The term dual diagnosis can raise many questions because it is a concept that triggers doubts, fears and uncertainty… both for the person who suffers from it and for their closest circle—friends, family or partner. To try to clear up all questions about this illness, at CCAdicciones we answer the 5 main questions about dual diagnosis. CCAdicciones is a detox centre that offers a specific treatment to address cases of dual diagnosis.
What is dual diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis is defined as the coexistence of two disorders at the same time: one mental and the other related to addiction. The addiction disorder may be to a substance—that is, a drug—or to a behaviour. A person with dual diagnosis has a dual diagnosis, as these two illnesses coincide within the same time period.
What are its main symptoms?
The symptoms of dual diagnosis can vary, as they will depend on the mental illness and the addiction involved. Likewise, the most common characteristics that define dual diagnosis can be identified. However, as we repeat, it will depend on the type of illnesses suffered.
The usual symptoms of dual diagnosis are:
- Distortion of reality
- Paranoid thoughts
- A chaotic lifestyle. They do not follow any rules, routine or habits
- Irritability
- A very high level of impulsivity
- Violent and even aggressive behaviour
- Traits typical of the chronic disease of addiction: physical changes, mood changes, lack of restraint and self-control, etc.
Why does this disorder occur?
Dual diagnosis can occur for different reasons. A person may have a mental illness, such as anxiety, depression… and, with the aim of relieving the symptoms of this disorder, begin using a substance, whether legal, such as medication or alcohol, or illegal, such as marijuana. The opposite situation can also occur: an individual uses drugs and this becomes the trigger that sets off a mental health problem. For example, schizophrenia may develop due to the use and abuse of marijuana.
In the cases mentioned above, it is difficult to establish what the origin of dual diagnosis is and what effect has occurred as a consequence of the former. In other words, it is difficult to determine whether an addiction disorder has caused a mental illness or whether the latter has ended up generating a mental health problem.
It must be taken into account that there are people who have a genetic predisposition to suffer from mental illnesses and addiction disorders. Therefore, they would be more likely to have dual diagnosis. The person’s environment and surroundings would also have an impact.
The question of why dual diagnosis occurs automatically leads to another: Can a case of dual diagnosis be prevented? Not with certainty. Action can be taken to minimise the risk. Therefore, there are some recommendations to follow that will reduce the chances of suffering from it: living in a healthy environment free from addictions, not using any type of substances, trying to reduce stress, leading a healthy life with schedules and routines, etc.
What to do in a case of dual diagnosis?
In a case of dual diagnosis, it is difficult to know what to do and how to act. Having doubts about dual diagnosis is normal. Recognise, accept and act. These would be the three steps to follow to manage this condition. First, the existence of both disorders must be recognised. This is the first step, because if the problem is not recognised, it will not be possible to move forward and the person will automatically remain stuck here. Next, dual diagnosis must be accepted. Be aware that yes, there is an addiction disorder and a mental disorder. It is not worth pretending otherwise, because dual diagnosis will only worsen. Finally, ask for help. Once this illness has been recognised and accepted, it is time to look for solutions and ask for help.
What is treatment for dual diagnosis like?
A person with dual diagnosis needs to be in professional hands to begin treatment. In addition, due to its particularities, it will require more specific treatment and more personalised care than in cases where only one disorder is being treated. The person suffers from two different illnesses, which negatively affect each other and make them completely vulnerable.
Treatment for dual diagnosis is longer and more complex because having to manage two different, related illnesses complicates the recovery process and makes it harder to apply a detox treatment.
The methodology followed by CCAdicciones in cases of dual diagnosis is to carry out a prior diagnosis to analyse the patient’s situation—knowing where they are in terms of their mental illness and their addiction. The detox treatment will be fully adapted to each person’s specific case, needs and particularities, since each case of dual diagnosis is different, and offering personalised treatment is the key to a proper recovery.
As we mentioned, dual diagnosis is more complicated to treat, but there is also an extra element that contributes negatively: stigma. Both addiction and mental disorders are taboo topics. They are stigmatised by society and there are many prejudices around them. So much so that even some family members or patients perceive it that way too. Therefore, treatment for dual diagnosis will also work on overcoming prejudice.
If you suffer from this illness, have someone close to you who is ill, or you are left with more doubts about dual diagnosis, do not hesitate to contact us. . CCAdicciones is a private therapeutic and detox clinic with a health registration. We have a medical team specialised in the chronic disease of addiction. We adapt completely to you, your personal circumstances and your particularities. At CCAdicciones, we are at your complete disposal 21 hours a day, 365 days a year. Starting over is possible because there is always a way out of addiction.
