Dual Diagnosis in Raleigh NC

Dual diagnosis describes the co-existence of two simultaneous disorders, one being mental health and the other being substance use. There are a wide range of possible dual diagnosis conditions, with common examples including depression and alcoholism, anxiety and benzodiazepine abuse, and psychosis and methamphetamine abuse. While these particular substances are not always associated with these mental health conditions, bi-directional and causal links have been found in numerous studies linking them to dual diagnosis symptoms as well. To discuss opportunities for treatment, dial Raleigh Drug Treatment Centers at (877) 804-1531.

Dual diagnosis is a huge problem in American society as nearly 45 percent of people with addiction problems also live with a co-occurring disorder according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Patient placement is the first hurdle patients have to overcome as some mental health clinics are unable to treat drug addicts while some drug treatment centers are unable to treat the mentally ill. Dual diagnosis cases can also be very difficult for doctors and clinicians to treat, with clear lines of causality not always prevalent between conditions. In most cases, one will influence the other in complex ways, with feedback relationships likely and treatment options not always clear.

Dual Diagnosis Statistics

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, up to 65.5 percent of people with a substance use problem have had at least one mental disorder at some point in their lifetime. The connection is almost as strong in the other way, with 51 percent of people with a mental disorder having had at least one substance use problem during their lifetime. There are more than 14 million people in the United States with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders, the majority of who are not receiving adequate treatment for their condition. Only 3 million people with a dual diagnosis seek any treatment at all, with the majority of people in treatment only getting help for a single one.

Bipolar Disorder and Addiction

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental disorder characterized by sudden and intense mood changes. Also known as manic depression, this condition has the potential to adversely affect health, relationships and finances in numerous ways. It has also been associated with a range of addiction issues. Nearly 56 percent of people with bipolar disorder have experienced drug or alcohol addictions during their lifetime according to a study by the American Journal of Managed Care. In that group, 46 percent of people had problems with alcohol while 41 percent have abused or been dependent on drugs. The relationship between bipolar disorder and addiction is often complex and hard to define but often relates to a dual diagnosis. Existing bipolar disorders are known to influence drug use and long-term drug dependence also leads to bipolar disorder in some people.

Anxiety and Addiction

Anxiety and panic disorders are also associated with addiction and a dual diagnosis. Many people who suffer from panic attacks are likely to turn to alcohol and drugs as a form of self-medication. Panic attacks are more common than many people think, with one out of every 75 adults in the United States likely to experience a panic disorder at some point during their lifetime according to Psychology Today. According to a study published in Behavior Research and Therapy, alcoholism occurs in 10-40 percent of people with a panic disorder, while 10-20 percent live with drug abuse. Once again, the relationship between mental illness and substance use is complex and bi-directional in nature, with people turning to psychoactive substances to relieve anxiety and existing drug addicts also more likely to experience panic attacks. Call and speak to someone today at Raleigh Drug Treatment Centers at (877) 804-1531.