Dual Diagnosis and Alcoholism

A person with a dual diagnosis has both a mental health disorder and an alcohol or drug addiction simultaneously.

There remains a vicious cycle between alcohol abuse and mental health complications. Patients with mental health complications are known to self-medicate through alcohol consumption, and the prolonged abuse of alcohol can eventually lead to mental health complications.

Alcohol abuse can cause depression, anxiety, psychosis, and antisocial behavior, during intoxication and during withdrawal.

Research indicates that alcohol does not transform the overall personality, though it does tend to make people more extroverted. Alcohol can help boost an individual’s confidence and make them less self-conscious, which in turn exaggerates certain personality traits.

Some of the most common symptoms of alcohol abuse may include temporary blackouts, short-term memory loss, extreme irritability, mood swings, or always finding an excuse to consume alcohol.

Alcoholism is the most serious form of problem drinking. It describes a strong, often uncontrollable desire to drink. Sufferers of alcoholism will often place drinking above all other obligations, including work and family. Prolong abuse can develop a physical tolerance and dependence that could lead to withdrawal symptoms if they cease alcohol consumption.

Depression is the most widely diagnosed mental health condition in today’s world, and it is also the most frequently occurring mental health condition alongside alcoholism. Individuals with depression frequently seek refuge in alcohol to alleviate some of the severe symptoms of their condition, such as hopelessness, sadness, loneliness, and suicidal thoughts. However, the long-term consequences of alcohol consumption are often paradoxical, as alcohol generally worsens symptoms of depression.

Around 18 percent of Americans experience some form of anxiety at some point in their life. These individuals are often drawn towards alcohol since drinking can momentarily calm them and divert their focus. Many individuals with social anxiety claim that alcohol makes them more confident and relaxed in social settings. Nevertheless, alcohol can aggravate anxiety over time, especially since alcohol-influenced decisions can place individuals in anxiety-filled situations.

Alcoholism and bipolar disorder pair up quite frequently. Certain studies indicate that a majority of bipolar patients develop substance abuse or addiction, particularly alcoholism, at some point in their lives. Although bipolar patients find alcohol consumption helpful in alleviating certain aspects of their lives, prolonged consumption can cause adverse consequences. Alcohol use during manic bipolar phases is particularly dangerous as it further provokes reckless and careless behaviors associated with mania.

Studies suggest that almost 25 percent of OCD patients also battle with alcohol abuse. OCD patients find alcohol highly appealing as it diverts their attention away from their symptoms. However, the symptoms of OCD can also worsen with regular alcohol use. Prolonged and regular use of alcohol can lead to the formation of dependence and addiction. The severe the symptoms get, the more an individual tends to drink and thus creating a vicious cycle between alcoholism and the aggravation of mental health disorder.

The first step of treatment begins with detoxification. This process involves the elimination of the substance within the body. Inpatient detox is safer and much more effective than outpatient for gaining initial sobriety. During inpatient detox, medical staff will provide around the clock care and supervision to help patients better manage withdrawal and treat any health conditions that may arise. Depending on the severity of the addiction, patients may adhere to the tapering down detox or be provided medically assisted detox.

A patient with a dual diagnosis may benefit the most out of inpatient rehab as it provides strict and supervised medical care. These treatment centers generally provide therapy, support, medications, and health care services to treat the substance use disorder while addressing the underlying issues.

These are residential treatment centers such as group homes or sober houses that greatly assist individuals who are newly sober in avoiding relapses.

This is a crucial element of an effective treatment plan for dual diagnosis. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps patients learn how to cope with triggers and cravings as well as instill positive thought processes.

These are greatly useful in treating mental health disorders. Certain medications may also help patients with substance use disorders alleviate withdrawal symptoms during the detox phase.

Battling a dual diagnosis can be quite challenging and isolating. Thus, support groups allow members to share their frustrations and successes and find referrals for specialists and community resources. They also provide a safe space for forming healthy, long-lasting relationships that encourage patients to stay clean. Few examples of these support groups are Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Double Trouble in Recovery, and Smart Recovery.