The definition of a co-occurring disorder is the existence of a substance abuse disorder and a mental health issue simultaneously. Mental health issues can include depression, bipolar disorder or anxiety. Drug and alcohol rehab Florida have observed that although it is more difficult to treat co-occurring disorders, it is very common and can be overcome.

What are Dual Diagnosis and Co-Occurring Disorders?

Dual diagnosis includes the unique symptoms of both drug or alcohol dependence and mental health issues. These two issues often overlap and affect the functioning of the person afflicted.  Moreover, Outpatient Drug Treatment Florida have observed that when one of the issues goes untreated, the other problem typically increases as well. 

Does the mental health issue or the Addiction come first?

Although mental health issues are common in people who suffer from addiction, there are no scientific studies that prove that one causes the other.

1. Alcohol people with drug or alcohol dependence self-medicate the symptoms associated with depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, however, the attempt at self-medication, although unintended, worsens the symptoms.
2. Alcohol dependency increases the risk for mental illness. Although mental illness and disorders are often genetically inclined, the abuse of drugs and alcohol and dependence there from, may be enough to trigger an individual into mental illness such as depression or anxiety.
3. Alcohol and drug dependence often increase the symptoms associated with mental illness, including depression and anxiety.  Substance The existence of a mental disorder and the associated symptoms, are often exacerbated by drug dependence and abuse.  Moreover, outpatient drug rehab Florida and drug rehab have noticed that the treatment of these disorders, i.e., anti-depressants, is often marginalized by the abuse of drugs and alcohol.

Those with Mental Illness often suffer from Addiction

According to the AMA (American Medical Association):

• Approximately 50% of individuals with severe mental disorders are affected by substance abuse.
• 37% of alcohol and drug abusers and 53% of drug abusers also have at least one serious mental illness.
• Of all people diagnose as mentally ill, 29% abuse either alcohol or drugs.

Prescription Drug Dependence

Many elderly are prescribed tranquilizers or sedatives from physicians that can lead to drug dependence. The statistics demonstrate that over 16 million prescriptions of this type are written every year.  The only other type of medication prescribed more than these sedatives are heart medication. Outpatient Drug Treatment Florida have noticed that a common problem with medication in the elderly and sedatives is that many of these individuals take more of the medication than is prescribed because they forget whether they have taken the medication.  Additionally, many elderly are prescribed medication after a surgery and thus, become addicted. 

Common signs of drug dependence

Many elderly don’t drink at bars or parties; thus, avoiding legal issues related to driving while intoxicated.  Additionally, because they are retired, they don’t show signs related to not showing up for work or drinking and using drugs on the job.  Therefore, it can be difficult to identify a problem with the elderly. 

Signs that is recognizable:

1. Has a preference for attending events whereby drinking is accepted, i.e., happy hour
2. Drinks alone or out of the view of others who might identify usage
3. Makes a ritual of having food and drink before, with or after dinner, and becomes aggravated when this ritual is disturbed
4. Begins to lose interest in previously enjoyed activities
5. Drinks while taking prescriptions regardless of the warning to avoid drinking
6. Sedatives are with the person at all times and the individual takes them immediately upon being disturbed.
7. Is often demonstrating slurred speech
8. Attempts to hide their usage
9. Often has the smell of liquor on his/her breath or mouthwash to disguise it
10. Is neglecting personal appearance and gaining or losing weight
11. Has unexplained burns or bruises and tries to hide them
12. Seems more depressed or hostile than usual
13. Can’t handle routine chores and paperwork without making mistakes
14. Seems to be losing his or her memory

As noted by Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation and outpatient drug treatment Florida, it is common for many people to misdiagnose the above symptoms as a normal part of aging; however, it is common when elderly individuals have their medication adjusted or stop drinking, these symptoms dissipate.