Dual diagnosis is also referred to as co-occurring disorders. If you have been diagnosed with a drug or alcohol addiction problem and a mental condition, then that’s a dual diagnosis. If you show any of the following signs, then you have co-occurring disorders, and you’ll need to seek out proper treatment.

You Have a History of Mental Illness

About 50 percent of Americans with mental disorders also suffer from a substance abuse problem, the National Alliance on Mental Illness reports. That said, if you have a history of mental disorder, you may also be suffering from addiction. You’re at a higher risk of developing one.

Your Family Has Them Too

If you have been exposed to drugs since you were young, due to the habits and addiction of your family members, that is a possible deciding factor, one that can lead to drug addiction. That’s why children of mentally ill parents can be exposed and take on unhealthy coping practices that could make them more at risk of developing a mental disorder, the Mental Help notes. If you find yourself in this situation, then you may be suffering from co-occurring conditions.

You Use Drugs or Alcohol to Cope

People who have a hard time coping with emotional problems resort to drugs or alcohol to cope. If you already have depression or anxiety, resorting to drugs or alcohol can lead to addiction. When that happens, your pre-existing mental disorder, combined with the drug abuse, means you now suffer from co-occurring disorders.

You’ve Tried to Stop, But Failed

If you’ve tried to quit drinking or taking drugs, but find that you can’t, even with help from a rehab facility, that could be because your treatment may not be addressing all your problems. If you have depression or anxiety and your treatment only focuses on your addiction problems, then that leaves you at the mercy of your worsening mental conditions. Entering a dual diagnosis rehab program is the best way to ensure that you get the specialized care you need, one that integrates therapies to deal with your depression and addiction. If you’re not getting better, even if you’re receiving treatment, check if you have a dual diagnosis.

You Feel Out of Control

If you have little to no control over your emotions and you have trouble concentrating, you have frequent panic attacks, and your behavior is often erratic, resulting in frequent bouts of insomnia and irritability, then those possible indications that you’ve got a mental disorder. If you use drugs or alcohol to try to cope or get yourself under control, that could lead to co-occurring conditions.

Finding Treatment

These are some of the signs that you may have co-occurring conditions. The best way to find out if you’re depressed and addicted is to get yourself evaluated and assessed by a substance abuse professional. When you seek out treatment, find a rehab center that offers dual diagnosis treatments. With a program that addresses your conditions, you have a better chance of achieving recovery success.