Dual diagnosis occurs when a person has an alcohol or drug problem and a mental illness. Many people who abuse alcohol or drugs have at least one mental disorder, which may include depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder or personality disorder, according to Mental Health America. Substance abuse complicates treatment because both problems need separate treatment plans. Many patients with a dual diagnosis have been treated successfully.
Function
In some cases, the mental condition develops first. People may try to ease their problems by using alcohol or drugs that provide temporary calming effects. The self-medicating process may lead to dependency on the drug or alcohol, and a dual diagnosis results. In other cases, a substance abuse problem may eventually cause mental disorders, such as depression or anxiety.
Effects
Doctors may have a difficult time diagnosing the problem because substance abuse can mimic other mental conditions, Mental Health America says. A dependency on alcohol or drugs requires a detoxification process that causes uncomfortable or painful withdrawal symptoms. The body has become used to the substance of abuse and wants more. As the substance leaves the body, cravings develop for alcohol or the drug. Doctors recommend that detoxification, or detox, take place under medical supervision because the withdrawal symptoms can be life threatening in some cases. It can take a few days to a week for the body to cleanse itself of the substance.
Determination
Once people complete detox, doctors can determine whether underlying mental disorders exist. Dual treatment then begins for people who also have a mental disorder. Treatment includes going through a rehabilitation program for drugs or alcohol and undergoing therapy for the mental problem.
Treatments
Rehab for substance abuse and treatment for the psychiatric problem have similarities. Rehab often consists of individual or group therapy, learning about substance abuse problems and participating in recovery programs, which may include 12-step plans used by Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. Other recovery programs exist to fit individual needs. Treatment for mental disorders also includes individual or group therapy. Therapists educate patients on their particular mental disorder, the reasons behind them and ways to overcome the problems. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, helps patients cope with their feelings and change their patterns of thinking, according to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. Support groups with people who have similar problems help people with substance abuse and mental disorders.
Medication
Medication may play a role for substance abuse and mental illness. Substance abusers usually receive medication during the detox phase to ease withdrawal symptoms. Doctors sometimes prescribe non-addictive drugs that help deal with any cravings afterward. Medication for mental disorders helps improve moods for patients by altering brain chemicals. Drugs may include antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs or mood stabilizers, depending on the condition.
