When you have a drug, alcohol, or behavioral addiction, chances are you may also have feelings of anxiety, depression, and extreme mood swings. Suffering from both substance abuse problems (or behavioral addiction such as gambling or sex addiction) and a psychiatric condition is called a dual diagnosis disorder.
Image source: www.12keysrehab.com
Mental health problems and substance abuse commonly go together, hand in hand. Ether the mental problem comes first or the substance abuse results in a mental disorder. A person who has anxiety or depression, for example, may try to resort to substances to cope, as a form of self-medication. This can then easily go out of hand, resulting to addiction.
While you need to consult a qualified mental health professional to get an accurate diagnosis, here’s are some red flags that tell you if you have dual diagnosis.
- Drinking or using substances as a form of escape or to numb overwhelming negative feelings such as loneliness or anxiety
- Resorting to drugs or alcohol to cope with stressful events or uncomfortable social situations
- Having a history of psychological disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, anxiety
- Feeling hopeless or extremely sad for two weeks or more, even without the influence of substances
- Problems at home, school, or work due to substance abuse
These signs point to co-occurring disorders that have damaging and irreversible consequences when not given prompt treatment.
Recent Comments