Dual Diagnosis

A dual diagnosis is when an individual has a substance use disorder as well as a mental health disorder (e.g., anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder). Dual diagnosis can take various forms depending on the addiction and mental health disorder. Substance abuse can mask many symptoms, so it can be challenging to diagnose the underlying mental health disorder(s) until the drug or alcohol addiction is treated.

Individuals with dual diagnoses may have trouble maintaining relationships, may withdraw socially and isolate, and may have a hard time expressing their emotions, which can intensify their mental illness or addiction symptoms. When someone is actively in their addiction, they may be less likely to receive adequate medical care, are more likely to experience severe medical complications and early death, and are at an increased risk of impulsive or potentially violent acts.