Treatment Of Dual Diagnosis
The combination of mental illness and drug addiction, or dual diagnosis, must be treated in a comprehensive program that places emphasis on each aspect of the disorder, or relapse is more likely to occur.
Therapy is often a part of a comprehensive treatment program. This type of therapy includes counseling from a therapist or psychiatrist in a group or individual setting. For some patients, medication will mitigate the effects of mental illness. Other medications will ease the symptoms of withdrawal.
Most treatment facilities can treat both mental illness and chronic drug abuse. The first step in treatment is to stabilize the patient. The next step is detox, which is the process of ridding the body of the addicting substance. After completing detox, the patient will enter a rehabilitation unit. While in rehab, the individual will participate in counseling and other activities that promote sobriety.
Hhs Announces $2m Grant Award To Establish National Center Of Excellence On Social Media And Mental Wellness
HHS, through SAMHSA, awarded $2 million in funding to the American Academy of Pediatrics to establish a National Center of Excellence on Social Media and Mental Wellness. The Center is intended to make social media platforms safer for children and youth by developing and disseminating information, guidance, training on the impact of social media use.
Treatment Options For Substance Abuse Due To Mental Health Issues
When it comes to treating a dual-diagnosis, its impossible to tackle one problem followed by the other. Because substance abuse and mental health issues are so tightly woven together, an integrated approach is necessary to address and treat both problems simultaneously.
| Treatment for mental illness | Counselling, group therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, self-help |
| Treatment for substance abuse | Intervention, managing withdrawal, detoxing, behavioural therapy, support groups |
Lets take a look at the treatment options for substance abuse and mental health issues:
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Are Mental Health And Addiction Connected
People who abuse alcohol or drugs are much more likely to develop mental illnesses than those who dont. And people with mental illness are also prone to developing drug or alcohol addiction.
Unfortunately this leads to a cycle in which each condition makes the other worse and it can be hard to understand cause and effect.
The 2016 National Drug Strategy Household Survey, by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, showed more drug users were being diagnosed with, or treated for, a mental illness than ever before. Of people suffering from ice addiction 42.3 per cent had been treated for or diagnosed with a mental illness.
This high rate of comorbidity between drug addiction and mental illnesses highlights the need for an integrated approach to addiction treatment that identifies and evaluates each disorder at the same time and provides the appropriate treatment.
The Hader Clinics Dual Diagnosis Program
Our ninety day residential addiction treatment program includes the Dual Diagnosis Program. Dual diagnosis refers to the diagnosis, and treatment, of both the addiction and any mental health disorders. It is imperative both are treated for the best possibility of long term recovery.
Our qualified and accredited staff and health professionals, such as psychiatrists, who are experts in both mental illness and substance addiction provide intensive treatment and comprehensive support for dual diagnosis patients. We are the only ACHS accredited private rehabilitation facility in Queensland, which ensures the highest standard of care for yourself or a loved one.
References:
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Why Mental Health Disorders Co
Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital.
The numbers do not lie. Mental illness and addiction often overlap. In fact, nearly 9 million people have a co-occurring disorder according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Yet, only 7 percent of these individuals get treatment for both conditions. And nearly 60 percent receive no treatment at all.
Finding The Right Treatment Program
Make sure that the program is appropriately licensed and accredited, the treatment methods are backed by research, and there is an aftercare program to prevent relapse. Additionally, you should make sure that the program has experience with your particular mental health issue. Some programs, for example, may have experience treating depression or anxiety, but not schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
There are a variety of approaches that treatment programs may take, but there are some basics of effective treatment that you should look for:
- Treatment addresses both the substance abuse problem and your mental health problem.
- You share in the decision-making process and are actively involved in setting goals and developing strategies for change.
- Treatment includes basic education about your disorder and related problems.
- You are taught healthy coping skills and strategies to minimize substance abuse, strengthen your relationships, and cope with lifes stressors, challenges, and upset.
Dual diagnosis programs
Finding the right program can help you to:
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Drug Addiction Is A Mental Illness
The National Bureau of Economic Research has stated there is a definite connection between mental illness and the use of addictive substances.
Drug addiction has a profound effect on the way our brains work, changing them in fundamental ways and upsetting our usual hierarchy and priorities when it comes to our needs and desires. New priorities become prominent and start to take over, many to do with procuring and taking your drug of choice. This results in compulsive behaviour that makes it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to control our impulses in spite of the outcome, giving drug addiction many of the markings of mental illness.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is thought of be the definitive guide on all mental disorders, and includes drug use disorders as part of their resources. The DSM splits drug use into two variations drug dependence and drug abuse. Drug dependence is where addiction lies, whereas drug abuse is mainly based on the harmful consequences you risk with repeated, yet non-compulsive, use. Signs of addiction include compulsive use, tolerance , and withdrawal .
