Dual diagnosis treatment is a specialized form of treatment that addresses both a mental health issue and a substance abuse issue. It is a holistic approach to treatment that can help individuals achieve long-term recovery.
The goal of dual diagnosis recovery is to help people heal from and recover from their mental health disorders while simultaneously learning how to manage their substance use disorders effectively.
It is, therefore, important to identify when someone may need dual diagnosis treatment so they can get the help they need quickly before the problem becomes even more complicated.
With that said, here are common signs that a person could do with dual diagnosis treatment.
Changes in Behavior
Changes in behavior can be one of the first signs that someone may need dual diagnosis treatment. When someone has a substance use disorder, they may begin to engage in risky or illegal behaviors or lose interest in activities that used to bring them joy. They may also become more aggressive or irritable. So, try and consider signs of changing behavior, both as a warning sign and as a symptom.
Unexpected Mood Changes
Some people with a dual diagnosis experience mood changes that are out of the ordinary, especially early on in treatment. Mood changes could include a sudden increase in irritability or anger from the point of feeling very calm and even Zen-like. It’s, therefore, important to be able to recognize these changes in mood as signs of a dual diagnosis.
An Unusual Sleep Pattern
Unusual sleep patterns can signify that someone may need dual diagnosis treatment. Someone who is depressed may experience hypersomnia — they may stay awake at night and sleep during the day.
If a loved one constantly experiences a change in his sleep pattern and it persists, it could be a sign that they need professional help from a dual diagnosis treatment center.
Change in Social Habits
A change in social habits can be another sign that someone may need dual diagnosis treatment. Substance-dependent people may begin spending a lot of time by themselves, avoiding social interactions and activities to avoid making mistakes or disappointing others.
All of these could signify that a person needs more help with his dual diagnosis, but that isn’t always the case as they might be trying to get into other activities they deem more productive.
As such, you must try to determine whether someone’s social habits are changing as a warning sign or as part of their mental health disorder or substance use disorder.
Developing a Dependence on Substance Use
Some people with a dual diagnosis develop a dependence on substances like alcohol or drugs. They may start taking larger doses of the substance in order to feel the desired effects.
This indicates that the person has become physically dependent on these substances, which puts him at higher risk for developing other addictions and dependencies, such as gambling.
In Conclusion
Dual diagnosis treatment involves a combination of psychotherapeutic and behavioral therapeutic interventions aimed at treating mental health disorders while simultaneously addressing the associated substance use disorder.
With that said, it’s important to be able to recognize the signs that someone may need dual diagnosis treatment. Dual diagnosis treatment is a serious matter that can help someone get long-term healing and recovery so, the sooner you make the step, the better.
