A dual diagnosis is when an individual discovers they have both a substance use and mental health disorder. This phenomenon is common, and generally occurs when individuals use drugs, alcohol, or pornography to treat their trauma, anxiety, or depression.
These individuals sometimes grow up in abusive households, have parents or guardians addicted to drugs, and/or have a genetic predisposition to develop an addiction to a particular substance.
Individuals who rely on drugs, alcohol, pornography, or any other addictive substances to cope with the daily stresses of life, are "self-medicating". This is a problem because it prevents the individual's ability to develop healthily.
Self-medicating is a maladaptive coping mechanism; it often causes far more issues than it resolves.
For instance, the abuse of drugs and alcohol in particular can lead to reckless behavior, which can lead to incidents involving law enforcement. When an indiviual receives professional treatment for their addiction and mental health disorders, they are on a path to improved health.
Unfortunately for many, our society still shines a negative light on mental health issues. This incorrect perception of individuals who struggle with their mental health and/or addictions can cause feelings of shame, and prevent those individuals from reaching out to receive the help they need.
When individuals receive a dual diagnosis, they sometimes believe that if they only receive treatment for their mental health disorder, or only for their substance abuse, the treatment will resolve both problems. This is not the case. The human body and mind require time away from the substance and consistent effort by the individual to establish healthy coping mechanisms; ignoring this truth causes struggling individuals to relapse.
Treatment for dual diagnosis includes the following approaches:
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): During detox or withdrawal, this approach can greatly help with preventing relapses and keeping the agitated individual calm.
Individual therapy: Modalties like CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) or DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy) might be used in this approach. Another possible, specialized modality is EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), which helps with trauma disorders.
Group therapy: A community, large or small, where individuals can practice their coping skills under the moderation of a trained counselor. This environment allows for greater opportunities to learn and to establish healthy practices.
Family therapy: Addiction and mental health can affect the entire family. This approach provides a way for a family to reconnect and heal.
Holistic: Viewing the individual as a whole, this approach teaches alternative practices such as breathwork, meditation, and exercise. Generally recommended as an enhancement to treatment plans, rather than as a main approach.
Whatever one decides to do, know that there are professionals waiting to help. Dealing with a dual diagnosis can be difficult. It's important to remember that the greatest journey ever taken, started with a single step.