|
WHAT EXACTLY IS DUAL-DIAGNOSIS?
WHY DUAL-DIAGNOSIS TREATMENT MATTERS
Dual Diagnosis is a term used for individuals who have a psychological or behavioral illness concurrent with alcohol or drug addiction. In most cases, one condition contributes to or worsens, the symptoms of the other condition. For example, someone with a psychological disorder may start using drugs or alcohol to cope with their symptoms. Or alternatively, substance abuse may exacerbate the symptoms of an underlying mental condition.
According to DualDiagnosis.org, 4 million Americans over the age of 18 who have a mental health disorder also struggle with co-occurring alcohol or drug dependency. However, only a small fraction of these people seek professional help to overcome their addiction and receive treatment for the illness.