Dual Diagnosis, otherwise known as Co-Occurring Disorders, is the term used to describe a situation when an individual struggling with a substance abuse disorder also has a mental illness. At Opus, we use dual diagnosis treatment to help you treat your mental health disorder without the use of dangerous substances.
The term Dual Diagnosis can pertain to a broad spectrum of mental illnesses and addictions. Whether the addiction or mental illness becomes present first, the two can often be seen hand-in-hand. Substance misuse can, in fact, worsen mental disorders. Additionally, some people who experience mild to severe mental illnesses can turn to drugs or alcohol in attempts to cope– hence, a vicious cycle can begin.