Origins and Outlook: 5 Risk Factors of Dual Diagnosis

Dealing with substance use disorder and mental illness simultaneously is not easy. This condition currently affects millions of people around the globe, and it is known as dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder.

Individually, these conditions are challenging to deal with, but when they coexist in one person, they can cause severe consequences, ranging from physical health issues to suicidal tendencies. For this reason, it is important to seek treatment promptly to ensure it does not severely affect the concerned person and those around them. But what causes dual diagnosis? Here are five factors linked to this condition.

Genetics

If someone is struggling with substance use disorder or mental health, there is a probability that someone in their family has developed either or both conditions. Experts in the dual diagnosis treatment center associate this occurrence with irregularities that occur in the brain.

For instance, brain structure abnormalities and neurochemical imbalances can increase the risk of substance use disorder and psychological problems. Brain changes also make one more likely to have a mental disorder or use substances, which can trigger the development of dual diagnosis.

External Factors

Other than a person’s biological structure, some environmental factors can contribute to mental health problems and substance use. For instance, if a person has been subjected to childhood trauma and no treatment is offered, they are likely to develop one or both disorders later on. Such traumatic experiences can include verbal, sexual, or physical abuse, domestic violence, loss of a dear one, and neglect.

What’s more, if an individual is stressed or undergoing some socioeconomic issues like a lack of employment or housing, they may abuse substances. This may increase the probability of getting a dual diagnosis. People without a good support system and those whose peers encourage negative behaviours are at risk. Situations like these worsen mental health and increase the risk of addictive substance use.

Psychological Factors

Mental disorders make an individual vulnerable, which increases the chances of alcohol consumption and drug use in an attempt to cope with the situation. In reality, such a coping mechanism is problematic and unhealthy, particularly if it continues for a long time. These substances alter how the brain perceives substance effects while making an individual unaware of the symptoms of the pre-existing mental conditions.

When someone is undergoing some emotional regulation difficulties, they may opt to use substances like drugs, alcohol, or other stimulants. People with co-occurring disorders are more likely to have emotional regulation difficulties and may drink more to cope with their adverse situations.

Vulnerabilities and Personality Traits

Substance use is often a form of self-medication for people with mental health problems. They use drugs and alcohol to distract themselves, which can later lead to addiction. Even so, persistent mental health problems are not the only culprit.

Some personality traits also increase a person’s probability of developing a dependency on various addictive substances. For example, people who like taking risks are more likely to use substances.

Substance Use and Addiction

Drug and alcohol use usually changes the brain chemistry and can cause the development of various mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. As such, it is important to control substance abuse and addiction as soon as possible to ensure that the structure and function are not affected. Once the brain structure is altered, there will be a higher chance of having severe mental issues, which could lead to dual diagnosis.

Although many people suffer from dual diagnosis, the condition can be reversed. The therapists identify the risk factor and then create a customised treatment plan. However, the affected person may sometimes be admitted to a dual diagnosis facility for thorough treatment.

Pin It!