Facts and Statistics About Dual Diagnosis

A dual diagnosis refers to those individuals who suffer from a co-occurring disorders of mental illness and addiction to drugs or alcohol. Dual diagnosis patients make up a large percentage of the addiction community, yet little is known about their condition outside of the profession.

The following information provides an introduction to the world of dual diagnosis patients and sheds light on the prevalence of the condition.

Facts and Statistics About Dual Diagnosis

Over 50% of those individuals who abuse drugs or are addicted to drugs are believed to all have at least one significant mental illness as well.
More than 35% of alcoholics or individuals with an alcohol-related substance abuse problem have at least one mental illness.
Almost a third of all individuals with a mental illness also have a substance abuse problem, and also suffer from alcohol or drug addiction.
Prison systems have a significant number of dual diagnosis patients under lock and key. Research has found that over 20% off those currently residing in the United States prison system could be classified as dual diagnosis.
Dual diagnosis patients are at a high risk for suicide. Studies have found that those with co-occurring disorders commit suicide at a rate much higher than those with just an addiction or mental illness alone.
The eight most common mental disorders found in dual diagnosis patients are: Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Panic Anxiety Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, Eating Disorders and Schizophrenia
Integrated Care is the most effective way to treat dual diagnosis patients. Integrated care refers to treatment from both psychiatric professionals and addiction counselors under the same roof. This treatment "team" is able to communicate with one another about the best ways to help the individual and make sure each component of the plan is complimenting one another.
The majority of alcohol and drug rehab centers in the United States are not equipped to properly treat dual diagnosis patients. Individuals who believe they may have co-occurring disorders are urged to check with the facility before enrolling it order to be sure it meets their needs.
Dual diagnosis alcohol and drug rehab tends to take longer than standard addiction treatment. The complicating factors that may arise from the mental illness component of the disorder have been known to stretch out treatment time to as long as a full year.

Michael's House is a residential alcohol and drug treatment facility located in Palm Springs, California. Michael's House helps dual diagnosis patients get the comprehensive treatment they need to break the cycle of addiction and maintain proper control over their mental health issues. Contact Michael's House today at for more information.