Receiving a dual diagnosis can be daunting, but it leads to better care and treatment when dealing with addiction. The proper treatment program will treat the underlying causes of addiction, such as mental health conditions that can sometimes lead to addiction.
If you or someone you love is dealing with a dual diagnosis of a mental health condition and a substance use disorder, there is hope. Contact us today at 813.212.7149 to learn more about our specialty services in Tampa, Florida that support dual diagnoses.
What Is a Dual Diagnosis?
A dual diagnosis is established when a substance use disorder (SUD) exists in conjunction with a mental disorder. The human body and brain are incredibly complex. Often, the mental disorder exists simultaneously or precedes and contributes to the development of the addiction.
Once established, the addictive disorder can worsen the mental condition. It is also well established that addictive disorders can, in fact, cause and mimic the psychiatric condition and will disappear in time once the SUD is appropriately addressed and treated.
What Conditions Commonly Occur in a Dual Diagnosis?
A host of disorders and symptoms lead to a dual diagnosis, including, but not limited to:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Eating disorder
- Panic disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Personality disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Social phobia
It is often difficult to establish which came first—substance use disorder or the behavioral or psychiatric disorder. Even if you or your loved one has no awareness of any underlying conditions, our professionals are trained to recognize symptoms that can lead to a diagnosis.
Frequently, patients find that, after detoxification, their secondary illness comes to light. At other times, symptoms disappear after engaging in treatment, and the path to recovery, symptoms disappear. Our caring professionals will be able to recognize the symptoms and establish or rule out a dual diagnosis.
Are There Any Symptoms of a Dual Diagnosis?
Going through the grips of a SUD or watching a loved one suffer can be blinding. Families and loved ones, in their despair, can sometimes ignore the symptoms or believe it will get better once they stop their use. You or your loved one may have a dual diagnosis if the following symptoms are present:
- A family history of psychological, neurological, or physiological disorders
- Extreme mood swings
- Inability to control moods
- Inability to keep a job
- Inability to maintain long-term relationships
- Legal issues
- Financial problems
While these symptoms may just be a symptom of the addictive disorder, their persistence during treatment and early recovery is a crucial indicator of an underlying dual diagnosis. Assessing your own mental health or that of a loved one is nearly impossible, especially in the throes of an addiction. A trained professional must perform a continuing assessment and diagnosis to allow for proper treatment.
How Do You Treat A Dual Diagnosis?
After detoxification, our professionals will develop your individualized plan of care. This plan will account for treating substance use disorder and other conditions.
If the second condition has not yet presented itself, our professionals will continue to modify your plan when it does. As our trained counselors work with you towards recovery, they will constantly evaluate the treatment plan, communicate with our medical staff, and adapt it to best fit you.
Our plans are not a one-size-fits-all or a one-and-done philosophy. We know you are unique, and our doctors will ensure that your plan is tailored to serve your recovery best.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment at 7 Summit Pathways in Tampa
You may be feeling hopeless, scared, alone, and wondering how it got this bad. It’s common to feel afraid to let anyone know, and your life has become a big secret. You want your challenges to end, but you don’t know how.
Our experienced clinical staff and physicians have spent a lifetime helping thousands. We know what it takes and are dedicated to giving you what works. Contact us at 813.212.7149 to help improve your life.