The majority of people diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD) have at least one co-occurring disorder. Treatment programs generally address all active conditions simultaneously to reduce the risk of relapse and help clients manage symptoms more effectively. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “[A]pproximately 9.2 million adults in the United States have a co-occurring disorder.” Painted Desert Recovery treats dual diagnosis using evidence-based treatments and trauma-informed care.

What Is Dual Diagnosis?

A dual diagnosis involves a co-occurring SUD and mental health disorder. In most cases, “dual diagnosis” and “co-occurring disorders” are used interchangeably to describe comorbid conditions. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Among the 42.1 million adults with mental illness, 18.2% also had substance use disorders.” Treatment programs for SUD must address any co-occurring mental health issues to reduce the risk of relapse.

Substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders have many possible connections, including:

• Symptoms or side effects of substance abuse may lead to the development of mental health disorders
• The symptoms of side effects of mental health disorders may cause some people to misuse substances
• Both conditions may develop independently

Most people with dual diagnosis require a combination of psychotherapy, prescription medications, and other forms of professional mental health treatment to manage their condition effectively. Women in recovery benefit from participating in programs personalized to meet their unique needs.

Common Co-Occurring Disorders

Anxiety, mood, and personality disorders are among the most common dual diagnoses. The majority of people with co-occurring disorders have a serious mental illness (SMI). According to the NIDA, “Around 1 in 4 individuals with SMI also have an SUD.”

Some of the most common co-occurring mental health disorders include:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Major depressive disorder (MDD)
• Bipolar disorder
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Schizophrenia
• Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Trauma often plays a significant role in the development of SUD and co-occurring mental health disorders. Painted Desert Recovery uses trauma-informed care to treat dual diagnosis and help women build a solid foundation for a healthier future.

Warning Signs of Potential Dual Diagnosis

The warning signs of potential dual diagnosis often overlap with symptoms of SUD, making them difficult to diagnose. However, some of the most common warning signs include:

• Changes in appetite
• Sleep disturbances
• Extreme and persistent mood swings
• Uncharacteristic lack of personal hygiene
• “Doctor shopping” to get multiple prescriptions for the same drug
• Secretive behavior
• Unusual irritability, aggression, anger, or violence
• Self-harming behaviors or suicidal ideation
• Disordered thoughts or speech patterns
• Extreme fluctuations in energy and focus

Everyone responds differently to the effects of SUD and mental health disorders. Comorbid mental health disorders often cause more severe symptoms and side effects. The symptoms exist along a spectrum; some people may experience only mild side effects, while others may struggle with a decreased quality of life. If anyone is concerned they may have a dual diagnosis, a clinical assessment is necessary to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

The Importance of Accurate Diagnosis

Co-occurring conditions are often difficult to accurately diagnose until after the withdrawal stage of treatment for SUD. The symptoms of withdrawal may mask other conditions. Painted Desert Recovery uses comprehensive assessments and screening tools to make sure clients participating in outpatient treatment have an accurate diagnosis.

An accurate diagnosis ensures the following:

• Clinicians provide clients with the most effective treatment options
• Clients have an accurate understanding of their condition
• Therapists focus on delivering evidence-based treatments designed to address specific disorders

Clients use their diagnosis to give context to their treatment and recovery. An accurate diagnosis gives clients a better understanding of their condition and prognosis.

Treatment for Dual Diagnosis at Painted Desert Recovery

Painted Desert Recovery offers intensive outpatient treatment options and personalized care to individuals diagnosed with co-occurring SUD and mental health disorders. Clinicians collaborate with clients and their families to determine the best way to approach co-occurring issues affecting sobriety and mental health. Treatment for dual diagnosis generally requires the care team to address all active and underlying issues simultaneously using a variety of therapeutic methods.

The services used to treat dual diagnosis include:

• Group therapy and other peer support activities
• Individual therapy
• Alternative holistic therapies, including art therapy
• Experiential therapy
• Animal-assisted therapy, including equine therapy

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Integrated treatment for comorbid drug use disorder and mental illness has been found to be consistently superior compared with separate treatment of each diagnosis.” Painted Desert Recovery uses integrative care to help women heal and grow during recovery from dual diagnosis.

How to Support a Loved One With Dual Diagnosis

Some co-occurring mental health disorders require intense or long-term treatment to be fully addressed. Clients may transition to aftercare services, including individual therapy, allowing them to continue healing after they complete treatment for substance abuse.

Families support their loved one’s recovery by doing the following:

• Attending family therapy or counseling
• Providing nonjudgmental practical and emotional support
• Holding loved ones accountable for their recovery choices
• Educating themselves on the realities of mental health disorders
• Attending support groups for individuals with loved ones struggling to manage dual diagnosis

Painted Desert Recovery provides clients and their loved ones with resources and referrals for aftercare support.

The majority of people diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD) have at least one co-occurring disorder impacting their mental health. Painted Desert Recovery uses psychotherapy, peer support, alternative holistic therapies, and other treatments to help people manage dual diagnoses. To learn more about our programs and services, call our office today at (844) 540-0353.