What is Dual Diagnosis When a person has a substance abuse problem and also has accompanying mental health issues, this is known as a dual diagnosis. Also known as co-existing disorders, a person might find themselves chemically dependent on drugs or alcohol while also experiencing a disorder like depression, anxiety, or bipolar. Addiction specialists need […]
Drug addiction is a complex issue, and so is mental illness. Both disorders display serious and persistent symptoms. When the best treatment options are being decided, it’s crucial that all issues are included. An addiction treatment program that addresses all these points results in effective recovery and helps to prevent relapse. The Effects of Addiction […]
The National Alliance on Mental Illness defines mental illness as a condition that affects an individual’s thoughts, feelings or mood and which may impact the ability to relate to other people.1 Genetics, environment and lifestyle are all factors that determine whether someone will develop a mental disorder. The 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and […]
The term dual diagnosis refers to a condition in which a person has both a mental illness and a substance abuse disorder simultaneously. Each condition worsens the other, intensifying symptoms and complicating recovery. A dual diagnosis approach offers integrated treatment options, which significantly improves outcomes over traditional therapy approaches that do not differentiate the two […]
For a long time, people experiencing the symptoms of mental health disorders where treated separately from those needing help with drug or alcohol abuse. Mental illnesses were sometimes ignored or those with overlapping conditions were frequently denied treatment for their psychiatric disorders until the substance abuse was under control. This began to change in the […]
Studies indicate that between forty and seventy percent of those with bipolar disorder also have a current or previous history of substance abuse. Compared with those without a co-occurring disorder, those with co-occurring illnesses may derive less benefit from treatment for their mood disorder, recover more slowly from episodes, spend more time in hospitals and […]
When speculating about the damage that alcohol does to the body, the kidneys are usually the first organ that comes to mind. Alcohol does greatly reduce kidney functionality, but there are more than 200 alcohol-induced diseases, and many of them primarily involve the heart. There are also additional ways that alcohol withdrawal can be harmful […]
Art has the ability to inspire people and make them see things from a different perspective. Whether it’s painting a portrait, writing a story or playing a piece of music, art stimulates the brain and encourages positive actions in people’s lives. For those recovering from substance abuse, a creative form of self-expression can be an […]
Alcohol has a powerful physical effect on the body. It alters more than just mood, though—alcohol abuse is capable of physically changing how the brain functions. If exposed to alcohol repeatedly, the brain will rewire itself, altering how it produces and utilizes the chemicals responsible for feelings such as pleasure or reward. As a first […]
There are many reasons why individuals suffer from alcoholism, and genetics, environmental factors and mental health issues are just a few explanations. Co-occurring disorders occur when an individual suffers from both a mental health issue and an addiction. Though they are completely treatable, co-occurring disorders are especially delicate and require integrated clinical therapy to achieve […]
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