Mental Health / Dual-Diagnosis
Why Mental Health is So Important
Substance abuse and mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety are closely linked, and while some substance abuse can cause prolonged psychotic reactions, one does not directly cause the other.
In some cases, substance abuse can “unmask” the first episode of serious conditions like schizophrenia; but this almost always happens to individuals who are already predisposed to the condition. More often, some substances can cause short-term psychosis— a detachment from reality that can lead to bizarre, violent, or reckless behavior. Because psychosis is also associated with other psychiatric conditions, this distinction can be confusing for loved ones of someone who needs treatment.
Simply knowing the link between mental health and drugs is only half the battle. It’s also important to know that mental health and drug addiction awareness are essential in the fight against drug addiction.
How Can Dual-Diagnosis Help?
Dual-diagnosis is the occurrence of both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder at the same time. When you have both a substance abuse problem and a mental health issue such as depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety, it is called a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis. The term co-occurring disorders may be used interchangeably.
When someone is struggling with both addiction and mental illness, it can make it more difficult for them to achieve recovery on their own. Dealing with substance abuse or drug addiction is never easy, and it’s even more difficult when you’re also struggling with mental health problems.
In co-occurring disorders, both the mental health issue and the drug or substance addiction have their own unique symptoms that may get in the way of your ability to function at work or school, maintain a stable home life, handle life’s difficulties, and relate to others. To make the situation more complicated, the co-occurring disorders also affect each other. When a mental health problem goes untreated, the substance abuse problem usually gets worse. And when substance or drug abuse increases, mental health problems usually increase too. But you’re not alone. Co-occurring substance abuse problems and mental health issues are more common than many people realize.
Dual-Diagnosis at CSSL Mental Health & Addiction Treatment Services
An individual who is suffering from a dual diagnosis is treated differently from an individual solely having an addiction. Drug and substance use can often mask the symptoms of a mental disorder. When the individual begins to detox, withdrawal symptoms can be identical to some of the symptoms of mental illness. Professionals at our center are trained to treat both the illness and the addiction and to identify the difference between the two.
In our program, we know the importance of mental health and drug addiction awareness. This is why we offer dual diagnosis programs. Our goal is to provide a caring environment so that you can focus on your recovery.