The term "dual diagnosis" is used when a person suffers from a mental health condition and a substance abuse problem. The dual diagnosis of depression and alcoholism might greatly impair functioning and damage relationships. With the proper treatment and support, alcoholism and depression can be overcome so that the tasks of daily life can be resumed and enjoyed.
Significance
A major challenge in treating alcoholism and depression is the extent to which the two conditions can become intertwined. Helpguide.org explains that depressed people often used alcohol to self-medicate in an attempt to relieve the symptoms of depression, and alcohol abuse can increase the underlying risk for developing depression. Alcohol abuse also can exacerbate existing depression symptoms or cause new ones, making the situation even more complicated. Alcohol and drug abuse can make symptoms of a mental health problem worse, and alcohol can interact negatively with depression medications such as mood stabilizers and antidepressants.
Considerations
Some patients are unsuccessful in combating their two illnesses because they treat one or the other. Because the two are so intertwined, it is likely that one if not both of the conditions will reoccur. The chance for recovery from both alcoholism and depression is greater when patients receive integrated mental health and substance abuse treatment, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) National Mental Health Information Center.
Treatment
Most integrated treatment programs follow a two-step approach, according to the NIH website Medline Plus. The first step involves a detox plan to rid the body of alcohol, and the second step is two-pronged and involves rehabilitation for substance abuse together with mental health treatment. Step two usually involves a combination of medications and behavioral therapies, according Medline Plus. Outreach services that assist patients with housing, money management and employment services also are a vital part of integrated treatment, according to the SAMHSA website.
Seeking Help
There are a few critical components to look for when searching for an integrated treatment program for alcoholism and depression. Look for a place whose mental health-care providers specialize in both disorders and who have experience with both when they occur in tandem. The program should openly state that goal-setting and change management strategies are shared so that patients can work with practitioners to outline them. Successful treatment programs also work to provide basic education about both disorders, so as to provide insight into the related problems that cause ripple effects when the two exist together.
Group Support
Patients that complete integrated treatment programs can benefit from group forums, according to SAMHSA. Groups can serve as a touchstone or safe haven to receive support and discuss challenges, and also can help to maintain sobriety. While some treatment programs offer outpatient or aftercare support groups, others will provide patients with a listing of local groups. Dual diagnosis groups are ideal, but they are sometimes hard to locate, so also consider 12-step groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, which are more commonplace. These programs are free, facilitated by peers and use group support to obtain and maintain sobriety.
References
- Helpguide: Substance Abuse and Mental Health
- MedlinePlus: Dual Diagnosis
- SAMHSA National Mental Health Information Center: Co-Occurring Disorders Integrated Dual Disorders Treatment
