Suicidal Ideation and Substance Abuse: Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Dual diagnosis is a condition in which a person suffers from mental health disorders as well as substance use disorders. If you are or your loved one are struggling with suicidal thoughts or have a loved one who is, even if you do not believe you or they will act on them, seek immediate mental health care. With support and guidance, you may be able to see life in a more positive light and receive the care you need for what brought you to this space.

In the US, co-occurring disorders, or dual diagnosis, impact 21.5 million people, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. You’re not alone. Untreated mental health disorders can lead to the risk of suicidal ideation, and that isn’t something to ignore.

Does one disorder cause another?

Suicidal ideation refers to a person who is thinking about harming themselves or ending their lives.

It is a symptom and complication of numerous mental health disorders, with major depression being one of the most commonly associated with it.

Substance misuse can trigger the onset of mental health disorders like depressionor spur the onset of these conditions in those who are predisposed to them, such as through a genetic link to bipolar or schizophrenia, as noted by the National Institutes of Mental Health. For some people, untreated mental health disorders can certainly lead to intense symptoms and negative thoughts, including suicidal thoughts. You may have started using drugs or alcohol as a way to deal with those negative thoughts.

In other words, either condition can come first and worsen the other. Both are things that you cannot outright control without some help. Yet both can be treated, and life can improve. At Engage Wellness Acton, we offer comprehensive treatment for clients facing substance use disorder. If you are in need, our suicidal and addiction treatment options are readily available to help you.

Signs and Symptoms of Substance Use Disorder and Suicidal Ideation

Recognizing that you or someone you love are struggling with either of these conditions isn’t easy, but is critical. There are two key components to think about when determining if you could be facing dual diagnosis, the presence of suicidal thoughts and teh use of substances. Common warning signs someone may be considering suicide include:

• A feeling of helplessness and hopelessness
• Loss of interest in things that used to make them happy
• Isolation from friends and family
• Thoughts of harming oneself or others
• Talking about suicide
• Prior attempts at suicide
• Constantly being fatigued
• Giving away belongings
• Making plans to end their lives

Those with these symptoms may utilize substances as a way to control thoughts and feelings. Some people may exhibit signs of substance use disorders first, before showing warning signs of mental health disorders.

Though many types of substances may be used, some of the most common include:

• Nicotine
• Alcohol
• Marijuana
• Opioids, including fentanyl and heroin
• Cocaine
• Meth

The symptoms of substance use disorder typically include:

• A focus on seeking out the substance at all costs
• The substance becomes the primary focus of the day
• Thinking about the use of the substance on a constant basis
• Believing that they cannot get through the day without the substance
• Intense withdrawal symptoms when no longer using the substance

The signs and symptoms of dual diagnosis in those who have suicidal ideation will likely include a combination of these symptoms. Any person with suicidal thoughts (even if they do not act on them) who is also using alcohol or drugs may benefit from mental health treatment.

How Is Dual Diagnosis with Suicidal Ideation Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of co-occurring disorders, including depression or suicidal ideation along with substance use disorder, typically requires a full mental health and physical examination. In these situations, the underlying mental disorder may not be fully understood until the body is free from the substance.

Your therapist will need to see what symptoms you exhibit once the substances are out of your system and your brain begins to re-learn how to function without the substance. A person with substance use disorder has dependency, which changes the function and structure of the brain so much so that the brain becomes dependent on that substance to function. Until that substance is no longer there, it’s harder for your therapist to determine the underlying cause of your substance use disorder and suicidal thoughts.

For that reason, a full diagnosis may not be possible until a person receives care through the detoxification process.

Typically, the diagnosis process will include:

• A full physical examination to determine overall health
• A mental health consultation to discuss thought patterns and beliefs
• Blood work to look for chemical imbalances
• Evaluation of any withdrawal symptoms a person experiences
• Analysis of a person’s behaviors and actions and if they have changed over time

With this information, your therapist can better understand what is occurring and what type of mental health treatment is beneficial. Suicidal and addiction treatment must go hand-in-hand if a person is struggling with both.

Treatment for Dual Diagnosis with Suicidal Ideation

Suicidal and addiction treatment requires a carefully created plan to address the underlying cause. For many, that means working towards understanding the emotional and physical onset of depression along with the cause of addiction. Some clients have suffered previous trauma. Others may have a long history of drug use that led to the mental health diagnosis. Determining what happened first is not as important as working towards a treatment strategy to address both.

Typically, mental health treatment for dual diagnosis will include several steps.

Detoxification

In situations where withdrawal symptoms are present or long-term substance use has occurred, it is critical for detoxification to be the first step. Done at a treatment center affiliated with our team, this process involves a medically monitored process of encouraging the removal of toxins from the body, including all drugs. This enables a full understanding of a person’s mental health status.

Inpatient Treatment

Mental health treatment for those with suicidal ideation will likely be done in an inpatient treatment center. During this time, you’ll work closely with an individual therapist in one-on-one counseling sessions. Your physical and mental health disorders will also be monitored by doctors and nurses, providing comprehensive and individualized care.

During inpatient care, a person may receive several types of therapy and treatment, including:

• Behavioral therapy: Talk therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and motivational interviewing are common components to this process. It involves one-on-one sessions with a licensed therapist to explore the various thought processes and causes of the underlying mental health condition.
• Medication-Assisted Treatment: MAT specifically aids those who are battling intense substance use disorder as well, providing a way of easing through withdrawal and controlling cravings.
• Mental health medication treatment: Medications are nearly always necessary for those with major depression as they can correct the chemical imbalances in the brain that often cause depressive symptoms, including suicidal ideation. Medications can help to give you the ability to think clearly.
• Group therapy: Many times, learning the real-world strategies necessary to improve mental health and well-being is critical. Group therapy allows for this by bringing peers together to work through scenarios and build a better understanding of their addiction and treatment options.

Benefits of Treatment for Dual Diagnosis

In short, treatment for dual diagnosis in those who have suicidal ideation can be life-saving.

With it, clients may experience:

• Improved physical and mental health
• Better quality of life
• Improved relationships with family and friends
• Better ability to build a long healthy life
• Fewer risks of suicidal thoughts or actions

Dual Diagnosis Program at Engage Wellness Acton

The dual diagnosis program at Engage Wellness Acton provides one-on-one care to people who need it the most. Through our individualized treatment plans, we can create a mental health treatment plan designed to address your needs. This includes uncovering the cause of your pain, building strategies for mental health wellness, and reducing the risk of drug relapse.

Our treatment plans are always focused on providing you with the best level of care possible. When you contact our admissions team, you get a compassionate professional dedicated to helping you every step of the way.

Set Up a Consultation with Our Treatment Team

Suicidal and addiction treatment is a life-saving method. If you are struggling with thoughts of harming yourself or others, do not wait to get help. Contact Engage Wellness Acton now to speak to one of our treatment counselors. We are available 24 hours a day to help you learn more about the mental health treatment we offer.