Dual-diagnosis is very important to understand when someone is struggling with addiction, mainly because when a person arrives for treatment at a hospital, residential treatment facility, or a partial hospitalization program, it is essential to present the correct diagnosis. It appears, at times, that a mental health disorder can be misdiagnosed as a substance use disorder and vice versa. It is also essential that the professionals in the field have the highest and best training available to be proficient in their understanding of dual diagnosis and present an accurate diagnosis for the individual to receive proper treatment, including counseling services and pharmacology methods. 

Moreover, in the past, having worked in an ASAM 2.1 Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) as well as an ASAM 3.1 twenty-eight-day residential substance abuse program with individuals with dual-diagnosis or another phrase that could be used, co-occurring disorder. These individuals were diagnosed with substance use disorders such as alcohol use disorder, cocaine use disorder, cannabis use disorder, and opioid use disorder, to name a few. As it relates to mental health, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder were diagnosed with these clients. If these clients were misdiagnosed in any way, it would have had a detrimental effect on their recovery process, and treatment would have been ineffective. When clients are misdiagnosed by those who call themselves professionals, this could easily be a liability and injustice to the clients and their families, resulting in harmful, unwanted behaviors.

 “Further, clients with co-occurring disorders are at increased risk for incarceration, less able to handle personal finances, have a weaker support system, and are more prone to depression and feelings of hopelessness” (Doweiko, 2019). So, the question may be asked, “How can co-occurring disorders impact the addiction cycle?” One who is struggling with any addiction, whether chemical or behavioral, knows how difficult it is to get free from something they do not want to do. When talking with individuals who are addicted to a disorder, many have said, “I want to be free. I do not want to live like this.” They can not get free because they are in a continuous cycle, non-stop, that goes around and around.

Are you ready to change?

In comparison, imagine someone having a substance use disorder and dealing with depression or anxiety. Not only does this individual have a bad habit that they do not want to be in, but if diagnosed with, say, depression, now there is no hope, no light at the end of the tunnel, and it can end in a life of no purpose which may lead to other issues like low self-esteem and low self-worth. It is like going around in a circle of darkness, not knowing when it will stop. How can this individual be helped? What can be done to resolve this issue? “Some require hospitalization or a detox program to break the cycle of addiction. Some require medications. Others need social skill training or stress management training. Some may need life-skill education, such as money management or job interviewing preparations” (Clinton & Scalise, 2013).

Finally, there is a remedy to the cycle of addiction and the population we serve with dual diagnosis. Having a spiritual component, along with therapy or counseling sessions, may give a person some hope to break free from the cycle of addiction. Positive change can happen in addictive behavior.  It is essential to know that when dealing with someone who has a dual diagnosis, it is best to treat the substance use disorder first before treating the mental health diagnosis, or more recently, many professionals are now treating these issues at the same time rather than separately.

For more information for yourself, a friend or a family member please visit https://nida.nih.gov/

References:

Clinton, T., & Scalise, E. (2013). The quick-reference guide to addictions and recovery counseling: 40 topics, spiritual insights, and easy-to-use action steps. New York, NY: Baker Books. 

Doweiko, H. E. (2019). Concepts of chemical dependency (10th ed.). Stamford, CT: Cengage.  

https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/co-occurring-disorders-health-conditions