Our knowledgeable team is ready to discuss your situation and options. Your call is confidential with no obligation required.
Dual diagnosis means that you experience both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder. Dual diagnosis symptoms can be scary if you’re trying to cope with them alone.
A person with a dual diagnosis experiences both addiction and a mental health condition at the same time. Examples could include having:
Our knowledgeable team is ready to discuss your situation and options. Your call is confidential with no obligation required.
Dual diagnosis is also known as co-occurring disorder or comorbidity. It can be challenging to treat because both conditions can interact and influence each other. This can make the recovery process more complex.
Effective treatment of dual diagnosis symptoms requires an integrated approach. It should address both the mental health and substance use aspects of the condition.
It is important to note that these symptoms can be indicative of other conditions as well. A proper diagnosis should be made by a qualified healthcare professional.
In dual diagnosis, the symptoms of a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder can interact. These symptoms can influence each other in several ways.
For example, a person with depression may turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate and reduce their symptoms. This could then lead to substance abuse or addiction.
Substance use can exacerbate the symptoms of depression and increase the risk of suicidal ideation or behavior.
The side effects of drugs or alcohol can also mimic the symptoms of depression. This can make it difficult to get an accurate diagnosis and treat both conditions.
Similarly, anxiety can lead to substance abuse as a coping mechanism. Substance use can contribute to worsening anxiety symptoms.
Chronic substance use can also damage the brain and nervous system. This could lead to long-term anxiety or mood disorders.3
In dual diagnosis, it is important to address both mental health and substance use.
People with dual diagnosis may experience an increase in the severity of symptoms seen in a singular diagnosis. Some of these symptoms are detailed below.
Individuals with a dual diagnosis tend to have more severe and complex symptoms than those with only a mental health or substance use disorder.
For example, they may experience more intense mood swings, hallucinations, or delusions.
Dual diagnosis is associated with an increased risk of suicidal ideation and behavior.4
This may be related to the severity of symptoms and the challenges of managing both conditions simultaneously.
This may be due to the effects of substance abuse and chronic stress on the body.
Dual diagnosis can interfere with a person’s ability to:
This often leads to isolation and reduced quality of life.
Dual diagnosis is associated with a higher risk of relapse. This is because the interaction between mental health and substance use can make recovery more challenging and unpredictable.6
These symptoms can vary widely depending on the individual and the specific mental health and substance use disorders involved.
Some red flag symptoms that may show the presence of dual diagnosis are detailed below.
An individual may experience sudden changes in mood. This can include increased anxiety or irritability. You may also want to look out for if their behavior becomes erratic or unpredictable.
These may be signs of the presence of a substance use disorder or a mental health disorder.
This could include using drugs or alcohol daily or in large quantities. This may increase the risk of developing a mental health disorder or exacerbating existing symptoms.
A difficult time controlling impulses or engaging in risky behaviors could be a dual diagnosis symptom to look out for. It may show a sign of underlying mental health issues or substance abuse.
Withdrawing from social activities or relationships could show the presence of mental health or substance use issues.
A possible sign of dual diagnosis symptoms could be experiencing sudden changes in physical appearance or health. This might include:
Having a difficult time performing daily activities may be a sign of dual diagnosis symptoms. This could include:
The symptoms of dual diagnosis can differ across different types of substances and various mental health disorders.
Individuals with a dual diagnosis of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and depression may experience increased feelings of hopelessness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. They may also have a higher risk of suicide attempts.
In the case of cannabis use disorder and schizophrenia, individuals may experience increased paranoia, hallucinations, and cognitive impairment. They may also have a higher risk of developing long-term cognitive deficits or relapse.
It is important to note that the symptoms of dual diagnosis can vary. It can depend on the individual, substance used, and type of mental health disorder involved.7
Many symptoms of substance use disorder and mental health disorders can overlap. This can make diagnosis and treatment more challenging.
A qualified healthcare professional can help to identify the specific symptoms of dual diagnosis and provide appropriate treatment options.
Dual diagnosis involves the interaction between mental health and substance use disorders. This means symptoms can fluctuate and evolve over time.
