In the mental health field, there is a growing recognition of the link between addiction and mental health conditions, leading many treatment providers to adopt integrated approaches that address both issues at the same time.
Mental health professionals use various terms to describe these disorders, including concurrent disorders, co-morbidity, co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorder, and dual diagnosis.
For the purpose of this article, we will focus on the term ‘dual diagnosis,’ ensuring a clear and focused understanding of this complex issue.
Understanding the various terms used in the mental health field, particularly those related to dual diagnosis, can be beneficial.
It can help you or a loved one to identify and seek the appropriate help if you suspect you may have this condition, knowing that support is available.
So, what exactly is dual diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis is a condition where an individual is dealing with both a mental illness and a substance use disorder simultaneously.
For example, someone could be struggling with PTSD and alcohol use disorder at the same time.
On the other hand, an individual may have both depression and opioid use disorder, requiring them to seek help and support for both conditions.
Individuals seeking treatment for symptoms of a mental illness and substance use disorder are often diagnosed as having a dual diagnosis.
However, it’s worth noting that many people seeking help and support for substance use disorder are unaware of how their mental health may be contributing to their addiction.
Integrated treatment approaches play a vital role in helping individuals make a connection between their mental health and issues with dependency.
By tailoring a treatment plan to their individual needs and preferences, these approaches can empower individuals to work toward sobriety and wellness in a more informed and empowered way.
Dual diagnosis symptoms
Each mental health condition and substance use disorder comes with its own set of symptoms.
When they occur together, the signs can vary significantly depending on the combination of disorders involved. Common symptoms of a substance use disorder may include:
- Pulling away from family and friends.
- Struggling to concentrate or stay focused.
- Noticeable shifts in behaviour or mood.
- Taking part in risky or impulsive activities.
- Building a tolerance to the substance or experiencing withdrawal.
- Feeling dependent on substances to get through the day.
Common symptoms of a mental health disorder may include:
- Intense or frequent mood swings.
- Difficulty thinking clearly or feeling confused.
- Trouble concentrating or staying focused.
- Struggling to manage daily responsibilities at work or school.
- Withdrawing from social interactions or activities.
- Experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
Dual diagnosis in Spain
A study conducted in 2007 explored the prevalence of dual diagnosis in Spain and found the following:
Affective and anxiety disorders are the most common comorbid diseases, and co-morbidity rates seem to be unrelated to regional differences, medical settings or doctor’s professional background.
It’s important to note that dual-diagnosis clients account for a significant portion of the clinical workload of addiction specialists in Spain, highlighting the global impact of this issue.
Why treating addiction and mental health together matters in recovery
Individuals grappling with addiction and underlying mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma tend to face more complex challenges than those dealing with addiction alone.
It is very often the case that the symptoms of a mental health disorder such as depression, for example, can be so profoundly unpleasant that individuals turn to substances like alcohol and drugs to cope, putting them at higher risk of addiction.
Traditional rehab programmes that overlook mental health may fall short when it comes to providing the proper treatment approaches, leading to higher incidences of relapse and ongoing distress.
Treating addiction and mental health together matters in recovery as these programmes provide root-cause-focused treatment that addresses both addictive symptoms and any underlying mental health issues driving these behaviours, offering a well-rounded programme for those in treatment.
Dual diagnosis offers a well-rounded treatment experience incorporating evidence-based therapies, such as talk therapy and trauma-informed treatment, with experiential approaches like mindfulness, breathwork, and meditation practices.
Holistic treatment approaches consider all aspects of an individual, encompassing their mind, body, spirit, overall well-being, and lived experience.
Fortunately, Spain’s best rehab centres and mental health clinics, including our facility, prioritise holistic treatment and care that supports the full spectrum of each client’s unique needs and goals for recovery.
Below are some additional factors that may be helpful if you struggle with dual diagnosis or are seeking treatment for this condition.
