The Importance (& Challenge) of Dual-Diagnosis Treatment

When we seek medical treatment, we hope for a simple problem, with a simple solution. But sometimes, life throws curveballs at us. For instance, mental illness can significantly impact a person’s life. When substance use disorder is combined with mental illness, it can become even more difficult to manage. 

When a patient is found to have both a mental health and substance use disorder, this is called Dual-Diagnosis. When a patient is given a dual-diagnosis, certain challenges emerge on the road to recovery.

It’s not easy, but it is important to seek out treatment for dual-diagnosis. Whether you’re in Los Angeles or New York, finding the right provider can make a huge difference. In this piece, we’ll explore why.

What is Dual-Diagnosis?

The term Dual-Diagnosis refers to when a patient is diagnosed with both a mental illness and a substance use disorder at the same time.

When a patient has two or more disorders, this is referred to as comorbidity.  For example, a patient is given a dual-diagnosis when one of their co-occurring disorders is a mental illness, such as depression, and substance use disorder (SUD).

Dual-diagnosis is very common. Studies have shown that 50 percent of people diagnosed with mental illness also have substance use disorder. 

Symptoms of Dual-Diagnosis

Because dual-diagnosis comes from a co-occurrence between substance use and mental illness, symptoms resemble one another. A dually diagnosed patient will most often experience symptoms like depression and anxiety, although other disorders that disturb thinking, like mania and schizophrenia, have also been observed. 

Symptoms of substance use disorder include:

• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Sudden changes in behavior
• Engaging in risky behaviors
• Developing a high tolerance for the substance
• Developing withdrawal symptoms
• Extreme mood changes
• Feeling tired
• A loss of interest in favorite activities
• Thoughts of suicide

When these disorders occur at the same time, substance use can worsen the symptoms of mental illness. And many patients with mental health issues will turn to substances as a method of self-medication. When a patient has both a mental illness and an addiction, the two sides are likely to make the other worse.

Because of this, research indicates that patients with dual diagnoses require more services than patients with a single disorder. They are more prone to suicide, have higher rates of homelessness, have legal and medical problems, and endure more frequent and longer hospitalizations.

Why is Dual-Diagnosis Treatment Important?

Given the challenging nature of living with comorbid mental illness and substance use disorder, it’s very important that a patient be treated. Some alcoholism researchers blame comorbid mental illness entirely on substance use, while other researchers suggest substance use disorder is a result of mental illness. In these cases, patients only treat one of the disorders.

The truth is, effective dual-diagnosis treatment addresses both substance use disorder and mental illness at the same time. Because dual disorders can aggravate each other, both sides need to be treated in order to address the issues. Otherwise, the feedback loop between substance use and mental health will never be properly handled.

The best type of therapy for dually diagnosed patients is integrated treatment, where a single program combines elements of both substance use and mental health treatment to address both. 

What are the Challenges of Dual-Diagnosis Treatment?

The challenges of dual-diagnosis are complex. Firstly, patients may be misdiagnosed, improperly treated, and therefore left behind, without any help. Although dual-diagnosis has become more well-known in recent years, that doesn’t mean every patient will receive the help they need. And if they do receive a dual-diagnosis, that doesn’t guarantee therapy will be available.

The biggest challenge of dual-diagnosis treatment is that it is difficult to access. Separations in the mental health and substance use treatment systems prevent patients from having the ability to manage both on their own. 

Instead of finding adequate care, patients bounce back and forth between single-diagnosis programs. This is partially because of the lag between medical research and the actual practices of healthcare organizations. Even though the comorbidity between mental illness and substance use disorder is understood, healthcare providers might not have the tools to address both.

In order to address the challenges of Dual-Diagnosis treatment, we need to make it more accessible so everyone can receive the care they need.

Not to mention, it won’t be easy to sign up for each type of treatment separately. Dually diagnosed patients have difficulty organizing their affairs or finding transportation, preventing them from simply enrolling. 

In order to address the challenges of Dual-Diagnosis treatment, we need to make it more accessible so everyone can receive the care they need.

Rise to the Challenge with SoberMind Recovery

Dual-Diagnosis treatment is proven to be effective at addressing both substance use disorder and mental illness. Though it’s still on the rise, it’s not impossible to find. 

At SoberMind Recovery, we offer individualized, compassionate care including Dual-Diagnosis Treatment that can help. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use disorder, or looking for LGBTQIA+ sober living, SoberMind Recovery can help. Call our toll-free number today to find out more about our evidence-based services, and begin your journey.