Someone with substance abuse disorder (drugs or alcohol) and mental illness (depression, PTSD, anxiety, OCD, etc.), the diagnosis is called a co-occurring disorder. Any combination of mental health disorders and substance abuse or addiction qualifies for this diagnosis (sometimes referred to as a dual diagnosis), such as alcoholism and depression, anorexia and cocaine dependence, post-traumatic stress disorder and heroin addiction, prescription drug dependence and anxiety, and more.
According to the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors, women are at a higher risk for developing a dual disorder. Results from the 20018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health show that approximately 4.3 million women (about 3% of all women in the United States) have both a substance use disorder and a serious mental illness (American Addiction Centers, 2020).
All people are different when it comes to their experience with addiction and mental illness. Some begin to experience mental health issues during childhood or adolescence and experiment with drugs and alcohol soon after, developing both an addiction problem and a serious mental illness at the same time-dual diagnosis treatment.
Others may seek out drugs and alcohol in an attempt to “self-medicate” a mental health issue that develops in early adulthood or that develops out of an injury or trauma later in life. Still others may first develop an addiction problem that grows so severe that it causes mental health issues or triggers the onset of symptoms that may otherwise have remained dormant.
If you think a family member or close friend is abusing drugs or alcohol or is having dual disorder, talk with your doctor. They can refer you to drug treatment programs that might help. Serene Retreat is one of the most efficient and fully-equipped treatment center for all psychological issues and addiction concerns. It is nourished with a large set of experts in psychology and addiction treatment and provides you with the best of the atmosphere and facilities. It is located in Kualalumpur Malaysia with its branches across Malaysia and satellite offices abroad.
For any inquiries regarding treatment or any advice related to addiction or mental health you can reach us via call/whatsapp +60146872268 or visit our website www.sereneretreat.com.my.
References
American Addiction Centers. (2020, 05 15). Retrieved from https://americanaddictioncenters.org/co-occurring-disorders
Image Credit : https://fullcirclerecovery.com/dual-diagnosis-in-southern-california/
