Dual Addiction

Dual diagnosis is the term used when a person has a mood disorder such as depression or bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) and a problem with alcohol or drugs. A person who has a dual diagnosis has two separate illnesses, and each illness needs its own treatment plan.

DualTreatment

You may need to go to more than one doctor and attend more than one support group. All of your treatment providers should be aware that you have a dual diagnosis. Treatment for your mood disorder may include counseling or psychotherapy, medication and 4S Socity support groups where you can share your experience living with depression or bipolar disorder. Treatment for your alcohol and/or drug use may include some type of recovery group. If you are drinking or using every day, you and your doctor may decide that you need to check into a hospital or treatment center so you can be treated for physical withdrawal symptoms. After treating the withdrawal, you will need to treat the addiction. This may include a residential or outpatient alcohol/drug treatment center, a 12-step group or another group that focuses on living without substances. In these groups, you will learn how others stopped drinking or using, how to cope with cravings and urges to drink or use, and how to live comfortably without the use of alcohol or drugs.