Dual Diagnosis describes a patient who has both a mental illness and an addiction to either alcohol or drugs. Mental illnesses include: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. Schizophrenia is a mental illness characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia. It affects one percent of the American population. Here are some facts you should know about Dual Diagnosis and schizophrenia...
About 50 percent of people living with a mental illness have a substance abuse problem. In fact, a 1994 study found that 47 percent of people diagnosed with schizophrenia have Dual Diagnosis. The Royal College of Psychiatry found that people with schizophrenia are more likely to abuse alcohol. Another study in 2003 discovered that people with schizophrenia are six times more likely to abuse drugs. The most common drug of choice (in the order of popularity) is alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, tranquilizers, and sleeping pills. The substance abuse is higher among males, ages 18 to 44. Among those who have a Dual Diagnosis they are more prone to violence, either domestic violence or suicide attempts. Substance abuse accounts for 37 percent of all suicides, and 77 percent of people who have schizophrenia and commit suicide are males.
About 50 percent of people living with a mental illness have a substance abuse problem. In fact, a 1994 study found that 47 percent of people diagnosed with schizophrenia have Dual Diagnosis. The Royal College of Psychiatry found that people with schizophrenia are more likely to abuse alcohol. Another study in 2003 discovered that people with schizophrenia are six times more likely to abuse drugs. The most common drug of choice (in the order of popularity) is alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, tranquilizers, and sleeping pills. The substance abuse is higher among males, ages 18 to 44. Among those who have a Dual Diagnosis they are more prone to violence, either domestic violence or suicide attempts. Substance abuse accounts for 37 percent of all suicides, and 77 percent of people who have schizophrenia and commit suicide are males.
Why do people with a mental illness abuse drugs?...Recreation use just like everyone else or to overcome symptoms and side effects of medication. Drugs may temporarily treat anxiety, depression, and stress. However, drugs could also worsen symptoms in the long-run.
Does drugs cause a person to have schizophrenia. No, but they can share similar symptoms to a mental illness.
Were these statistics shocking to you, why or why not?
Resources:
Comments
novice_blogger
http://kewlblogger.blogspot.com
I haven't had anything but mild depression, it wasn't mild to me!! But your struggles are familiar to anyone who has any form of mental illness.
Keep up the good work and your life seems to be getting back on track. Congratulations!! I'm commenting on the blog too.
Thank You for your comment. I am pleased you liked that piece.
Scary statistics, particularly about 77 percent of those with SZ who commit suicide being males.
Your blog is a must-read.
Regards,
Chris
Thanks for checking out my blog. I'm actually somewhat familiar with schizophrenia because I'm a counselor and we talk about mental illness in my grad school classes and at the place where I did my internship. I must say you have overcome a great deal and it's refreshing to see that your outlook is positive and you did not allow the illness to consume you. I commend you for your sheer will and overcoming tremendous adversity.
Take Care,
Roderic
TC- Thank you very much for the compliment, they are what keep me going.
The Drifter- Thank you for stopping by.
Chris- I agree, the stats are scary.
Wandering Coyote- They sadden me too.
Elizabeth B. Alexander- Thanks for following my blog.
Roderic Williams- Thank you.
I appreciate all comments and encourage you to visit this blog again!
Dual Diagnosis means A person will be diagnosed as having dual diagnosis, if one has a psychological issue and at the same time experiencing multiple illnesses, which can be more than two.dual diagnosis rehab