What Is Dual Diagnosis?

Approximately 4 million people in the United States are living with a dual diagnosis. Dual diagnosis is a term used when someone is struggling with a psychiatric (mental) disorder and a substance abuse disorder at the same time. Some of the most common mental health disorders diagnosed in combination with a substance abuse issue include anxiety, depression, schizophrenia and personality disorders like bipolar disorder.

Dual diagnosis treatment addresses both issues simultaneously and is a much more effective strategy than treating one co-occurring disorder at a time. However, it is important to understand there are no quick fixes for a dual diagnosis. Treatment timelines vary and depend largely on each person’s unique situation.

What are some red flags that may indicate a dual diagnosis?

Here are a few signs and symptoms that may indicate someone in your life is struggling with addiction and a psychiatric disorder:

• Abandoning or withdrawing from friends and family
• Lying or stealing to continue an addictive behavior
• Expressing feelings of despair, hopelessness, guilt or regret about addictive behavior
• Inability to manage a job, home or friendships
• Managing dramatic mood changes and energy levels with drugs, alcohol or compulsive behaviors

What is the recovery for a dual diagnosis?

The symptoms associated with substance abuse and mental health disorders are exceedingly complicated and intertwined, so it is vital to address them at the same time. At Alpine Recovery Lodge, we design individual dual diagnosis treatment programs for each person in our care. In doing so, we look closely at the person’s specific symptoms, experiences and goals for the future. Our programs offer the following services:

• Assessment of psychiatric health
• Intensive diagnostic tests and evaluations
• Leading-edge medical and mental health care
• Pharmacological interventions and close monitoring
• Therapeutic treatments to support long-term recovery
• Relapse prevention education

If you’d like to find lasting recovery for a dual diagnosis, call Alpine Recovery Lodge at 877-415-4060 to speak confidentially with a recovery expert.