There are a handful of common dual diagnosis disorders. In many cases, individuals with mental illness may also be diagnosed with more than one mental illness that is comorbid with the other. It only takes one disorder to increase the likelihood of developing an addiction.
Some of the most talked about mental health issues include anxiety and depression. While these conditions are often in the spotlight, there is little discussion about how these elevated levels of instability can manifest. For instance, eating disorders and bipolar disorder are two specific forms of anxiety and depression, which include additional symptoms related to these general heightened emotional states.
It is essential to recognize how anxiety and depression interlock with specific mental health conditions and increase a person’s susceptibility to developing a dual diagnosis. Underlying anxiety or depression can disrupt one’s coping ability, thus contributing to substance abuse disorder. If you’re looking for more information on the relationship between co-occurring disorders and substance abuse, here are some of the most common co-occurring conditions to be aware of as they relate to dual diagnosis and dual diagnosis treatment.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder And Alcoholism
Persons struggling with (ADHD), Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder experience symptoms of inattention and periods of hyperactivity. The part of the brain that manages logical processing, i.e., (attention, problem-solving, etc.), is underactive in persons with ADHD. Dopamine levels are also lower in individuals with ADHD than those without the condition, which may explain, to some degree, why alcoholism is a frequent co-occurring condition to ADHD.
Another reason those with ADHD may engage in excessive alcohol consumption is to calm down from feelings of hyperactivity. Unfortunately, clarity of thought is disturbed, given that alcohol further limits the activity of the frontal lobe. As a result, persons with ADHD may experience a loss of control regarding emotion and behavior. In some cases, alcoholism precedes the development of ADHD and lays the framework for its development.
In either case, working with a dual diagnosis treatment protocol can address the patterns that encourage this comorbidity and work to help the individual achieve recovery. Individuals struggling with a dual diagnosis of ADHD and alcoholism may benefit from dual diagnosis treatment. Both addiction and mental illness are addressed using scientifically-backed treatment modalities that cater to both conditions.
Eating Disorders And Drug Addiction
It is a common misconception that appetite suppressants are not addictive. Over half of the twenty-four million individuals struggling with eating disorders abuse weight loss pills and other substances that suppress appetite and burn fat. Commonly abused substances among those with eating disorders include cocaine, amphetamines, and heroin, as well as laxatives and weight loss pills (both prescription and over-the-counter).
The underlying emotional factors that encourage the continued abuse of medications alongside the eating disorder are two addictions with emotional causation. Individuals with eating disorders and addiction to appetite suppressants, stimulants, and other drugs may benefit from dual diagnosis treatment. Addressing addiction and mental health influences can help one with this kind of dual diagnosis work toward recovery.
Achieve Recovery With Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Bipolar Disorder And Alcoholism
Individuals with bipolar disorder often self-medicate with alcohol to escape mania and depression. A lack of self-control fuels the motivation to engage in substance use; this can cause individuals with no other means to cope, to develop alcohol addiction. Alcoholism can increase mania, which may create feel-good reactions in those with the disorder, making it harder to overcome addiction.
Individuals with bipolar disorder and other mood disorders frequently struggle with addiction. Some studies have estimated that individuals with bipolar disorder are seven times more susceptible to developing an addiction. A lack of practical coping skills to handle the mood fluctuations of bipolar disorder can be addressed using dual diagnosis treatment approaches. A dual diagnosis treatment may address both ends of these issues with practical strategies for recovery.
Reach Out To A Team And Get Help
The mental health and comorbid substance abuse disorders described above are just a handful of common co-occurring disorders that present as dual diagnoses. Reach out to a dual diagnosis treatment team for more information on diagnosis and treatment if you or someone you care for is struggling with one or more of these conditions.
