Dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder is a condition in which a person suffers from a substance abuse problem as well as a mental disorder at the same time.

It is estimated that around 4 million people in America suffer from dual diagnosis.

According to the National Institute on Drugs Abuse (NIDA), people with an antisocial disorder or mood disorder are twice as likely to develop a drug use disorder, when compared to people who don’t suffer from these illnesses. Similarly, research suggests that people who abuse drugs are more likely to develop a serious mental illness.

Here are some of the facts and stats related to dual diagnosis-

  • More men are diagnosed with dual diagnosis compared to women. However, it must be stated that the number of women who’re diagnosed with dual diagnosis has gone up in the recent years.Dual Diagnosis
  • According to one of the studies, among people suffering from dual-diagnosis only 12% get the treatment for both substance abuse and mental disorder.
  • It is estimated that around 2.4% of people who’re employed full time are living with co-occurring disorder.
  • It is essential to provide integrated care to patients suffering from dual diagnosis. Dual diagnosis treatment centers provide treatment for physical addiction as well as mental disorder under one roof. This can go a long way when it comes to helping a person recover from a debilitating dual diagnosis.
  • The percentage of patients seeking medical treatment for dual diagnosis at rehab centers has increased to 16% over the years.

For those suffering from dual diagnosis, the road to recovery is not easy. The data provided by dual diagnosis treatment centers indicate that people suffering from dual diagnosis take a longer time to recover compared to those who’re dealing only with substance abuse problem. Of course, the time taken to recover depends on the severity of the condition.

There is no denying the fact that in the recent years, the awareness about co-occurring disorders has increased considerably. However, considering an increase in the percentage of people living with co-occurring disorders, there is a pressing need to provide patients an easy access to dual diagnosis treatment centers. A comprehensive program offered by a reliable dual diagnosis treatment center  will go a long way when it comes to helping a person overcome substance abuse and mental disorders.

Find out more about how dual diagnosis treatment centers can help.