A large percentage of individuals with a drug abuse problem are also found to have a mental health condition. This is referred to as dual diagnosis or a co-occurring disorder. A pre-existing mental condition is a common reason people start using drugs. But it is a two-way street, as addiction may also lead to the development of a mental illness.

Common mental health conditions that co-occur with addiction are depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.

Dual Diagnosis

A dual diagnosis affects different people differently. Usual patterns of behavior include:

• Self-medication. People with anxiety, stress, or other mental health disorders may turn to a substance to relieve the anxiety or stress. In such cases, the mental illness may be keeping the addiction in place, and both may worsen as the person begins taking the substance more often and in higher amounts.
• Worsening symptoms. The powerful, mind-altering effects of substances, like heroin,may worsen the existing symptoms of mental illness. For example, a person with depression and cocaine addiction may experience suicidal thoughts.
• Onset of mental illness. An addict without a co-occurring mental disorder may develop one. Drug-induced hallucinations may increase a person’s risk of psychosis and developing a drug-induced mental illness.

The Signs

To determine whether a person has a dual diagnosis, an evaluated must be conducted by an addiction treatment professional. Here are a few signs that indicate the possibility of a mental disorder causing or maintaining addictive behavior –

• Feelings of hopelessness for 2 weeks or more, even without the influence of a substance
• Using a substance to block out difficult memories or feelings
• Consuming alcohol or drugs to cope with stress
• A history of mental health disorders
• Substance abuse causing personal or professional problems
• Continued use of substances despite severe consequences, like legal problems, loss of family etc.

Those who suffer from co-occurring disorder may have –

• difficulties forming meaningful social relationships with others
• an adverse impact on self-esteem or self-image
• increased risk for relapse without treatment

Treatment Options for Co-Occurring Depression and Addiction

The strong correlation between substance abuse and mental health conditions, or dual diagnosis, indicates the need to treat both problems at once. If the mental illness is triggering or fueling the drug use,not treating it will again push the person towards the substance, once they leave treatment.

Dual diagnosis treatment requires the development of a customized plan to treat both the mental health condition as well as addiction. This not only helps to address the symptoms of both disorders but also allows the person to lead a healthy, balanced life. Treatment may include antidepressant medication, psychotherapy, CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and addiction counseling, as part of a comprehensive, manageable treatment plan, including strategies to prevent relapse.

If you are looking for medical drug detox centers or alcohol treatment centers, check out one of the leading drugs and alcohol rehabs in San Diego, call Pacific Bay Recovery at 858-263-9700 right away and begin the path towards healing and taking charge of your life again.