Symptoms Of One Disorder Trigger The Other
Certain drugs can create problems which trigger mental health symptoms in some people. Often substances can create mental health symptoms like paranoia, delusions or depression while the person is under the influence of a drug. When these symptoms last after the drugs wear off, then it can indicate a co-occurring mental health disorder. Getting proper diagnosis is the first step a person needs to do and getting the holistic drug rehab is something you may want to look into.
How to beat addiction if you have a mental health disorder
Whether the mental illness was caused by drug addiction or vice versa, treating both at the same time is a great challenge that requires great expertise, experience and dedication. We at The Holistic Sanctuary have just that. After years of working with people suffering from addiction , we have acquired vast experience in dealing with this difficult health problem. In addition to our great knowledge and experience, we are also very dedicated to our job, and treat every patient with great care, love and understanding. At our high end drug rehab we believe that all this is necessary in order to defeat addiction and mental illness and help a person rebuild a happy and successful life.
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What Does Dual Diagnosis Mean
You may be given a ‘dual diagnosis’ if you have a severe mental health problem and misuse drugs. It may be that your mental ill-health led to your drug misuse or the other way round, or they might not have been related.
If you have a dual diagnosis, mental health services should be in charge of your treatment rather than drug treatment services. They can refer you to other help you may need with housing, benefits or employment, for example.
There may be a dual diagnosis team in your area. If not, ask your GP to refer you to your local community mental health team .
Some people with a dual diagnosis find it hard to get the help they need. For example, you may have been told that you cant access mental health support because of your drug problem. However, the government guidance is clear: mental health services should try to help you if you have a drug problem. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence also says you shouldnt be turned away from mental health support.
If youre turned away by your mental health team, ask why. Ask if they have an eligibility policy you may be able to use this to show you qualify for help. Otherwise, go back to your GP and ask for help.
Treatment For A Dual Diagnosis
The best treatment for co-occurring disorders is an integrated approach, where both the substance abuse problem and the mental disorder are treated simultaneously. Whether your mental health or substance abuse problem came first, long-term recovery depends on getting treatment for both disorders by the same treatment provider or team. Depending on your specific issues:
Treatment for your mental health problem may include medication, individual or group counseling, self-help measures, lifestyle changes, and peer support.
Treatment for your substance abuse may include detoxification, managing of withdrawal symptoms, behavioral therapy, and support groups to help maintain your sobriety.
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What Is A Substance Use Disorder
Substance use disorder is a complex condition in which there is uncontrolled use of a substance despite harmful consequences. People with SUD have an intense focus on using a certain substance such as alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drugs, to the point where the person’s ability to function in day-to-day life becomes impaired. People keep using the substance even when they know it is causing or will cause problems. The most severe SUDs are sometimes called addictions.
People with a substance use disorder may have distorted thinking and behaviors. Changes in the brain’s structure and function are what cause people to have intense cravings, changes in personality, abnormal movements, and other behaviors. Brain imaging studies show changes in the areas of the brain that relate to judgment, decision making, learning, memory, and behavioral control.
People can develop an addiction to:
- PCP, LSD and other hallucinogens
- Inhalants, such as, paint thinners and glue
- Opioid pain killers, such as codeine and oxycodone, heroin
- Sedatives, hypnotics and anxiolytics
- Cocaine, methamphetamine and other stimulants
When someone has a substance use disorder, they usually build up a tolerance to the substance, meaning they need larger amounts to feel the effects.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, people begin taking drugs for a variety of reasons, including:
In addition to substances, people can also develop addiction to behaviors, such as gambling .
Learn more about
Drugs And Mental Health
Its common for society to dismiss drug abuse as a character flaw or loss of impulse control. There is a long-standing stigma associated with addiction, as many chalks it up to a simple inability to just say no. When we carefully examine the close link between drugs and mental health, we can start to uncover how substance abuse not only impacts a persons health, but can quite literally change how a person thinks, behaves, and perceives life. In fact, the two are so interwoven that its sometimes difficult to ascertain whether drug abuse is a result of mental health issues, or mental health develops from ongoing drug use. Of course, the answer is not clear-cut. There are certainly correlations, but lets explore more.
