Dealing with substance use is never easy. From intense cravings to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, you will have to fight with all your might to prevent yourself from relapsing. Unfortunately, the struggle becomes even more difficult when you suffer from co-occurring disorders or dual diagnoses of substance abuse and critical mental health problems like schizophrenia.
What Is Dual Diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis is the co-occurrence of substance abuse and mental illness problems. Each issue has unique challenges and symptoms that will likely affect your regular activities and hinder your work life and relationships. If either of these issues is not treated on time, both conditions can worsen. With dual diagnosis schizophrenia support, proper treatment, and self-help, you can overcome these issues and regain control of your sense of self.
Understanding Schizophrenia and Substance Abuse – Causes, Symptoms, and Effects
Schizophrenia is a brain disorder where individuals struggle to distinguish reality from imagination. People with the condition cannot respond to social situations emotionally like other individuals and have complicated interpersonal relationships.
Causes
While there’s no direct cause of the disorder, genetics, imbalances in the brain structure and chemicals, and environmental factors like viruses, infections, or malnutrition may be contributing factors.
Symptoms and Effects
Schizophrenia has a broad spectrum of cognitive, behavioural, or emotional symptoms that include:
- Hallucinations
- Delusional thinking
- Disorganized speech
- Catatonic behavioru
- Lack of interest
- Reduced emotional expression
- Changes in personal hygiene
- Social withdrawal
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Attention and memory issues
Substance Abuse – Signs and Symptoms
Abused substances can include prescribed medications, alcohol, and drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, or meth. To identify if you have a substance abuse problem, ask yourself:
- Have you tried to cut back on your substance use but couldn’t?
- Do you need alcohol or drugs to improve your mood?
- Do you lie about the frequency of substance use?
- Are your family members concerned about your substance use?
- Do you feel ashamed of your substance use?
- Do you feel the need to regularly use these substances?
- Have you done anything under the influence that you regret?
- Has your substance use habit caused problems in your life?
If your answers are “yes,” you will likely have a problem.
Symptoms
- Drowsiness
- Lack of coordination
- Irritability or mood changes
- Memory problems
- Slurred speech
- Lack of concentration
- Involuntary eye movements
- Anxiety and paranoid thinking
- Decreased coordination
Why Do Substance Addiction and Schizophrenia Co-Occur?
While there are several reasons why dual diagnosis occurs, the primary factors include:
- Self-medication: Some individuals with schizophrenia turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia-related symptoms.
- Impulsivity: Impulsivity is common in both conditions and leads to poor decisions and risky behaviours.
- Emotional instability: People with schizophrenia struggle to manage their emotions, experience paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations, and turn to substances to escape reality.
Importance of Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Schizophrenia and Substance Abuse Disorder
Dual diagnosis is paramount for concurrently addressing both conditions. Treating both problems at the same time is necessary to ensure complete recovery and limit the risk of relapse. Integrated treatment programs focus on holistic care and provide interventions that meet each individual’s needs to build a foundation for mental and emotional stability.
Moreover, dual diagnosis practices are backed by professionals experienced in treating co-occurring conditions. Care teams include psychiatrists, addiction specialists, and therapists, who work together to ensure the interventions are synchronized and create personalized substance abuse treatment plans. They go beyond medical treatment and help you develop coping mechanisms based on the severity of disorders, previous treatment methods, and the support system.
Recovering From Co-Occurring Disorders With Dual Diagnosis Program
The journey of overcoming a mental health problem like schizophrenia and substance abuse is a roller coaster ride. The road to recovery is long, and resistance is common. Since the coping mechanisms are not one-size-fits-all, consult professionals to identify the proper dual diagnosis treatment to manage symptoms and lead a quality life.
You should also learn to manage stress, identify triggers, and develop coping strategies for unpleasant feelings. Follow the doctor’s instructions, adopt healthy lifestyle habits, and avoid things that push you to overthink or turn to substance use. Finally, be patient. Recovering from co-occurring disorders is an ongoing process. Stay connected with your therapist and support group to regain control of yourself.
