What Causes a Dual Diagnosis?
Co-occurring disorders of mental illness and addiction is referred to as dual diagnosis. Although many individuals have never heard of the condition, it is actually quite prevalent, with high percentages of those who suffer from mental conditions also deeply involved with drugs and alcohol.
But why do those with a mental illness become addicted to drugs and alcohol. Below, we will address some of the major causes behind a dual diagnosis. Understanding this information will help those with a friend or family member suffer from the condition, better understand it, and consequently find professional help for those in need of it.
The Root Causes of Dual Diagnosis
Self-medication. It is believed that many individuals with moderate or severe mental illness begin to use drugs or alcohol as a means of self-medicating. For example, those coping with clinical depression may start drinking excessively in order to escape the bad feelings they are experiencing. Or a person with bipolar disorder may take drugs in order to "even out" the highs and lows their condition causes them to feel. Self-medication with illicit substances is highly dangerous for those with mental illness, as they have been found to make the move from casual use to dependence much more quickly than the general population.
Countering the effects of other medications. Several researchers have found that individuals who are taking medication for mental illness issues will self-medicate with drugs and alcohol as a means for counter-attacking the side effects of those drugs. So for example, those who experience low-energy as a side effect of certain anti-psychotic drugs might be more likely to turn to cocaine or other stimulants to reverse the effects of the depressant.
A genetic link. Both mental illness and addiction (especially to alcohol) have strong genetic links. If an individual has a parent, or other family member who suffered from the components of a dual diagnosis, the chances are that much higher that they will as well. This fact has been proven in study after study – especially those examining the hereditary link of alcoholism from generation to generation.
Problems associated with having a mental illness. Studies have shown that individuals who have a mental illness are more likely to become addicted to drugs or alcohol. More specifically, those with depression, bipolar disorder or other mental conditions will stand a greater chance of becoming addicted to a drug after causal use than someone who does not have a mental illness. Also those with a mental illness may not be able to communicate their problems as effectively as others, and that means their drug addiction or alcoholism may remained buried away, growing worse and worse in secret.
At Michael's House, the individual with a dual diagnosis receives they special care they need to overcome all facets of their illness. Michael's House provides integrated care that treats the mental illness and addiction portions of dual diagnosis with equal care and expertise. Contact Michael's House today at 1-877-345-8494 to find out more about their acclaimed dual diagnosis programs.
