Substance Use Dual Diagnosis
Dual Diagnosis
We treat co-occurring mental health disorders that addicts and alcoholics struggle with.
Oftentimes, substance use disorder is paired with another mental disorder, which is called dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders. One disorder usually develops first, as it’s common for people to start self-medicating with drugs and alcohol to cope with a mental illness. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 7.9 million people in the U.S. experience substance use disorder and a mental disorder simultaneously.1 The team at our addiction treatment center near Reading, MA, is prepared to help our clients through recovery for co-occurring disorders.
Three common mental disorders that can lead to substance use disorder through self-medication are depression, anxiety and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Depression disorders include bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder, psychotic depression, postpartum depression and persistent depressive disorder. A few common anxiety disorders are phobias, social anxiety and generalized anxiety disorder. And with PTSD, a person experiences negative mental health effects as the result of past traumatic experiences. Whether it’s to mitigate panic attacks caused by anxiety or numb suicidal thoughts caused by depression, substance use as self-medication may lead to addiction.
On the other hand, substance use disorder can lead to other addictions and mental disorders. Sometimes as a result of heavy drug and alcohol use, people will develop gambling addictions, sex addictions or dependencies on other types of risky behaviors. If this sounds like you or someone you know, turn to Woburn Wellness Addiction Treatment, a drug and alcohol clinic near Reading, MA, for help with dual diagnosis.
Warning signs of developing co-occurring disorders include:
Withdrawal symptoms
Increased tolerance
Inability to manage obligations at work or home
Interpersonal issues with family, friends and partners
Sudden changes in behavior
Withdrawing from socializing and loved ones
Engaging in risky behaviors
Increased episodes of mental health symptoms
Longer lasting or more intensive mental health symptoms
Contact Woburn Wellness Addiction Treatment to learn more about our dual diagnosis treatment plans. We offer an array of substance use disorder treatment options including IOP, trauma-informed care and counseling for co-occurring conditions.
Based on the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
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