Is it common for someone with a substance abuse illness to also develop dual diagnosis??
Question: It's just that I have this friend who has always been an alcoholic. Lately, I have noticed that he has gotten more depressed as well. I was just thinking that maybe he has dual diagnosis.
Answers: Researches have shown that around 50 percent of the people suffering from substance addiction also have psychological issues. There are those who started out as having mental problems that led to their addiction, but there are also others who started out with substance addiction leading to the development of a psychological illness. It would be good if you ask your friend to go to a doctor. Dual diagnosis is harder to treat than just a mental health problem or a substance addiction alone. The co-occurring illnesses will have to be treated simultaneously as treating only one will not mean that the other will go away.
the emotional problems usually lead to the substance abuse
It's possible to get not only double but multiple diagnoses with a person with various health problems. Depression is more likely an underlying factor to alcohol addiction. The alcoholic personality tries to hide his fears and problems and wash away his sorrrows by drinking.
Quite often people who suffer from mental illness will try to medicate themselves through alcohol or drugs. So, it is not uncommon that your friend has always had a problem with Depression, but the alcohol
covered the symptoms. Perhaps your friend has changed their drinking habits (could they be drinking less?) This certainly would change the way they are behaving.
The chances are very high that he does in fact have a dual diagnosis---most addicts do. However, most will not admit to feeling depressed.
If he really is your friend, have you suggested that he get help for his alcoholism? Alcohol has a toxic effect on the Liver and many alcoholics develop Cirrhosis. This is an irreversible condition that can lead to your friend's demise. If you friend is not willing to go to AA or get assistance with his alcoholism, he should at least go to the doctor and get a checkup.
Answers: Researches have shown that around 50 percent of the people suffering from substance addiction also have psychological issues. There are those who started out as having mental problems that led to their addiction, but there are also others who started out with substance addiction leading to the development of a psychological illness. It would be good if you ask your friend to go to a doctor. Dual diagnosis is harder to treat than just a mental health problem or a substance addiction alone. The co-occurring illnesses will have to be treated simultaneously as treating only one will not mean that the other will go away.
the emotional problems usually lead to the substance abuse
It's possible to get not only double but multiple diagnoses with a person with various health problems. Depression is more likely an underlying factor to alcohol addiction. The alcoholic personality tries to hide his fears and problems and wash away his sorrrows by drinking.
Quite often people who suffer from mental illness will try to medicate themselves through alcohol or drugs. So, it is not uncommon that your friend has always had a problem with Depression, but the alcohol
covered the symptoms. Perhaps your friend has changed their drinking habits (could they be drinking less?) This certainly would change the way they are behaving.
The chances are very high that he does in fact have a dual diagnosis---most addicts do. However, most will not admit to feeling depressed.
If he really is your friend, have you suggested that he get help for his alcoholism? Alcohol has a toxic effect on the Liver and many alcoholics develop Cirrhosis. This is an irreversible condition that can lead to your friend's demise. If you friend is not willing to go to AA or get assistance with his alcoholism, he should at least go to the doctor and get a checkup.
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