Treating Dual Diagnosis in Boston, MA
Dual diagnosis is when a person experiences both a substance use disorder (a term that covers both substance abuse and addiction) as well as a separate co-occurring mental illness.
A co-occurring mental illness can make a substance use disorder difficult more difficult to manage. However, diagnosing and disclosing both illnesses is critical for creating an effective course of treatment.
Dual diagnosis treatment is available at reputable Boston drug treatment facilities. Call Boston Drug Rehab Treatment Centers at (857) 577-8193 for more information.
Understanding dual diagnosis
There are many ways a dual diagnosis may occur. Some people may first develop a mental health disorder and turn to drugs or alcohol as a means to self-medicate. Others may misuse drugs and alcohol, which in turn can cause mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Additionally, substance misuse can affect a person’s brain chemistry, which can lead to neurotransmitter imbalances that trigger mental health disorders.
Numerous psychiatric conditions exist, including mood, anxiety, psychotic, personality, and adjustment disorders. As the ability to identify mental health disorders continues to improve, it’s becoming clear that there is a clear link between drug use and having another psychiatric condition. By some estimates, over half of the people with substance use disorders also have another mental health disorder and vice versa.
Common co-occurring mental illnesses
Common mental health disorders that occur with substance abuse include:
- Depression. This is a condition that causes a person to experience extreme negative feelings, such as hopelessness or sadness. Those who suffer from alcoholism often struggle with depression.
- Eating disorders, which include anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating. An estimated 50 percent of people with an eating disorder also abuse drugs or alcohol, according to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA).
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is a condition commonly experienced by those who have been involved in conflicts, abuse, or natural disasters. An estimated one-fifth of all military veterans with PTSD also have a substance use disorder, according to the Veteran’s Administration.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This is a condition where a person experiences obsessive thoughts or behaviors related to his or her condition. A person may turn to prescription drugs, such as anxiolytics or sedatives, to minimize these thoughts.
- Anxiety. This is a condition where a person experiences extreme fear or distress. Women have a higher incidence of experiencing anxiety-related conditions than men, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
It should be noted that it is not uncommon for people to experience more than one of these or other mental health issues, to varying degrees.
How common is dual diagnosis?
While strong links between substance use and mental health disorders have been demonstrated, it is still unclear just how common dual diagnosis is in America.
An estimated one in eight emergency department visits in the United States is related to a mental health and/or substance use disorder, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). The most common reason for these visits is a mood disorder, followed by anxiety disorders. Emergency rooms and rehab centers in Boston report similar rates as well.
Certain groups of people are more likely to experience a substance use disorder and mental health disorder together. This includes men, military veterans, those with a high number of chronic medical illnesses, and those of lower socioeconomic status, according to NAMI.
Dual diagnosis treatment approaches
There are many different dual diagnosis treatment approaches. Successful outcomes often rely on being able to try out different combinations of approaches to best suit a particular patient. While this is mostly true for substance use disorder cases in general, this is even more relevant for people with a dual diagnosis.
Some types of dual diagnosis treatment approaches include:
- Psychopharmacology: Doctors often prescribe medications, particularly for those experiencing mood or psychotic disorders. Ideally, medication should not be the sole solution but instead be utilized in combination with other treatments, such as therapy.
- Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy a variety of treatment approaches, such as cognitive, behavioral, or non-directive therapy. These therapies can also help a person build skills, such as social, dating, or anger management. Notably, some types of psychotherapy involve group or family participation.
- Behavioral management: Behavior management is designed to help a person learn more effective behaviors than using substances to cope with addiction. This may involve learning how to identify and avoid triggers or potential problems before they become unmanageable.
Aftercare in dual diagnosis treatment
Mental illness and substance use disorders are conditions that tend to require long-term treatment. These conditions cannot always be cured. However, in most cases, they can be managed through a combination of wellness approaches. Some types of dual diagnosis aftercare include group therapy, 12-step programs, and continued individual counseling.
To learn more about which Massachusetts treatment centers and recovery programs handle dual diagnosis cases, call Boston Drug Rehab Treatment Centers at (857) 577-8193.