If you are in addiction recovery, then there is a good chance you have dual diagnosis. Otherwise known as a co-occurring disorder. Simply put, when a person meets the criteria for a substance use disorder and also struggles with another form of mental illness—that person is said to have a co-occurring disorder. It could be said that mental health conditions like company, and not the good kind either.
It does not matter if the addiction precedes the other condition, such as bipolar disorder, or vice versa; treating both at the same time is of the utmost importance for recovery. Those who are treated for a use disorder, but not their dual diagnosis, are at high risk of relapse. It cannot be overstated enough. Successful outcomes in recovery depend upon treating the whole patient.
It is important to educate the general public about co-occurring disorders. Whether you have
first-hand experience with addiction, or not, there is a high likelihood that somebody close to you has been affected. And, maybe they have not had any kind of treatment for either addiction, other form of mental illness or both. Encouraging your loved ones to seek the help they desperately need is vital.
Talking About Mental Illness This Week
You may already be aware that this is Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW). Held in recognition of the good work that the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and partners do in the field. Educating the general public, breaking down the stigma of mental illness that prevents people from seeking help and encouraging the afflicted to seek treatment.
The more people who get help, the better we all are for it—as a society. NAMI works hard to spread the message about the harm that stigma does to us all. Throughout the year the organization is committed to helping people better understand that while mental illness has no known cure, it can be treated. People do recover, given the opportunity.
This week, NAMI would like to draw the public’s attention toward five treatable mental health conditions. Disorders that need “better public understanding and stigma-busting.” Such conditions, include:
- Depression
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Schizophrenia & Psychosis
- Dual Diagnosis
Naturally, the last condition on that list is of particular importance to the field of addiction medicine. Around 10 million Americans meet the criteria for dual diagnosis, according to a 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
If you, or a loved one, is struggling with a mental illness and a substance use disorder simultaneously, please contact Hemet Valley Recovery Center & Sage Retreat. It is also possible that there is a dual diagnosis at play that is unknown, at this time. We can help determine if that is the case and take proven, effective measures to treat both illnesses.
