Florida Dual Diagnosis Helpline

1. Florida Dual Diagnosis Helpline info@floridadualdiagnosishelpline.com www.floridadualdiagnosishelpline.com For Treatment Options In Your Area, please call our 24/7 Helpline 866-337-7631

2. About Dual Diagnosis It is not only important but imperative that an individual suffering from co-occurring disorders seeks treatment at a facility that specializes in dual diagnosis to receive the most effective care. Substance abuse disorders and behavioral addictions both qualify as addiction disorders and often co-occur with mental health disorders. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, people diagnosed with a mood or anxiety disorder are twice as likely to develop a substance abuse disorder as those in the general population. For Treatment Options In Your Area, please call our 24/7 Helpline 866-337-7631

3. What is Dual Diagnosis A dual diagnosis occurs when an individual suffers from a combination of an addiction and a mental health disorder, both of which can be established independently from the other. It is common for two or more disorders to be co-occurring, as mental health disorders burden the individual with uncontrollable feelings that can be extremely uncomfortable to experience. Many individuals may decide to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol instead of seeking professional help. Drugs and alcohol also alter an individual’s moods, thoughts, behavior and brain chemistry; therefore, either issue can develop first. The co-occurring disorders might be equal in severity or one could be milder. The level of treatment needed for each disorder can be determined by a doctor or mental health professional.

4. Signs & Symptoms of Dual Diagnosis Dual diagnosis occurs when an individual has both a mental health disorder and an addiction disorder. It is often difficult to distinguish between the two, as the symptoms and disorders themselves are so closely intertwined. For this reason, it is absolutely vital to seek professional help in diagnosing and treating any co-occurring disorders. That being said, if an individual has been diagnosed with a mental health disorder and abuses alcohol, drugs or has any other addictive behaviors, then it is clear that these are co-occurring conditions that need to be addressed simultaneously.

5. Drug & Alcohol Effects On Mental Health It is important to note that those with severe and/or disabling mental health disorders often have a lower threshold for alcohol and drugs, making them more susceptible to abuse and addiction. In other words, a lower amount of alcohol and drugs is needed to produce the same effect in others. The more severe the disorder, the lower the amount of the substance that is needed to be harmful. info@floridadualdiagnosishelpline.com For Treatment Options In Your Area, please call our 24/7 Helpline 866-337-7631

6. Types Of Treatment Residential Treatment Programs Outpatient Treatment Outpatient treatment is that which does not offer 24-hour supervision. This is ideal for individuals who are physically and psychologically able to take care of themselves during the evenings or weekends, when not in treatment. Residential treatment programs provide supervised support in a structured environment. This type of treatment can be beneficial, as it removes distractions and triggers so an individual can focus on recovery.

7. Contact Us info@floridadualdiagnosishelpline.com www.floridadualdiagnosishelpline.com For Treatment Options In Your Area, please call our 24/7 Helpline 866-337-7631