Dual diagnosis

Many of those struggling with addiction find themselves entangled in a web of underlying mental health issues. Substance abuse and mental health symptoms often work together to fuel and trigger each other, dragging you further into the depths of addiction. While a dual diagnosis may leave you feeling hopeless, it is possible to get your life back on track with professional treatment. Oasis Runcorn offers a lifeline for those who need help overcoming a dual diagnosis.

A dual diagnosis refers to the co-occurrence of both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder. It is the convergence of these two conditions that present a unique and intricate challenge in addiction recovery. The term “dual diagnosis” recognises that addiction and mental health disorders often intertwine and influence each other, creating a complex interplay that can exacerbate symptoms, hinder recovery and increase the risk of relapse.

Substance abuse can contribute to the development of mental health disorders by altering brain chemistry. Conversely, if you have a pre-existing mental health disorder, you may turn to substance use as a means of self-medication or coping with distressing symptoms. Understanding and effectively addressing dual diagnosis requires a comprehensive and integrated approach that acknowledges the complexity of both conditions.

Studies have shown that, among the 42.1 million people with a mental health issue, 18.2% also have a substance abuse disorder. If you fall into this statistic, Oasis Runcorn is here to help.

How to support someone with dual diagnosis

Supporting someone with a dual diagnosis requires empathy, patience, and understanding. Because dual diagnosis involves both mental health challenges and substance use, providing meaningful support often means addressing both issues simultaneously.

The first step is to educate yourself about dual diagnosis. Understanding the complexities of co-occurring disorders helps you better navigate conversations and recognise the challenges your loved one faces. Avoid judgement or criticism, as these can discourage openness and trust.

Encourage professional help, such as therapy or treatment programmes that specialise in dual diagnosis. Treatment is most effective when it addresses both the mental health disorder and the addiction simultaneously. Offer to help with logistics, such as researching rehab programmes or providing transportation, to make the process less overwhelming.

Create a supportive environment by fostering open communication and setting boundaries that encourage positive behaviours. Avoid enabling harmful habits, but remain compassionate when setbacks occur. Also, encouraging healthy routines, such as regular exercise, proper nutrition, and support group participation, can also make a big difference.

Most importantly, take care of yourself. Supporting someone with a dual diagnosis can be emotionally taxing, so consider seeking your own support through therapy or groups like Al-Anon. By staying resilient, you’ll be better positioned to help your loved one navigate their journey to recovery.

Identifying a dual diagnosis can be challenging as the symptoms of addiction and other disorders can often overlap and mask each other. It is therefore important to look out for the signs of a dual diagnosis and take appropriate steps to combat symptoms early.

Some indicators of a dual diagnosis include:

• Regularly engaging in substance abuse despite any negative consequences
• Being unable to control or stop the consumption of drugs or alcohol
• Frequent and intense mood swings, unexplained outbursts of anger, irritability, sadness, or emotional numbness
• Social withdrawal, isolation and a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Difficulties with concentration, memory, decision-making and problem-solving
• Chronic physical ailments, unexplained changes in appetite or weight, sleep disturbances and a decline in personal hygiene
• Strained relationships with family and friends
• Consistent difficulties in maintaining employment or academic performance

If you have noticed any of the above signs in yourself or a loved one, it is time to reach out for professional help. There is no shame in seeking guidance for a dual diagnosis and doing so could turn your life around for the better.

With dual diagnosis, treating one condition while neglecting the other can impede progress and increase the likelihood of relapse. It is therefore imperative that treatment addresses both disorders using a holistic approach. At Oasis Runcorn, we are proud to offer a broad range of rehab therapies that focus on you as a whole, not just an addiction.

Some of the therapies offered at Oasis Runcorn include:

• Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT): Helps you to focus on the present moment, accept any negative emotions and manage them in a healthy way.
• Group therapy: Creates a sense of community and connection, a support that is vital as you battle addiction recovery and mental health disorders.
• Family therapy: Helps you to improve communication skills with family members, learn how to set healthy boundaries and work on repairing broken bonds together.

As well as these key therapies, Oasis Runcorn also offers activities that promote a healthy lifestyle. Through detox, yoga and meditation, art therapy, gong baths and mindfulness activities, you will begin healing from the inside out, ensuring that both your mental and physical health is nourished.

Holistic therapies that help treat dual diagnosis

For individuals with a dual diagnosis, which involves co-occurring mental health disorders and substance use issues, holistic therapies can play a crucial role in recovery. These therapies address the mind, body, and spirit, offering a comprehensive approach to healing beyond traditional treatments like medication and psychotherapy.

Holistic therapies such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practices are particularly effective in managing stress and anxiety, common challenges for those with dual diagnoses. These practices promote emotional regulation and help individuals develop healthy coping mechanisms to handle triggers.

Art and music therapy allow individuals to express emotions and experiences that might be difficult to articulate verbally. These creative outlets can foster self-discovery and provide therapeutic relief from underlying emotional struggles. Similarly, physical therapies like acupuncture and massage can help alleviate physical tension, improve sleep, and reduce cravings by encouraging relaxation and balance in the body.

By integrating holistic therapies into a dual-diagnosis treatment plan, individuals benefit from a well-rounded approach that addresses symptoms and promotes lasting well-being.

If you believe that you are suffering from addiction and a mental health disorder, it is important to speak to a healthcare provider who can correctly diagnose you. If you would like to speak to our team, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to support you through your recovery and help you to achieve happiness through rehab.