A dual diagnosis is when a client presents with a mental health condition and substance use disorder (SUD). It is also known as comorbidity and co-occurring disorders.

Examples of dual diagnosis include:

• Co-occurring Substance Abuse Disorder and mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder)
• Co-occurring Substance Abuse Disorder and anxiety disorder
• Co-occurring Substance Abuse Disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Addiction scientists continue to research the relationship between mental health issues and substance misuse. Research is ongoing and aims to increase the efficacy of dual diagnosis treatment. evidence-based treatment approaches have been developed to help those struggling with dual diagnosis.

Mental health conditions impact how one thinks, perceives, feels, and behaves. There is a broad spectrum of mental health conditions, some of the most common being:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Bipolar disorder
• Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
• Schizophrenia

Substance Abuse issues occur when a person has misused drugs and/or alcohol for a prolonged period of time, which often leads to physical and/or mental dependence. The body becomes accustomed to the presence of a given substance in the system, and when the substance is not taken, the body struggles to function without it.

Dependence is a precursor for addiction, and when a person becomes addicted to drugs or alcohol, it can be devastating. Addiction can affect all aspects of our wellbeing, including our physical, behavioral, psychological, and social health.

Substance misuse has a significant negative impact on a person’s life and the lives of those around them. Drugs and alcohol alter our mood and behavior, leading to job loss, strained or lost relationships, financial problems, and legal issues.

Professional treatment is the best option for dual diagnosis treatment, and at Cirque Lodge, you will receive medical detox, comprehensive rehabilitation, and aftercare support. If you or someone you love struggles with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health issues, our integrated program can help.

It is not always clear which condition arises first.

The reasons for the link between substance misuse and mental health issues vary between individuals. Several factors can influence a person’s mental wellbeing and propensity to use substances, such as:

• Unresolved trauma
• Relationship issues
• Work-related stress
• Family dynamics

All the above issues can increase a person’s likelihood of substance misuse and exacerbate underlying or pre-existing mental health issues.

Mental health conditions that often co-occur with substance misuse and substance abuse include:

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Those struggling with ADHD may be likely to self-medicate with illicit and prescription drugs to ease their symptoms. According to Brain and Behavior, ADHD-specific medications such as Adderall and Ritalin have a high potential for misuse.

Prolonged misuse of these prescription drugs leads to dependence and addiction, as well as a host of other mental health complications such as depression, anxiety, poor concentration, and fatigue.

Bipolar Disorder

According to Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy, almost one in two of those living with bipolar disorder also struggle with substance abuse disorder. Drugs and alcohol may offer temporary relief from bipolar symptoms, but they exacerbate the condition in the long term.

Depression

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions worldwide. Those living with depression are likely to use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate. Drugs and alcohol can exacerbate the symptoms of depression, which leads to a vicious and life-threatening cycle of misuse.

Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline personality disorder and substance abuse disorder often co-occur. Research has found that more than two in three people with Borderline Personality Disorder have used drugs or alcohol to self-medicate.

Anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder)

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a common mental health issue. The symptoms can be debilitating, leading many of those struggling to self-medicate. According to Psychiatric Annals, alcohol, cannabis, and benzodiazepines are common drugs of misuse among those with generalized anxiety disorder.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a chronic and debilitating condition. It occurs when single or multiple events traumatize a person. PTSD involves intrusive thoughts, memories, and flashbacks that drive those struggling to seek drugs or alcohol to ease or mask their symptoms.

Schizophrenia

Delusions and hallucinations are characteristics of schizophrenia and it is a frightening and confusing condition to live with, both for the individual affected and their loved ones. Those affected may feel compelled to use drugs or alcohol to deal with their symptoms, and as with all mental health conditions, substance misuse can make the symptoms of schizophrenia worse.

Mental health conditions and Substance Abuse Disorder impact all areas of a person’s life. Common issues surrounding dual diagnosis include:

• Difficulty with accurate diagnosis while abusing drugs or alcohol
• The use of substances to cope with the symptoms of mental illness
• Exacerbation of mental illness through the use of a substance
• Difficulty to engage in daily life
• Social stigma, and homelessness
• High-risk of relapse for both conditions
• Increased risk of violent behavior, and suicide

At Cirque Lodge, we understand that addiction and mental health issues can wreak havoc on a person’s life and the lives of those they love. It can be stressful and overwhelming to witness addiction or mental health issues in a loved one.

Many loved ones and family members feel frightened and confused, not knowing what to do in the face of their loved one’s issues. You can help yourself and your loved one by:

• Educating yourself on addiction and mental health
• Understanding the stigma attached to addiction and mental health issues
• Practicing compassion, understanding, and patience with your affected loved one
• Encouraging your loved one to get help
• Speaking to a professional

At Cirque Lodge, we can help you or a loved one overcome co-occurring Substance Abuse Disorder and mental health conditions by offering comprehensive, evidence-based, integrated treatment.

Social Work in Public Health explains that integrated treatment is essential for co-occurring disorders, and when a person struggles with a dual diagnosis, both conditions must receive targeted treatment. If this does not happen, the untreated condition will exacerbate the other and increase the risk of relapse.

We are proud to have an outstanding team of addiction and mental health experts who can help you begin your recovery journey by conducting an in-depth physical and psychological health screening and assessment. These test assessments help us identify any mental health issues that may be influencing your substance misuse, and once identified a condition, we are able to tailor a treatment program that suits your unique needs.

Treatment at Cirque Lodge includes:

• Comprehensive screening and assessments
• Medically-assisted detox and withdrawal management
• Evidence-based therapy for addiction and mental health treatment (Cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, psychoeducation, individual and group therapy and counseling, support groups, life coaching)
• Holistic and experiential therapies
• Aftercare support

At Cirque Lodge, we understand how difficult it can be to battle addictive substances and poor mental health – you are not alone.

There is no better place in the world to begin the rest of your life than surrounded by the beautiful Rocky Mountains and our team are dedicated to giving you the help you need in a quiet and compassionate environment. You need never feel alone in your recovery – we are stronger together.

Cirque Lodge is here to help if you or a loved one suffer from co-occurring Substance Abuse Disorder and mental health issues. Contact us today to arrange for an initial appointment for you or someone you love.