Know about dual diagnosis and treatment
Substance use disorders (SUDs) and mental health disorders do not distinguish between one another. These conditions impact people from all different backgrounds. Regretfully, there is a higher chance of developing an SUD in many people who have a mental health disorder and vice versa. It is referred to as a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis when there is co-occurring mental health illness and SUD.
Recent studies indicate that out of almost 20.3 million adults with SUDs, 40% satisfied the requirements for a mental health condition. Furthermore, more than 18% of the 42.1 million adults with mental illness fulfilled the criteria for SUD.
Recognising that co-occurring disorders frequently co-occur is crucial. This implies that the symptoms and discourse of both disorders may worsen due to interactions between them. Understanding the reasons behind the co-occurrence of these conditions can assist people in lowering their risk factors and encourage them to seek treatment as soon as possible.
What are Mental Health Disorders?
Mental illnesses are another word for mental health disorders. These illnesses encompass a broad spectrum of conditions that differ in severity. These illnesses may negatively impact mental, emotional, and behavioural health. There are the following two broad categories of mental illness:
1. Any mental illness (AMI): Consists of all mental illnesses, ranging in severity from minimal impairment to moderate, severe, and profound impairment.
2. Severe mental illness (SMI): a more severe and limited subset of AMI, characterised by conditions that seriously impair an individual’s capacity to carry out daily activities
It is crucial to realise that no mental health condition manifests itself in the same way for every individual. However, because mood, thinking, and behaviour are all interconnected, the majority of mental illnesses have some impact on these areas. Similarly, there isn’t a single reason why mental diseases arise. Studies reveal that a variety of risk factors, including genetics and traumatic experiences, can influence the onset of mental illness.
Instances of Mental Health Conditions
Based on their symptoms, mental health disorders can be classified into several different groups. Here are some typical classifications and illustrations:
· Eating disorders
· Personality disorders
· Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
· Mood disorders: Depression and bipolar disorder
· Anxiety disorders: Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and social anxiety disorder
· Disorders associated with trauma: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one example
· Substance use disorders: AUD is one example of an alcohol use disorder.
What are SUDs?
SUD is defined as “when the recurrent use of alcohol or drugs causes clinically significant impairment, including health problems, disability, and failure to meet major responsibilities at work, school, or home,” according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). As was already mentioned, SUD is a kind of mental illness that comes in different degrees of severity. The most severe type of SUD is addiction.
Most of the time, someone chooses to use drugs or alcohol on their own volition. On the other hand, almost all drug use results in significant dopamine spikes in the brain. An individual experiences pleasure beyond that which is felt from natural rewards due to these dopamine surges. An individual will, therefore, be more inclined to seek out substance use regularly.
SUD examples
Apart from addiction and AUD, SUDs come in a variety of forms. General SUD, marijuana use disorder, opioid use disorder, stimulant use disorder, cocaine use disorder, hallucinogen use disorder, nicotine use disorder, and sedative use disorder are a few examples.
Three options to investigate co-occurring disorders
It can be challenging to comprehend why mental health disorders and SUDs frequently co-occur because they lack a single underlying cause. Understanding that co-occurring disorders do not always indicate that one caused the other is essential.
Experts identify three explanations for the co-occurrence of these conditions:
1. Common Risk Elements
A combination of common risk factors leads to the development of both SUDs and mental health disorders. For instance, subsequent generations might inherit genes that make people susceptible to these disorders. Environmental risk factors are significant in addition to genetic risk factors. Three of these risk factors include extreme stress, parental disengagement, and trauma exposure.
2. Disorders of the Mind Participate in Drug Use
Studies have indicated that SUDs can also develop as a result of mental health issues. This is frequently the outcome of attempts to use alcohol or other drugs as a kind of self-medication
for uncomfortable symptoms. Self-medication practices can provide people with short-term relief, but they will eventually make their symptoms worse. These behaviours raise the possibility of chemical dependency and long-term health problems for the individual.
3. Substance Abuse May Cause Mental Health Disorders to Emerge
Mental health disorders can also develop as a result of substance abuse and SUD. This is because substance abuse alters the structure and function of the brain in the user. Consequently, there may be an increased chance of mental illness in that person, mainly if there are other risk factors present.
Effective Occurring Disorders Treatment
Co-occurring disorder treatment needs to be customised for each patient. This involves adjusting the course of treatment to each patient’s particular disorders and symptoms. Similarly, therapy needs to be effective in treating both conditions concurrently. Treatment specialists frequently advise patients to take both medicine and behavioural therapies. Treatment is unavoidably tricky, but it is worthwhile. Knowing that support is available and that recovery is possible can encourage people to participate in treatment.
Substance use disorders and mental health disorders frequently co-occur. According to research, this occurs because there are common risk factors at play, such as substance abuse leading to mental illness and vice versa. If you or a loved one is experiencing co-occurring disorders, there is support available, and recovery is achievable. Receiving support and a sense of community is essential for completing treatment. To give our clients greater knowledge as they progress through their recovery, we educate them. To develop a genuinely customised strategy for each client, we offer a range of psychoeducation and relapse prevention, including coaching and counselling.
For prompt and affordable addiction recovery support, call us at Freephone 0800 140 4044
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