If you or a loved one have a dual diagnosis,youre not alone.
Having a dual diagnosis oftenisnt a coincidence.
Mental illness is about twice as prevalent in people diagnosed with an addiction, says Dr. Cavallo.
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This can make them more likely to continue using the substance and develop anaddictionto it.
Dana Cavallo, PhD
A person with mental health issues may use alcohol or substances toself-medicatetheir symptoms.
However, while substances can offer a temporary escape, they worsen the symptoms of these conditions over time.
For example, a person may stop cocaine use and the acute effect may be a depressed mood.
Recognizing psychosocial triggers such as significant stress ortrauma historythat may underlie both disorders is also important.
Treating Co-Occurring Disorders
Treating co-occurring disorders requires an integrated approach.
National Institute on Drug Abuse.The connection between substance use disorders and mental illness.
National Institute on Mental Health.Substance use and co-occurring mental disorders.
National Library of Medicine.Dual diagnosis.Medline Plus.
National Alliance on Mental Illness.Substance use disorders.
2018;60(Suppl 4):S494-S500.
doi:10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_18_18
National Library of Medicine.Dual diagnosis.