For example, individuals with a dual diagnosis of opioid use disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may experience fluctuations in anxiety levels and substance cravings.
Changes in symptoms may be related to a variety of factors. These include:
It is important for individuals with dual diagnosis to receive ongoing monitoring and support. This helps to address changes in symptoms and prevent relapse.
A comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both the mental health and substance use aspects of the condition can help individuals:
Substance use can have a significant impact on the evolution of dual diagnosis symptoms. For example, long-term substance use can cause changes in the brain and nervous system.
This could lead to persistent cognitive deficits and mood changes. But, reducing or quitting substance use can lead to improvements in mental health symptoms and well-being.
Mental health symptoms and substance use can also evolve over time. This is especially true if the dual diagnosis symptoms go untreated.
There are some patterns that are common in dual diagnosis symptoms. Some of these patterns are detailed below.
Individuals with dual diagnosis may use drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication to reduce symptoms of a mental health disorder.
Individuals with dual diagnosis often experience co-occurring symptoms. Where symptoms of a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder interact and influence each other.
For example, depression can worsen substance abuse, and substance abuse can worsen depression.
Impulsivity is a common symptom of both mental health and substance use disorders. It may lead to risky or dangerous behaviors, such as driving under the influence or engaging in unsafe sexual practices.
Individuals with dual diagnosis may withdraw from social relationships, work, or school.
This could be due to the stigma associated with mental health and substance use disorders. It could also be due to the impact of their symptoms on their daily functioning.
These patterns or trends can vary widely depending on the individual and the specific mental health and substance use disorders involved. Not everyone who experiences dual diagnosis symptoms will experience these patterns.
The severity and duration of symptoms can differ in individuals with dual diagnosis as compared to those with a single diagnosis of either a mental health disorder or a substance use disorder.
In dual diagnosis, the presence of both mental health and substance use disorders can lead to more severe and chronic symptoms. The interaction between the two conditions can exacerbate each other.
This can make it more challenging to manage symptoms in an effective way, resulting in a longer duration of symptoms and a higher risk of relapse.
Those with dual diagnosis may experience more complex and co-occurring symptoms, such as:
This can further impact their ability to function on a daily basis. It can lead to social isolation, relationship problems, and difficulty maintaining employment or attending school.
In contrast, individuals with a single diagnosis of either a mental health disorder or a substance use disorder may have symptoms that are less severe and more manageable.
This depends on the specific diagnosis and the individual’s response to treatment. But, this does not mean that a single diagnosis is less challenging or significant than a dual diagnosis.
It is important to note that every individual’s experience with mental health and substance use disorders is unique.
Effective treatment options for dual diagnosis usually involve an integrated and individualized approach. Treatment should address both the mental health and substance use aspects of the condition.
Some effective treatment options for dual diagnosis are detailed below.
Medications are commonly used to treat dual diagnosis symptoms. These medications may include:
Behavioral therapies are effective in helping individuals to learn coping skills and manage symptoms. Some effective therapies include:
Group therapy provides peer support and a safe environment. It helps individuals to:
Family therapy involves family members in the treatment process. It helps improve communication, relationships, and coping strategies.
Support groups can provide a sense of community and ongoing support for individuals in recovery. Examples include:
Lifestyle modifications can improve health and reduce the risk of relapse. These include:
For treatment to be effective for dual diagnosis, it should focus on the individual’s unique needs. It may involve a combination of these and other interventions.
Boardwalk Recovery Center specializes in providing comprehensive care for individuals with dual diagnoses. Our experienced team of healthcare professionals offers a range of evidence-based treatment options, including:
At Boardwalk Recovery, we understand that each person’s journey to recovery is different. This is why we focus on individualized treatment to help people manage their symptoms and achieve lasting recovery.
We are committed to helping individuals with dual diagnosis symptoms achieve their goals and improve their overall quality of life. We do this by tailoring your treatment plan to meet your specific needs.
If you or someone you know is struggling with dual diagnosis symptoms, know that you don’t have to struggle alone.
For more information about our available treatment options, reach out to Boardwalk Recovery Center today at 858.888.0101 or contact us here.