What is Dual-Diagnosis?
You may have heard of dual diagnosis for union members, but what does that mean? Dual diagnosis is when an individual has both a mental condition, as well as an alcohol or drug addiction. According to the National Library of Medicine, about half of the people with mental disorders also have a substance use disorder at some point in their lives and vice versa.
Table of Contents
- What is Dual-Diagnosis?
- What are the Causes of a Drug Problem or Mental Illness
- Dual-Diagnosis Treatment Statistics
- Dual-Diagnosis Treatment Statistics in the Workplace
- Common Treatment Methods for Dual Diagnosis
- Detox
- Therapy
- Community
- Medication
- Diet, Exercise, Routine, and Sleep
- Joining a Program
- What Human Resources Departments Need to Know About Dual Diagnosis?
- What to Expect from Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
- How Can Union First Help You?
What are the Causes of a Drug problem or Mental illness:
While these problems often occur together, it doesn’t mean one is responsible for the other. These are the reasons mental health experts think these conditions happen simultaneously:
- Common risk factors, such as genetics, stress, and trauma
- Mental conditions can contribute to substance use disorder; for example, patients may self-medicate their mental health with drugs or alcohol
- Addiction can contribute to developing mental health issues because substance use can change the brain
Dual-Diagnosis Treatment Statistics
There are many effective treatments for mental health disorders and substance abuse disorders. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 52.5% of people with dual diagnosis receive no help for their condition; 34.5% received only mental health care; 9.1% received both mental health care and addiction treatment; and 3.9% received only substance use treatment.
Dual-Diagnosis Treatment Statistics in the Workplace
The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports there are 7.7 American adults with dual diagnosis. Of those with a substance use disorder, 37.9% also had mental illnesses and among individuals with a mental illness, 18.2% also had a substance use disorder.
Common Treatment Methods for Dual Diagnosis
If you or a loved one struggles with a dual diagnosis, it’s important to receive treatment for both conditions. For the best results, you’ll need to detox from drugs and alcohol, attend regular therapy sessions, find a community of people, properly medicate, manage your lifestyle, and join a 12-step program.
1. Detox
The first step in addiction recovery is detox. Detox, or withdrawal, is clearing substances from your body. There are two main ways you can detox, either by quitting cold turkey or by tapering off the substance with supervision from a medical professional.
2. Therapy
Research shows that one of the most effective forms of therapy used for those with a dual diagnosis is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). With CBT, you’ll work with a trained therapist and learn to adapt your thinking and better cope with the symptoms of your mental health condition.
3. Community
According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), the community is critical for those with a mental illness to thrive. If you struggle with a dual diagnosis, consider checking into a residential or inpatient treatment program to gain added community support.
4. Medication
With help from a mental health professional, you can receive prescription drugs for medically-assisted treatment (MAT) while you detox to ease the side effects of withdrawal. Studies show that MAT helps reduce the risk of relapse.
5. Diet, Exercise, Routine, and Sleep
Another way to manage symptoms of your dual diagnosis is by managing your diet, exercise, routine, and sleep. Studies show that these lifestyle choices can improve your physical and mental health.
6. Joining a Program
Consider joining a 12-step program, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Here, you can find a community of people who can relate to what you’re going through and provide comfort and support. Many community programs meet once or more a week and provide individual sponsors so you always have someone to reach out to when needed.
What Human Resources Departments Need to Know About Dual Diagnosis?
Human Resources (HR) departments should know that dual diagnosis is very common. One way HR departments can help union members is by connecting them to resources, such as union member assistance programs, that can help them. Union member assistance programs often offer mental health support and resources, including access to a mental health care provider.
What to Expect from Dual Diagnosis Treatment
The first step of dual diagnosis treatment is detox. After comes therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and more. In treatment, you’ll be on a strict schedule where you’ll establish a routine in your new environment, attend group therapy sessions, receive medication, and connect with others going through a similar journey.
How Can Union First Help You?
If you or a loved one struggles with a dual diagnosis for union members, consider treatment and seek help from Union First. Union First is an EAP that not only protects your job so you can receive treatment, but also provides health services to union members, public union members, and their families. From mental health counseling to drug or alcohol rehab or a combination thereof, Union First can help.
Union First is committed to helping those struggling with addiction and mental health issues. We offer job protection while in treatment, so patients do not worry about how their employer will react if they are going through treatment for addiction, or other mental health issues. Everyone deserves a chance to work and support themselves. Union First is here to help you maintain as much of your life as possible during treatment