Symptoms of Dual Diagnosis
All individuals that require dual diagnosis treatment are dependent on drugs or alcohol. However, their other symptoms vary depending on the psychiatric disorder that affects them. The most common psychiatric illnesses we see in dual diagnosis patients are personality or mood disorders. These include illnesses such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and many others.
Which Develops First?
People often experience symptoms of psychiatric illness first and try to numb their suffering by self-medicating with drugs and alcohol. Over time, the use of drugs or alcohol can lead to physical and psychological dependence. This dependence can compound the original psychiatric disorder. However, treatment must address both for recovery to be successful.
Others become addicted to drugs or alcohol first, experiencing symptoms of psychological illness as their substance abuse worsens. In these cases, individuals may become depressed or suicidal and suffer from hallucinations or fits of rage. Despite being triggered by chemical dependency, these symptoms are signs of an underlying psychiatric condition.
Individuals who start abusing substances as teenagers and continue into adulthood face a higher risk of psychiatric illness because their emotional and neurological development is disrupted by substance abuse. Of course, treatment can help alleviate the destructive effects of both conditions, restoring hope for the future.
Call Liberty Bay Recovery
There are no quick fixes for substance abuse or psychiatric illness, but there are proven treatments that can stop the damage to individuals and families before things get worse. To make accessing treatment easier, we accept most insurance plans. We also provide convenient options for affordable self-pay plans.
Our rehab programs in Portland, Maine include:
If you or a relative suffer from drug or alcohol dependency and a psychiatric disorder, the dual diagnosis treatment that Liberty Bay offers can help. Contact Liberty Bay Recovery in Portland Maine, and discover how our gentle approach and experienced staff can guide you through a successful detox and on the road to recovery. Call us today at 855.607.8758 to find out how Liberty Bay Recovery can help.