dual diagnosis help in Florida, dual diagnosis treatment centers in Florida
Co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis is a condition when somebody has an addiction and a mental disorder together. Substance abuse can also trigger a mental disorder resulting in co-morbidity. A study titled “Substance Abuse Treatment for Persons with Co-Occurring Disorders” says “the toxic effects of substances can mimic mental illness in ways that can be difficult to distinguish from mental illness.”
“Substance-induced disorders are distinct from independent co-occurring mental disorders in that all or most of the psychiatric symptoms are the direct result of substance use,” it mentions. Mental disorders induced by substance abuse range from “mild anxiety and depression (these are the most common across all substances) to full-blown manic and other psychotic reactions (much less common),” according to the study. If consumed in large quantities and for a long period, any substance can lead to a psychotic state.
Here, we take a look at some of the most common types of substance abuse and their corresponding psychiatric symptoms seen in intoxication, withdrawal, or chronic use:
Alcohol: When people drink – moderate to heavy – they experience euphoria, mood liability, decreased impulse control, and increased social confidence. We call it getting high. But prolonged consumption of alcohol increases the incidence of dysphoria, anxiety, and violence potential. However, the study feels that “differentiating protracted withdrawal from a major depression or anxiety disorder is often difficult.”
“Alcohol-induced deliriums after high-dose drinking are characterized by fluctuating mental status, confusion, and disorientation and are reversible once both alcohol and its withdrawal symptoms are gone, while by definition, alcohol dementias are associated with brain damage and are not entirely reversible even with sobriety,” the study notes. Under such a circumstance one has no other option but to seek treatment at a reputed rehab like the dual diagnosis treatment centers in Florida. They are the best in the country and ideal for people looking for dual diagnosis help in Florida.
Opioids: Resultant effects of opioid intoxication are intense euphoria and well-being, and withdrawal symptoms include agitation, severe body aches, gastrointestinal symptoms, dysphoria, and craving to use more opioids. And again, differentiating this from major depression or anxiety is difficult. But prolonged use of opioids is commonly associated with moderate to severe depression.
Sedatives: The effects of sedative intoxication are similar to that of alcohol and withdrawal symptoms, including mood instability with anxiety and/or depression, sleep disturbance, autonomic hyperactivity, tremor, nausea or vomiting. In more severe cases there could be hallucinations or illusions. However, using sedatives for over a period of time could result in anxiety symptoms and poor response to its treatment.
Nicotine: Long-term abuse of nicotine could also trigger mental conditions. It is observed that people who are addicted to nicotine appear to be depressed than others who do not use it. People also utilize nicotine to regulate mood. Those who stop using nicotine are seen craving for more and also show depressive symptoms. These symptoms, however, cease after resuming the use.
Caffeine: Caffeine, when consumed in large quantities can cause anxiety in varied degrees. “Caffeine is also associated with an increase in the number of panic attacks in individuals who are predisposed to them,” says the study.
Cocaine and amphetamines: The study reveals that “long-term amphetamine use appears to cause long-term changes in the functional structure of the brain, and this is accompanied by long-term problems with concentration, memory, and, at times, psychotic symptoms.”
“Some people who have what appear to be substance-induced disorders may turn out to have both a substance-induced disorder and an independent mental disorder,” the study concludes.
