Dual Diagnosis Statistics in the US and Arizona

Guidance on Dual Diagnosis and Mental Health Statistics for Concerned Loved Ones

Do you love someone who has challenges with substance use disorders and mental illness? It can feel like a lonely world for loved ones. But the prevalence of dual diagnosis mental health conditions is larger than you think. So, even when you feel like you’re the only one, take comfort in knowing you’re not alone. Our dual diagnosis statistics show how many others face your struggles.

Changes Healing Center in Phoenix specializes in helping people recover from psychiatric and substance use disorders in our JCAHO-accredited facility. Our treatment professionals use multiple treatment modalities to ensure holistic wellness and better outcomes for every client.

We invite you to keep reading if you’re caring for someone with co-occurring disorders. You’ll discover the statistical information and treatment approaches to look for when it’s time to seek help.

Arizona’s Dual Diagnosis Statistics on Mental Health Disorders and Addiction

While the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) doesn’t publish such extensive reporting as the federal government, they do share some interesting dual diagnosis statistics with the public in their Suicide Prevention Action Plan:

• 6 of Arizona adults have a severe mental illness (psychiatric disorder)
• Only 40.3% of those struggling with mental health disorders receive any treatment
• 50% of Arizonans with severe mental health conditions also have dual diagnosis/substance use disorders

While existing literature is limited, it’s clear that Arizona has a large overlap between mental illness and substance use disorders. Understanding these figures helps policymakers consider what steps they can take, such as funding agencies to address the need for addiction treatment and care for mental health issues moving forward.

Overlapping Symptoms and Behaviors Between Anxiety Disorders and Drug Abuse

Anxiety disorders often co-occur with drug/alcohol use, with symptoms that mirror each other. Those who have anxiety will often self-medicate using substances to calm their brains and regulate their emotions. The drug use, however, increases the risk of developing an addiction. Some of the overlapping symptoms and behaviors to watch for include the following:

• Mood swings
• Sleep disruptions
• Racing thoughts
• Lack of focus
• Avoiding certain situations or people (common in repeated adult traumas)
• Financial, legal, or police trouble (incarceration in the most extreme outcomes)
• Panic attacks, sometimes brought on by substance use

The shared symptoms in dually diagnosed adults are complicated. A mental healthcare provider can provide integrated treatment approaches to resolve addiction and other mental health conditions.

Co-Occurring Bipolar Disorder or Depression with Alcohol Use Disorder

Affective disorders, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder all contribute to additional mental health and medical problems. Like anxiety, these conditions grow worse with self-medication. Using substances may soothe the symptoms; however, it does not shed light on the underlying mental health disorder. Here are the mental health symptoms and behavioral signs to watch for in these co-occurring disorders:

• Sleep disturbances
• Feeling hopeless or worthless
• Emotional instability and extreme mood swings
• Impulsive, risky behavior
• Socially isolated
• Drinks alcohol to soothe the mental health disorder
• Becomes irritable or aggressive when drinking or using drugs

Encourage your friend to see a doctor specializing in addiction science and treatment. This professional will perform a formal analysis to pinpoint the exact mental health issues. That helps them determine the best addiction services to help them become healthy again.

Why Your Loved One May Struggle with Drug/Alcohol Abuse and Mental Illness

Many whose loved ones are struggling wonder what has caused the mental health disorder? It can be genetic in some. For others, some causes are:

• Trauma, including child neglect, childhood sex abuse, or being the victim of violent behavior
• Certain social or psychopathological disadvantages
• Socioeconomic status, with those from low-income backgrounds often having poorer treatment outcomes
• Dysfunctional, complex relationships
• Poverty
• Lack of social support

These conditions can contribute to numerous mental disorders. Besides depression and anxiety, they can cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and eating disorders, among others. All can become dual diagnosis cases when left untreated.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment Approaches

We take a holistic, evidence-based approach to addiction treatment at Changes. We understand the complex interplay between poor mental health and substance use and provide a fully integrated and accessible setting for our clients.

Integrated Treatment Programs

At Changes, we work with integrate dual diagnosis treatment with other health programs to improve long-term outcomes for clients. We work create comprehensive plans that address the dual diagnosis and help restore mental, and emotional, and physical well-being. We also work with especially diverse social services, ensuring that we are fully inclusive for minority communities.

Evidence-Based Therapy for Psychiatric Disorders

Substance abuse is a symptom of something wrong. Effective dual diagnosis treatment treats the underlying conditions using modalities like CBT, DBT, and trauma-informed therapies. We treat the co-occurring disorders simultaneously to help clients reduce symptoms and avoid future self-medication and other self-sabotaging behaviors.

Managing Prescription Medications

Careful management of medication is essential when someone abuses substances. Our doctors ensure medications are effective and the right dose. Our clients receive ongoing dual diagnosis care and adjustments to medications as needed. This close attention helps avoid future self-medicating substance use in dual diagnosis clients.

Connect with Changes for Dual Diagnosis Mental Health Services

It’s hard to watch witness someone you love self-destruct. If they have an undiagnosed dual diagnosis, they need a team of qualified treatment professionals to help them restore a healthy balance in life. Our team is well-equipped to help your friend make that fresh start.

Call Changes Healing Center today – it’s free, confidential, and we are always here to help.