Dual diagnosis is more common than you think
In Spain alone, mental health professionals are seeing increased demand for dual diagnosis treatment as more individuals continue to present with depression, anxiety, bipolar, and PTSD, alongside drug or alcohol addiction.
In fact, studies show that approximately 50% of individuals with substance use disorders also have a co-occurring mental health condition.
Trauma
Trauma is a prevalent factor in addiction.
For instance, those with a history of trauma are twice as likely to develop a substance use disorder compared to those without trauma histories.
Moreover, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is known to co-occur in about 46% of individuals with a substance use disorder, highlighting the strong link between addiction and co-occurring disorders like trauma.
Integrated care improves treatment outcomes
When treatment is focused solely on addictive symptoms, treatment providers miss vital opportunities to see the broader picture of what might be going on for the individual.
Essentially, treating addiction without addressing root causes often leads to relapse.
Dual diagnosis treatment centres in Spain offer personalised treatment plans that address both disorders simultaneously, resulting in more favourable recovery outcomes and an improved quality of life.
Mental health symptoms can trigger substance use
When examining how dual diagnosis works, it may feel like the classic chicken-and-egg scenario, where we wonder which disorder came first.
It’s difficult to pinpoint whether the substance use disorder came first or the mental illness. However, it is often the case that individuals use substances to numb or self-medicate emotional pain.
Treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) are often used in dual diagnosis treatment to help clients understand where their addictive patterns come from and develop alternative coping mechanisms to manage stress.
Evidence-based treatments like CBT help individuals manage their symptoms and triggers without turning to drugs and alcohol, allowing them to lead a fulfilling, substance-free existence.
Spain’s top rehab centres are dual diagnosis-focused
Leading rehabilitation centres in Spain, including Camino Recovery, offer dual diagnosis programmes as part of a broader integrated treatment plan.
This approach gives clients access to expert-led care, including psychiatrists, addiction specialists, and trauma-informed professionals who work together to build personalised recovery plans that speak to each client’s struggles and lived experience.
Dual diagnosis treatment at Camino Recovery
Depending on what type of addiction and mental health issue you have, your programme at our rehab centre in Spain may look something like this:
- Comprehensive orientation and assessment with our intake coordinators, Mier and Loren, who will guide you through a personalised assessment and evaluation process to help determine your treatment needs and goals.
- Individual therapy with our centre’s dedicated clinical psychologist, Ines, who specialises in treating depression, anxiety and trauma. Ines works with various therapeutic modalities, particularly EMDR, which aligns with our commitment to providing comprehensive and effective care.
- As treatment progresses, you can participate in experiential therapies, such as art therapy, facilitated by Araceli, who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of art therapy.
We also provide a range of other treatments as part of our dual diagnosis programme, including:
- Twelve-step programme.
- CBT and DBT.
- Equine therapy.
- Group therapy.
- Relapse prevention.
Long-term recovery depends on full-spectrum healing
A good recovery programme focuses on exploring and addressing both the physical, psychological and spiritual aspects of addiction through tailored treatment that considers what the person has been through and how they have coped.
With the right dual diagnosis rehab programme, individuals can restore emotional balance, rebuild resilience and confidence, and develop tools for lasting sobriety – a full-spectrum experience that goes beyond traditional healing methods.
Evaluation and diagnosis
Assessing for dual diagnosis may involve various in-depth evaluations to determine what type of mental health condition and substance use disorder you have and how both conditions may impact each other.
Due to the various terms used to describe dual diagnosis, it can be unclear and perhaps even confusing for those seeking treatment; however, they all refer to the same condition.
If you would like help and support for dual diagnosis or suspect that you or someone you love may have this condition, please contact our professional team in Spain today, who will be happy to assist you.
Camino Recovery offers bespoke diagnosis and treatment, tailoring our approach to each client’s individual needs and preferences.
Our multidisciplinary team provides tailored therapies that address each person’s unique experience and vision for recovery, helping them overcome their specific challenges in a gentle and compassionate manner.
Contact us today for further support and information.
