Dual diagnosis
When it is both.
About half of people with a substance use disorder also have a mental health condition. Each one makes the other harder. Treating only one is the most common reason treatment does not hold.
Depression + alcohol
Alcohol is a depressant. It numbs the low and then deepens it.
Anxiety + benzos
Fast relief that makes the anxiety worse between doses.
Trauma + opioids
Opioids quiet emotional pain as well as physical pain.
ADHD + stimulants
Untreated ADHD raises addiction risk. Treated ADHD lowers it.
Bipolar + anything
Using to slow the highs or lift the lows.
Dual diagnosis treatment
What integrated care looks like and what to ask.
What to ask a program
Many say they treat both. Fewer do.
- How often will I see a psychiatric provider?
- Will you continue the mental health medication I already take?
- Is the same team treating both conditions?
- What happens to my mental health care after I leave?
Not sure where to start?
Tell us what is going on. Someone who has been there will point you to the next right step. No pressure, no sales pitch.