
If and when you’re ready, take the first step with Turnbridge. Call us at 877-581-1793 to learn more about our integrated treatment programs for co-occurring disorders.