If you (or a loved one) have ever struggled with an addiction and mental health issue like alcoholism and anxiety disorder at the same time, you may have what mental health professionals describe as a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis.
This complex condition, although highly misunderstood and not as talked about as other mental health disorders, is surprisingly common, particularly among the Canadian population.
For instance, a 2012 study estimated that around 1.2% (282,000) of Canadians aged 15-64 experienced mental and substance use disorders concurrently in the previous year, highlighting the widespread nature of this issue in our society.
However, the condition remains underdiagnosed and, therefore, undertreated, highlighting the urgent need for more awareness and support around dual diagnosis and its various effects.
Integrated approach to care
At Centres for Health and Healing, we understand the complexities and challenges of dual diagnosis, including what it takes for individuals to recover and thrive.
In our experience, a successful dual diagnosis program requires integrated, compassionate care and support from the outset.
This integrated approach to care enables individuals to learn more about dual diagnosis, how to manage symptoms, and how the condition may be affecting various aspects of their lives without their awareness.
Integrated care means that both the addiction and the mental health issue are treated together rather than separately, ensuring a comprehensive approach to recovery that addresses all aspects of the individual’s health.
Recognizing the signs, symptoms, and available treatment options is another vital aspect of enhancing the quality of life and promoting long-term recovery for individuals living with the condition.
Here, we will explore what dual diagnosis is, including the signs, symptoms, and available treatments that can help you manage your symptoms and lead a joyous, fulfilling life.
In the meantime, if you would like to learn more about our dual diagnosis treatment in Ontario, Canada, or require additional information and support, please get in touch with our professional team today.
You are not alone.
Help and support are available, and with the proper care and treatment, you can overcome your struggles and live the kind of life you could have only imagined at the beginning.
We’re here to help.
Contact us today for a no-obligation conversation with one of our professionals.
What is dual diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis is when an individual is diagnosed with both a substance use disorder (such as drug addiction or alcoholism) and a mental health condition (like depression, anxiety, or PTSD) at the same time.
Sometimes referred to as concurrent or co-occurring disorders, dual diagnosis is a complex condition where the symptoms of a substance use disorder and mental health condition interact and amplify each other.
This complexity necessitates a more intricate and nuanced approach to diagnosis and treatment than dealing with either condition in isolation.
A good example of how dual diagnosis conditions intensify each other is when someone with PTSD drinks or takes drugs like cocaine or opioids to numb the symptoms or memories associated with past pain or trauma.
It is often the case that individuals continue to abuse substances without making a connection between their drinking or drug-taking and mental health – all they know is they are in pain and want to feel better.
In the short term, substances like drugs and alcohol serve as a temporary escape, offering a distraction, a path to numbness, forgetting, and, depending on the substances being used, euphoria.
This can be a powerful lure for individuals struggling with dual diagnosis.
Chronic patterns of substance abuse often result in a vicious loop where the individual creates distance between past traumatic experiences and their perceptions of what happened, which can provide temporary relief.
However, this coping pattern can lead to a dangerous cycle of dependency and full-blown addiction if left unchecked.
Without recognition and support, the temporary relief provided by substances can evolve into a serious and life-threatening problem.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of dual diagnosis is imperative for individuals to get the help and support they need before their condition worsens.
Common signs and symptoms of dual diagnosis
Your particular substance use disorder and mental health condition each come with their own unique symptoms.
For instance, if you have an anxiety disorder, you may experience symptoms of hyperarousal as well as those associated with substance use, such as feeling constantly on edge, inability to relax, racing thoughts, and feelings of dread or doom.
You may even experience physical symptoms of anxiety, such as a fast heartbeat, sweating, nausea, sleeplessness, and a loss of appetite.
On the other hand, if you have a depressive disorder alongside substance use, your mental health symptoms may include low mood, fatigue, numbness, feelings of persistent emptiness and despair, and thoughts of suicide.
The signs of dual diagnosis can vary greatly depending on the specific substances and mental health disorders involved. Because there are many possible combinations, symptoms often differ from person to person.
Substance use disorder symptoms
As well as the mental health symptoms, individuals with dual diagnosis may also experience the following substance use disorder symptoms:
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Difficulty concentrating or staying focused
- Sudden or unexplained changes in behaviour
- Taking part in risky or dangerous activities
- Developing a high tolerance to the substance and/or experiencing withdrawal symptoms
- Feeling unable to function without using the substance
- Feeling unable to stop substances and being unable to quit or cut down despite wanting to
Mental health symptoms of dual diagnosis
As well as the mental health symptoms mentioned above, you may find it helpful to understand the more general symptoms of a mental health disorder often experienced in dual diagnosis.