There are numerous reasons why people choose to do drugs. In looking at the link between drugs and mental health we can clearly see that rates of substance abuse are higher among individuals currently battling with an existing co-occurring disorder. Anxiety, depression, and PTSD rank among the most common mental health problems in America, and many suffering are turning toward drugs for relief.
If you or someone you know is battling with mental health issues and drug abuse, its important to seek help. AspenRidge Recovery has designed programs to address comorbidity of substance abuse and mental health, and provide the support that aims for long-term sobriety. Contact us today to learn more at.
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Addiction Often Goes Hand
This op-ed was originally published by The Hill on September 12, 2022
Natalie struggled with a methamphetamine use disorder for more than 9 years.
She was one of the fortunate few to receive treatment to address her addiction, yet that help felt incomplete. Like many people trying to heal from substance use disorders, she eventually began taking meth again.
Eventually, Natalie was diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder , one of the most common mental disorders in youth. She started ADHD treatment in addition to treatment for her meth addiction, and it made her long-term recovery a reality.
The addition of Adderall really changed my life, she said. Looking back, it makes sense that I was self-medicating ADHD that was undiagnosed. I found it very discouraging that a lot of people got their lives in order while I struggled to function with everyday tasks. In part, that is what led to my relapse.
Recovering from drug addiction is notoriously difficult. Setbacks are common. Too often, a critical element is overlooked: co-occurring mental health conditions. Treating mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, ADHD, and others with medications or other therapies is crucial to address the addiction and overdose crisis that now claims over 100,000 lives annually.
Here I highlight important work being done at NIDA and other news related to the science of drug use and addiction.
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What Can I Do If I Have Problems Trying To Get Help
Some people with dual diagnosis have told us that it has been difficult to get the help they need. For example, you may have been told that mental health services cannot help you because of your drink or drugs problem.
But the Department of Health and Social Care is very clear that mental health services should try to help you if you have dual diagnosis.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence also say that you should not be turned away from mental health services because you have a drug or alcohol problem.
If your mental health team have said they cant help you then you can ask them what their reasons are. You can ask for a copy of their policy for eligibility criteria. You may then be able to use this to show you are eligible for their support.
If you are not happy with the services you get, talk to the person in charge of your care. This might be your GP or your ‘care coordinator’. They might be able to change things for you. An ‘advocate’ may be able to help you to get your point of view across. You might need to make a complaint to the NHS if you do not get the help you need.
You can find more information about:
- Advocacy by clicking here.
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Environmental And Genetic Factors
Mental health disorders often originate from the environment and genetic makeup of the individual. These factors are completely outside our control, but sadly they can have a huge impact on our mental health and our susceptibility to certain mental illnesses.
| Environmental & Genetic Factor | |
| Mental illnesses are often inherited. Certain mental health disorders are more likely to be inherited than others. For example, bipolar is the most likely psychiatric disorder to be passed down from family. | |
| Environmental exposure while in the womb | If the mother is exposed to environmental stressors or certain toxins while she is pregnant, this can have a detrimental impact on the baby. The use of alcohol and drugs by pregnant mothers is linked to mental illness in the baby. |
| Brain chemistry | Our thoughts, feelings, and responses are controlled by neurotransmitters that send signals throughout the brain and the body. If neurotransmitters dont function properly, this can lead to mental health disorders. |
Treatment When Comorbidity Exists
Research suggests that co-occurring conditions need to be treated at the same time. In fact, for the best outcome, it helps when people with both an addiction and a mental health issue receive integrated treatment. With integrated treatment, doctors and counselors can address and treat both disorders at the same time. This, in turn, often lowers treatment costs and creates better outcomes for patients.
What’s more, early detection and treatment of both conditions can greatly improve the person’s recovery and quality of life. However, it is important to note that people who have both an addiction and another mental illness often have symptoms that are more persistent, severe and resistant to treatment compared with patients who have either disorder alone. For this reason, maintaining sobriety may be very difficult for them.
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Substance Use During Adolescence May Increase Vulnerability To The Later Development Of An Sud
Multiple national population surveys have found that around 50% of people who have an SUD will also experience mental illness during their lives, and vice versa.
Additionally, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the brain circuits that control executive functions like decision-making and impulse control reach maturity at a relatively later developmental time, which increases vulnerability to drug use and the development of an SUD in adolescents. Early drug use is a strong risk factor for the later development of an SUDâand may also be a risk factor for the later emergence of additional mental illnesses. However, the link between SUDs and other mental illnesses is not necessarily causative, and may be related to the shared risk factors that the two conditions share, such as:
- Genetic predisposition
- Environmental influences
