What is a Dual Diagnosis?

Addiction and mental illness can often be a vicious relationship cycle feeding off of each other.

To better understand the relationship between the two, the following information may be helpful. What is a dual diagnosis? A dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder is a medical term for one experiencing both a mental illness, such as depression or bi-polar disorder concurrently with an alcohol or substance abuse problem.In a 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Mental Health, it was estimated that close to 8.4 million adults in the United States suffer with both a mental and substance use disorder.  Sadly, only 7.9 percent of these people receive treatment for both conditions, and 53.7 percent receive no treatment at all. Many suffering from the disease of addiction unconsciously find themselves self-medicating with drugs or alcohol in order to maintain some sort of mental balance. By self medicating, the underlying mental illness doesn’t get resolved, and unfortunately the addiction and dependence only worsens.What is dual diagnosis treatment program like?Since symptoms can overlap each other, treatment can be complicated, but with patience and a qualified team of individuals, it is possible. Not all treatment will be the same for everyone, however evidence-based elements of treatment modalities may include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Holistic and Alternative Therapies
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy
• Individual and group counseling
• Pharmacotherapy
• 12-Step Studies
• Nutrition and Recreational Therapies

What is a dual diagnosis in regards to a co-occurring disorder?A co-occurring disorder may also be referred to as a dual diagnosis. You may hear both terms, but know they mean the same thing.If you or someone you love is seeking help for an addiction, contact Fair Oaks Recovery Centers for more information on Fair Oaks Recovery Center and how they can help you or your loved one recovery from addiction, please contact us at (888) 989-9690. Most insurance accepted – Call today!ReferencesHunter, D. (2014). Behavioral Health Trends in the United States: Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Retrieved July 01, 2016.