Symptoms to watch out for include:
- Intense or frequent mood swings
- Confusion or disorientation
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing
- Struggling to function at work or school
- Withdrawing from social interactions or activities
- Feeling like you can’t function or be yourself without substances
If you or someone you know experiences any of the above symptoms, it’s vital that you seek the help and support of a professional as soon as possible to avoid further health complications.
The sooner dual diagnosis treatment begins, the sooner you can start feeling better and improve your daily functioning and overall quality of life.
Why dual diagnosis is often missed
Traditional treatment methods often focus on one issue, such as the substance use disorder or mental health condition, overlooking what may be driving or worsening either disorder, which can lead to misdiagnosis and inaccurate treatment.
A lack of awareness and psychoeducation, stigma, and fragmented healthcare systems often contribute to delayed or missed diagnoses, which can prolong suffering and inhibit recovery.
Treatment providers must offer integrated, holistic recovery models that consider the ‘whole’ person, including the individual’s background, mental health challenges, treatment goals, cultural preferences, and lived experience.
Without these methods, treatment providers miss vital opportunities for recovery as they are only treating half the problem, which, among many complications, can lead to higher incidences of misdiagnoses and relapse.
Effective treatments for dual diagnosis
Successful dual diagnosis treatment requires a multifaceted, integrated approach that addresses and treats both conditions simultaneously.
Dual diagnosis recovery programs often include the following:
Medically supervised detox
Choosing to begin detox is a courageous and empowering decision. This initial step involves facing both the physical and emotional challenges of withdrawal.
Throughout the process, individuals receive medical supervision and compassionate support to ensure their safety and ease discomfort, helping to manage withdrawal symptoms as effectively and comfortably as possible.
Individual therapy
Individual therapy, particularly in Ontario, is centred on personalized care that reflects each person’s unique challenges and goals.
For instance, most rehab facilities in Ontario steer away from providing generic, ‘one-size-fits-all’ treatment solutions to dual diagnosis.
Instead, they work closely with clients, fostering a sense of collaboration, to develop tailored treatment plans that align with their specific needs and experiences.
Many rehab centres in Ontario offer these customized programs to support recovery for a range of mental health and addiction-related concerns, including:
- Substance use disorders
- Behavioural addictions
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Personality disorders
This personalized approach to treatment is tailored to each individual’s specific needs and is designed to provide each person with the focused support they need to heal and grow at their own pace.
Trauma-informed care
Culturally sensitive, trauma-informed care is a vital component of dual diagnosis recovery. It considers all aspects of an individual and their struggles, including mind, body, and spirit.
Trauma-informed treatment is about considering what’s underneath an individual’s struggles with substance use, seeing addiction as a symptom of a much larger issue, not an isolated problem.
Many rehab centres in Canada use a trauma-informed approach to dual diagnosis treatment, providing evidence-based therapies such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
EMDR therapy
EMDR therapy helps individuals reprocess past traumas and painful experiences by helping to release any stored trauma in the body through guided eye movements and other somatic techniques.
Once released, the distress associated with traumatic memories is not as intense, allowing the individual to hold space for the memories without becoming dysregulated or needing to resort to unhelpful coping patterns such as drinking or drug use.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
CBT is a talking therapy that helps individuals recognize destructive thought and behaviour patterns that may cause or worsen their substance use.
This therapy aims to teach individuals healthier alternatives to coping and understanding the connection between their thoughts and behaviours, enabling them to understand their triggers and manage their symptoms more effectively.
Both EMDR and CBT are highly effective treatments in dual diagnosis and are widely used in many rehab centres in Canada and globally.
Other therapies used as part of dual diagnosis treatment include:
- Family and group therapy
- Psychiatric care and medication management
- Holistic approaches, such as meditation, yoga, breathwork, and art therapy
- Aftercare and support services to help individuals navigate life after recovery
Why dual diagnosis is vital in recovery
Recovering from dual diagnosis isn’t just about managing your symptoms and identifying your triggers, which are both integral to lasting healing and sobriety and mustn’t be overlooked.
It’s also about exploring the root cause, building a more comprehensive picture of yourself as an individual, and recognizing the connection between your current struggles, past experiences, and how you learned to cope.
Integrated care provides a more comprehensive and holistic treatment experience.
It considers the emotional, physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of recovery, including practical support to help individuals heal and thrive despite their past experiences.
At our rehab centre in Ontario, we help individuals grappling with a range of mental health issues, including substance use disorder and co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, personality disorder, and trauma.
The primary goal of dual diagnosis treatment in Ontario is to support you in overcoming both addiction and mental health challenges so you can build a life rooted in health, balance, and meaning.
Even when the path feels difficult, change is possible. Taking that first step to seek support can open the door to the life you’ve always been hoping for.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with co-occurring mental health and substance use issues, our compassionate and experienced multidisciplinary team is here to help.
Reach out to Centres for Health and Healing today and begin your journey toward lasting recovery and a brighter future.