Dual Diagnosis

2018

By Eldah Elias
 “[Opioid] overdose is now the leading
cause of death for Americans under 50” -
The New York Times, following the story of
a 34 year-old male, heavily reliant on
drugs and consistently struggling with his
mental state, even overdosing four times in
six hours.

Overall incidents of drug use

are increasing, and those
with mental illness are
especially at risk of further
health ailments.
 Independent Research

This presentation shares the comorbid effects of mental illness and substance abuse, having been
explored by the researcher for the past nine months in Independent Research. Independent
Research is a class for students who wish to learn how to conduct proper research independently
and are able to actively explore any topic which interests them. The class presents a unique
opportunity to discover one’s passion and teaches students about the various types of research
which they can use to propel their academics or career, in the future, as well as how to conduct
interviews, how to express findings, and sufficiently more. The class has even allowed me to have
obtain the insight of professionals within my field which significantly enhanced my research.
- Research any topic you like
- Receive a GT credit
- Get expert oversight in conducting your research
- Learn how to culminate findings
All great skills to learn!
According to the National Institute of Health on Drug Abuse, there is no direct causative
relationship showing mental illness leads to substance abuse, nor does substance
“drug abuse can cause
abuse always create mental illness. However,

abusers to experience symptoms of mental illness

like increased risk of psychosis, whereas mental
illness can lead to drug abuse as a form of self-
medication to alleviate symptoms…” due to underlying brain
deficit and/or early exposure to stress or trauma.
Substance abuse and mental illness both affect people of
any and all demographics (ethnicity, age, socioeconomic
status, or geographic location). Thusly, dual diagnosis an
extremely widespread illness.
Despite this, opioid abuse is
reaching skyrocketing levels
amongst Americans, while mental
illnesses continues to face stigma.

This further contributes to the existence of

dual diagnosis, as it becomes harder to
recognize that the disorder can only be
effectively handled by treatment plans
tailored to the co-occurence of a substance
addiction and mental disorder.
My question asked…

What is happening? “The dual presence of

mental illness and substance abuse is
detrimental to society.”

+
What can I do? “How can that be highlighted and
then changed?”
Steps of action:
1. Increase awareness of dual diagnosis using different platforms,
i.e. with help of medical professionals or simply on social media.
2. Take initiative to request government funding for comprehensive
treatment.
3. Establish a support system for individuals in society to
destigmatize the illness and reach more people who are
struggling as well as be inclusive of former patients to encourage
them to pursue living normally.
If this damage were physical, it would not be ignored. I
implore society to give the same consideration of physical
ailments to mental health awareness. There is an imminent
need to help one addicted or struggling person, one suffering
family, or one future family that may never be built because of
one’s disorder.
Image Citations

The Conversation
Psychology Today
Vox
Utah Public Radio
Pure Recovery
Daily Mail
YouTube
Live Science
Elite Daily