What Is a Dual Diagnosis?

A dual diagnosis, also known as a co-occurring condition, is when a mental health disorder and substance use disorder occur simultaneously. Dual diagnoses are not uncommon, as those with a mental health disorder are at higher risk for developing a substance use disorder and vice versa. Experiencing more than one condition at once poses unique challenges for the individual, especially with securing long-term recovery.

Mental health disorders and substance use disorders feed off of each other. If both disorders are left untreated, or if an individual is only receiving treatment for one disorder, both conditions will exacerbate one another over time. It is essential to understand the many factors that play into dual diagnoses, such as signs and symptoms, causes, and treatment challenges, to be better aware of how to support individuals struggling with recovering from multiple conditions at once.

The Causes of Dual Diagnosis

There are several misconceptions surrounding the causes of dual diagnosis. These misconceptions include:

• Mental health disorders and substance use disorders are unrelated
• It does not matter which disorder developed first
• Successful treatment must either treat substance use disorder or addiction first

It is vital to understand that both mental health disorders and substance use disorders are considered complex mental health conditions. This means that they both deeply affect an individual’s brain and result in abnormal or self-destructive behavior. Brain areas that are affected by mental health disorders, such as the brain’s reward center and areas associated with emotional regulation and self-control, are also affected by substance use disorders.

Consider the unique causes of mental health or substance use disorders separately. The causes of a dual diagnosis are similar in that they vary based on several factors. Some risk factors that increase an individual’s likelihood of developing a dual diagnosis include:

• An individual’s subjective chemistry
• Inherited genes, such as having a relative that has struggled with either a mental health disorder or substance use disorder
• Environmental factors, such as experiencing stressful or traumatic events
• Having an undiagnosed mental health disorder
• Having an undiagnosed substance use disorder
• Using or relying on alcohol or other drugs as a way to self-medicate

Although mental health disorders and substance use disorders commonly occur together, that does not always mean that one disorder caused the other. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) suggests three possible causes of why these conditions may occur together:

• Mental health disorders and substance use disorders develop from the same risk factors
• Mental health disorders can contribute to substance use disorders, especially when individuals turn to substances as a way to self-medicate
• Substance use and substance use disorders can contribute to the development of other mental health conditions. This is because substance use can trigger long-lasting changes in brain structure and function that may make a person more likely to develop a mental health condition, such as depression.

Signs and Symptoms of Dual Diagnosis

It can be challenging to pinpoint the signs and symptoms associated with a dual diagnosis, mostly because each person will experience different symptoms based on their unique conditions. It can also be challenging because one condition may be more severe than the other, resulting in more severe symptoms. However, there are general signs and symptoms that you can familiarize yourself with to better recognize a dual diagnosis in yourself or your loved ones.

Unique signs of a dual diagnosis may include:

• Extreme mood swings, especially due to substance use or substance use withdrawals
• Inability to control emotions, resulting in aggressive or excessive outbursts
• Neglecting personal responsibilities, such as work, school, or other important commitments
• Experiencing financial issues
• Social isolation
• Engaging in risky behavior
• Loss of control over how many substances they are consuming or using
• Seeming to always need more of a substance to achieve the desired effect (increased tolerance)
• Extreme agitation, especially when not using substances
• Periods of disorientation, loss of consciousness, or confusion
• Poor hygiene
• Significant changes in weight
• Spending more time with people that use substances

Treatment for Dual Diagnosis

The main goal of dual diagnosis treatment is to treat both conditions simultaneously. Since these conditions occur together so often, anyone seeking treatment for any single condition should also be assessed for any undiagnosed conditions so that treatment can target any and all conditions at the same time.

Behavioral therapy has proven its effectiveness in treating dual diagnosis, among many other individual conditions. One advantage of therapy in treating these conditions is that they can be customized to fit the unique needs and goals of clients. Occasionally, medication may be offered in combination with therapy to help clients manage severe symptoms. Some leading behavioral treatments include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
• Therapeutic communities (TC)

An individual can expect treatment for a dual diagnosis to begin with detox. Detox allows the body and mind to get rid of any traces of substance use, which is crucial in the healing process. Treatment facilities may offer support groups and other life skills groups, and individual psychotherapy that can help people make meaningful, sober connections and supportive relationships. Social support serves as an important protective factor against relapse and for maintaining long-term recovery.

Locating Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers in California

Dual diagnosis, the occurrence of a mental health disorder alongside a substance use disorder, is a common and complex condition. Understanding that these disorders can influence each other and may have various root causes is crucial in seeking effective treatment. In Southern California, there are numerous facilities specialized in dual diagnosis treatment, offering comprehensive care that addresses both mental health and substance use disorders concurrently.

Our directory at SoCal Mental Health focuses on connecting individuals with treatment centers equipped to handle the intricacies of dual diagnosis. These centers understand that addressing only one aspect of the dual diagnosis often leads to incomplete treatment. Therefore, they provide integrated programs that simultaneously tackle mental health and substance abuse issues.

Whether you or a loved one is at the beginning of the treatment journey or looking for continued support, our directory can guide you to facilities offering tailored dual diagnosis treatment. Explore our listings to find a center that can provide the specialized care needed for effective recovery from dual diagnosis. Reach out today to learn more about the available options and start the path towards holistic healing and well-being.