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.
It’s difficult for concerned family members to sit back, witnessing trauma and pain while a family member appears to collapse under the weight of a poor mental HRQOL (health-related quality of life). They may:
Some people have low mental HRQOL without meeting with a doctor to asses their diagnostic criteria. If someone you love has expressed the above sentiments, engages in substance use, and has not seen a doctor, it’s time to make an appointment.
In 2023, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reported that 48.5 million people over age 12 in the United States reported having a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) within the previous year. SAMHSA invites a nationally representative US sample of people over age 12 to self-report alcohol or drug abuse. The 2023 report found:
The highest rates of substance use disorders occurred in 27.1% of young adults, aged 18 to 25. The next highest group includes adults diagnosed (over age 26) with 16.6%, followed by adolescents, with 8.5% rates of alcohol or drug use diagnoses.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.