If you are dealing with both substance abuse and a mental health issue, you may have a co-occurring disorder, or dual diagnosis. Tackling dual diagnosis is never easy, but having the right support and treatment will help you get your life back on track. Here’s how to kickstart your journey towards recovery.
Acknowledgment and Awareness
Co-occurring disorders are more common than you think. In 2019, an estimated 9.5 million adults in the US experienced both mental illness and a substance abuse disorder. Although there are associations between the two, it is not necessary for one to be caused by the other. Drugs are frequently used to self-medicate the symptoms of undiagnosed medical disorders, even though side effects worsen in the long term. In addition, rehabilitation becomes more complicated when multiple disorders are involved.
Recognizing that you have a dual diagnosis may take some time. The signs and symptoms vary from person to person, according to the type of drug being abused and the specific mental health condition. One warning sign is using drugs as a coping mechanism for unpleasant feelings, anxiety, or frightening situations.
Some of the mental health conditions that commonly co-occur with substance abuse are depression, anxiety disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder. Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of these conditions, or speak to a licensed therapist who may be able to point you in the right direction.
Dual diagnosis affects one’s physical, social, and emotional wellbeing in a detrimental way. Individuals are at higher risk of developing adverse illnesses, which may prove to be consequential if not treated. They may also be struggling with low self-esteem, guilt, stress, and be detached from their friends and loved ones. This may increase the risk of anxiety, depression, and suicidal feelings, which further causes their mental health to deteriorate.
If action is not taken, you may find yourself trapped in a vicious cycle until you reach the point of no return. Admitting you have a problem is the first step. Actively seeking help is another. Recovery takes commitment, time, and willpower, but it will eventually pay off.
The Road to Recovery
When it comes to treatment for dual diagnosis, taking an integrated approach ensures that both problems are treated simultaneously. Your treatment provider or doctor can best advise you on the most effective treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Detoxification and inpatient rehabilitation are common treatments administered in the initial phase, enabling patients to receive mental and medical healthcare round the clock.
Many treatment plans include psychotherapy in the form of individual or group counseling. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), in particular, helps individuals with dual diagnosis to address the root causes of their addiction and change ineffective thinking patterns. Support and self-help groups also serve as safe spaces for members to support and encourage one another.
Statistics show that 702,914 individuals with dual diagnosis sought treatment for substance abuse in 2019. Although treatment should be sought as soon as possible, ensure that you find the right treatment program that is experienced in treatment for both substance abuse and your particular mental health issue. There should also be an aftercare program for the prevention of relapse.
As you embark on treatment, remember that sobriety is a long and grueling process. It takes good decision-making and healthy coping strategies to sustain one’s recovery. Self-help can help you stay on track as you deal with the challenges that will inevitably get thrown your way.
Knowing how to manage your emotions and deal with stress is essential to personal growth and recovery. Adopt stress management skills and learn to deal with any unpleasant feelings without the use of unhealthy, addictive mechanisms. Having an acute understanding of the triggers that cause your illness to flare up is also incredibly helpful. Make a plan of action to prevent relapse and stick to it.
A strong support system works wonders. Staying connected to your family, friends, and loved ones should be one of your top priorities. Alternatively, meeting new people can be liberating. Social support groups are great places for staying sober and developing friendships. Being around like-minded individuals with similar goals provides opportunities for you to air your grievances, get recovery tips, and celebrate successes, no matter how small.
Making lifestyle changes and finding a new purpose is beneficial in the long run. Engage in regular exercise, eat a healthy and balanced diet, and find new interests or hobbies. Having a sense of fulfillment will make you a happier and more confident person, without the need to fall back on addiction.
You should always put in extra effort to avoid triggers, be it certain people, activities, or places. Even if drastic changes to your routine or social life need to be made, this move is absolutely necessary and will leave no room for substance abuse in your life.
Dual diagnosis can be challenging and scary to navigate, but recovery is always worth it. It’s time to reclaim your sense of self and get your life in order.