Dual diagnosis is a medical term for someone with both a mental health disorder and an addiction or substance use disorder. It’s estimated that nearly 8 million adults in the U.S. suffer from both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder, which can include alcohol or drug use disorder.
Despite the prevalence of dual diagnosis, only half of those who need dual diagnosis treatment receive it.
This blog post will provide an overview of the statistics related to dual diagnosis so you can understand more about the prevalence of this condition.
What Is Dual Diagnosis?
It is also known as co-occurring disorders, is when an individual experiences a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder simultaneously. This condition can be difficult to diagnose and treat, as the symptoms and treatments may vary greatly from individual to individual.
If you search for dual diagnosis treatment centers near me online, you will likely find several centers that meet your needs.
However, it’s important to understand the basic statistics behind dual diagnosis to provide better support and treatment for those struggling with this condition. Here are three statistics of dual diagnosis that you need to know.
What Is the Most Common Dual Diagnosis?
One of the most common combinations of dual diagnoses is depression and substance use disorder. Around 9.5 million people have both depression and substance use disorder, according to recent data from The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Alcohol use disorder is one of the most commonly associated diagnoses with depression, followed by nicotine dependence and marijuana use disorder. Additionally, individuals with bipolar disorder were found to have a higher rate of co-occurring substance use disorders than those without bipolar disorder.
3 Statistics of Dual Diagnosis You Need To Know
1. Over 17 Million Adults Had a Mental Health Disorder In the Last Year
Over 17 million adults in the United States had a mental health disorder in the past year. This statistic reflects the immense need for treatment and support for those with mental health issues. Common mental health disorders include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Each of these conditions can seriously affect individuals and their families, making treatment and support all the more important.
For many, there is an additional layer to the complexity of their mental health disorder. Dual diagnosis is when an individual has a co-occurring disorder of alcoholism or substance abuse in addition to their mental health disorder. It’s estimated that around 4 million people with a mental health disorder also have a co-occurring disorder of alcoholism or substance abuse.
These figures are significant as many individuals are not receiving the care they need and deserve. In fact, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), over 50% of those in need of dual diagnosis treatment fail to receive it. More must be done to ensure individuals receive the right treatment and support to address mental health and substance use disorders.
2. 4 Million of those With a Mental Health Disorder Had a Co-Occurring Disorder of Alcoholism or Substance Abuse
There were 4 million people aged 18 and older in 2022 who had a mental health disorder and a co-occurring disorder of alcoholism or substance abuse.
This statistic clearly illustrates how often dual diagnosis occurs and emphasizes the need for proper treatment for those affected. As many individuals who suffer from both disorders may be unaware of the connection between their mental health issues and substance abuse, recognizing the existence of a dual diagnosis is essential to providing effective care.
When both conditions are left untreated, it can lead to greater complications, such as the increased risk of suicide, more serious health issues, and higher levels of distress.
That’s why it is important to recognize the signs of dual diagnosis and address both disorders simultaneously. Dual diagnosis treatment typically involves medications and psychotherapy, which can help reduce mental illness symptoms, prevent further substance abuse, and offer the necessary support for long-term recovery.
With proper help, those suffering from dual diagnosis can lead happier, healthier lives.
3. Over 50% of those In Need of Dual Diagnosis Treatment Fail to Receive It
This statistic is quite damning when you take a second to reflect on the fact that most of the people who suffer from a dual diagnosis do not receive adequate treatment for both conditions. This significantly increases the likelihood of negative outcomes such as self-harm, suicide, homelessness, and incarceration increases significantly.
Many individuals fail to seek help due to the stigma surrounding mental health issues and substance abuse. Even when they do seek help, they often do not receive comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment. Instead, they may receive treatment for only one condition, leaving the other untreated. This can be dangerous and lead to worsening symptoms of both disorders.
Those with this condition must get the comprehensive treatment they need from dual diagnosis treatment centers near me. This includes professional counseling, medication management, and sometimes hospitalization. Dual diagnosis treatment is vital in helping individuals manage their conditions, cope with their symptoms, and lead a productive and fulfilling life.
The Importance of Treating Both Conditions Simultaneously
Many people suffering from a mental health disorder may use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate their symptoms, which can quickly lead to a substance use disorder.
For an effective treatment process, both conditions must be addressed. Treating both conditions simultaneously allows individuals to manage their mental health and substance abuse issues more comprehensively.
Treating both conditions simultaneously also helps to reduce the risk of relapse. When individuals only receive treatment for one condition and not the other, they are more likely to experience relapses in their previous behaviors.
By providing treatment for both conditions, there is a greater chance that individuals will be able to achieve long-term sobriety and mental health stability.
The Bottom Line
Dual diagnosis is an increasingly prevalent issue, with millions worldwide dealing with mental health and substance abuse disorders. The correlation between mental illness and substance abuse and the importance of treating both conditions simultaneously cannot be overstated.
The statistics surrounding dual diagnosis demonstrate the scale of this problem and the necessity of raising awareness to ensure that those in need can receive the appropriate treatment. Once we understand the numbers behind dual diagnosis, we can better address this growing issue with improved clarity and more effective resources.