Fast Facts about Dual Diagnosis and Depression

Dual Diagnosis refers to those individuals who suffer from both mental illness and drug addiction or alcoholism at the same time. Dual Diagnoses are a growing problem, yet one that remains misunderstood by the public at large.

What follows is vital information about Dual Diagnosis and one of the most common forms of mental illness, depression.

Facts about dual diagnosis and depression

One of the things that make co-existing depression and addiction so hard to treat is the similarity of symptoms found in each. Symptoms that could be the result of either depression or addiction include: Loss of appetite, feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, weight loss, sleeplessness, suicidal thoughts, and others.
Studies have repeatedly shown that over half of those individuals who suffer from mental illness are also engaged in some form of substance abuse (including: cocaine, heroin, alcohol, marijuana or other drugs).
Currently, 20% of all inmates residing in the US prison system could be classified as having a dual diagnosis.
There are three primary ways that an individual can develop a dual diagnosis:

The individual's drug abuse can be the cause of mental illness
The individual's mental illness and the symptoms associated with it can lead to drug and alcohol abuse (and addiction)
The individual can possess high-risk factors for both mental illness and addiction (such as hereditary concerns).

Depression is commonly a gateway into substance abuse and drug addiction. Individuals with depression begin using drugs and alcohol as a way to numb the pain their mental condition brings about.
Research has found that depression is the most common mental illness found in those with a dual diagnosis.
Individuals who suffer from a dual diagnosis are best served by entering a drug rehab facility that provides integrated care – in other words, has the ability to treat mental illness and addiction concurrently and all under one roof.
Among young people between the ages of 12 and 17, those who experienced a major depression episode in the past year were twice as likely to have engaged in drinking alcohol as those adolescents with no MDE.
That same age group (12 to 17) was also twice as likely to have engaged in illicit drug abuse if the past year featured a major depressive episode.
One of the challenges in treating dual diagnosis that features depression is the potential mixture of medications. Anti-depressants can have unintended, or lessened effects when taking simultaneously with illicit drugs or alcohol. This is a dangerous mixture, and one that also stands in the way of proper detox from certain drugs.

Michael's House is a residential rehab facility designed to effectively treat those with a dual diagnosis. Through innovative mental health treatment programs, and some of the finest addiction recovery professionals in the country, Michael's House is able to address all the special needs of those with dual diagnoses – enriching their lives and helping them overcome their greatest challenges. Contact Michael's House today for more information .