Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Utah

Anxiety is a generalized mental health concern involving stress and worry, anxiety-producing thought patterns, and physical changes like increased heart rate and blood pressure. The American Psychological Association states, “Anxiety is not the same as fear, but they are often used interchangeably. Anxiety is considered a future-oriented, long-acting response broadly focused on a diffuse threat, whereas fear is an appropriate, present-oriented, and short-lived response to a clearly identifiable and specific threat.”

People who struggle with anxiety experience a range of disruptive symptoms, including persistent feelings of fear, increased heart rate, uncontrollable shaking, and gastrointestinal issues. In many cases, anxiety is effectively treated with a combination of medication and therapy.

Depression is one of the most common co-occurring mental health concerns. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance notes, “Major depressive disorder affects approximately 17.3 million American adults, or about 7.1% of the U.S. population age 18 and older, in a given year. Over 20%  of Americans with an anxiety or mood disorder such as depression have an alcohol or other substance use disorder (both alcohol and other substances) experience depression.” 

It is not uncommon for people to experience changes in mood on occasion. In most cases, feelings of sadness are directly linked to external circumstances, and they dissipate as the situation resolves. However, those suffering from major depressive disorder and other forms of depression often require antidepressant medication and long-term therapeutic intervention.

ADHD is a mental health concern characterized by difficulty paying attention, impulse control, and problems completing day-to-day tasks or carrying out personal responsibilities. In most cases, ADHD is diagnosed during childhood. However, it is not uncommon for individuals with undiagnosed ADHD to begin self-medicating with drugs and alcohol later on in life. 

An article published by the American Academy of Pediatrics titled “ADHD and Substance Abuse: The Link Parents Need to Know,” states, “Children and teens with ADHD are more likely ​than other kids to smoke, drink, or use drugs. They experiment with all three at younger ages than those children without ADHD. They are also at a greater risk for developing a substance use disorder.”

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes significant changes to a person’s mood and makes it more difficult for them to function in everyday life. People diagnosed with bipolar disorder experience intense emotional states, known as mood episodes, lasting for several weeks or months. They tend to vacillate between manic episodes and depressive episodes. During mania, a person is excessively happy and energetic. When they slip into a depressive episode, they feel sad and hopeless and struggle with abnormally low energy levels. 

At Spirit Mountain Recovery, we treat individuals who have bipolar disorder and co-occurring substance use issues. In many cases, people with undiagnosed or untreated bipolar disorder will self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. Over time, they develop a physical dependence on chemical substances that must be treated in conjunction with the underlying mental health issue.