What Is a Dual Diagnosis?

The presence of both a substance addiction and a mental health disorder is known as a dual diagnosis, also called a co-occurring disorder. 

With a dual diagnosis, the substance addiction and the mental health issue affect one another, leading to a complex condition. Yet despite the challenges of dual diagnosis, treatment is available.

Jackson House Recovery Centers provides concurrent addiction and mental illness treatment from a professional and compassionate team of healthcare professionals.

Common Dual Diagnosis Contributors

Research has shown that prolonged and intermittent drug use can alter brain chemistry, and altered chemical messengers in the body can have a significant impact on an individual’s mood or mental health. On the flip side, people with existing mental health issues may turn to drugs to self-medicate in an effort to make themselves feel better. 

Addictive substances common to dual diagnosis include alcohol, cocaine, illicit opioids, and prescription drugs. Mental health conditions that are often part of dual diagnosis are anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Contributors to co-occurring disorders include brain chemistry, trauma, stress, and early exposure to drug use.

Dual Diagnosis Symptoms

The symptoms of substance addiction and mental health challenges overlap in a co-occurring disorder. An individual dealing with this type of disorder may experience an array of physical, emotional, social, and mental symptoms. Still, Jackson House has the tools and expertise to help individuals address and overcome dual diagnosis.

Symptoms can include heart and digestive complications, skin problems, and coordination issues. Withdrawal symptoms shown by those with a substance addiction can also occur in the context of dual diagnosis, including shaking, sweating, experiencing headaches, and vomiting. Symptoms can also include sleep issues such as insomnia, weight gain or loss, and fatigue.

Those with dual diagnosis may also deal with anxiety, sadness, emotional numbness, and mood swings. 

Other emotional symptoms include feelings of irritability and instability. Anger, shame, and feelings of guilt are also potential symptoms.  

Among the social symptoms of co-occurring conditions is disconnection from others. Individuals may withdraw socially from family, friends, and coworkers. 

Communication problems can also result as emotional and mental challenges impact social connections.

Neurotransmitters, our brain's chemical messengers, include dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Dopamine affects mood regulation, motivation, and focus. Serotonin affects emotional regulation and mood stability. Norepinephrine is central to fight-or-flight responses. It also increases focus and heart rate. GABA helps lower anxiety and stress.

These neurotransmitters can each be impacted by drug use.

Dual Diagnosis Quiz

The following quiz may help you identify the presence of dual diagnosis. The quiz is for informational purposes, and is not to be considered as a diagnosis for a co-occurring disorder. Consult a health professional for information about dual diagnosis.

Question 1

Have you been diagnosed with a mental illness?

Question 2

Does drinking or drug use impact your relationships or work performance?

Question 3

Do you use drugs or alcohol to cope with your feelings?

Question 4

Do you feel better when you use drugs or alcohol?

Question 5

Do you need to consume more drugs or alcohol to achieve the same level of high that you did in the past?

Question 6

Do you struggle with substance abuse and your mental health?

Question 7

Have you tried to stop using drugs or alcohol and been unable to quit?

Question 8

Have you noticed changes in your behavior since you first started using drugs or alcohol?

Question 9

Have you experimented with different drugs to try to stabilize your mood?

Question 10

Do you find yourself consuming alcohol or using drugs more when you are faced with a stressful situation?

This quiz is for information purposes only and is not to be considered a diagnosis for a co-occurring disorder. Please consult a mental health professional.

Selecting Our Team for Dual Diagnosis Care

Compassionate, evidence-based treatment for co-occurring disorders is available from our professional team.

Learn More

Treating Addiction and Mental Illness Together

We believe in treating substance addiction and mental health conditions side by side in providing dual diagnosis care. We take the time to develop personalized treatment plans that address both the addiction and the mental health disorder.

In providing integrated care, we offer medication management and multiple therapies:

  • Medication Management: Including monitoring for medication duplication, interactions, and accurate and safe dosage
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Support for healthier thoughts, emotions, and behaviors
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Giving attention to mindfulness and improved emotional regulation
  • Individual Therapy: Personalized and one-on-one support
  • Group Therapy: Opportunities to interact with others

Multiple Care Locations

Our network includes Jackson House Addiction Treatment & Recovery Centers, positioned to help people manage substance addiction, and Jackson House, intentionally designed to give our clients a safe place to receive mental health care. 

Caring professionals are in place to treat dual diagnosis conditions, whether that care is given at Jackson House Addiction Treatment & Recovery Centers or one of the Jackson House locations. We work with individuals to help identify where treatment will be most beneficial.

Addiction and Mental Illness Treatment in San Diego

In treating dual diagnosis with an integrated approach, we give attention to community, customized treatment, and nutrition. We also offer aftercare services in support of our dual diagnosis care.

Contact us to learn more about treatment for co-occurring disorders or to schedule a free, confidential consultation.

2456 E St, San Diego, CA 92102

We specialize in substance use disorders and helping you find sobriety.

(866) 396-3655

©2022

Jackson House Recovery Center (370182AP)
Valid through July 31, 2026
DHCS Licensing and Certification Division

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