A dual diagnosis is when a client of addiction has been diagnosed with both addiction and at least one accompanying mental health disorder. This knowledge is important as the success of recovery relies on both the mental health disorder(s) and the addiction being specifically treated at the same time. From the media coverage of celebrities grappling with mental health disorders and addiction, we can take a look at a few celebrities who suffer from dual diagnoses.
Dual Diagnosis: Amanda Bynes
Actress Amanda Bynes gained fame from her comedic roles on the Nickelodeon television network for children. The actress has recently been in the media for such odd behavior as strange and vulgar public tweets to other celebrities, driving recklessly under the influence, extreme paranoia of being watched (even in her home) and even getting in trouble with the law for setting a pair of pants on fire with gasoline in a California driveway.
Her parents decided to plead with the courts to be able to make decisions for the celebrity, including controlling her assets as the actress spent $1.2 million of $4 million in savings in just a few months’ time. Bynes checked into a mental health treatment program at a hospital where she was diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The actress switched to a rehabilitation center to continue her treatment. She has a dual diagnosis as her schizophrenia and bipolar disorder have been accompanied by drug abuse and addiction.
Dual Diagnosis: Lindsay Lohan
Actress Lindsay Lohan has spent plenty of time in and out of rehabilitation programs for years now for addiction to such substances as alcohol and the prescription drug Adderall. She has gotten into trouble with the law for a number of incidents over the years, including driving under the influence and narcotics possession. Her addiction dual diagnosis could be of the mental health disorder, narcissistic personality disorder. Her dual diagnosis will need special treatment if she is to be successful in long-term recovery.
Dual Diagnosis: Mel Gibson
Actor Mel Gibson has struggled with addiction to alcohol since he was only a young teen. His dual diagnosis is for bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder and substance abuse and addiction often, unfortunately, go hand in hand. This is another reason to support the importance of dual diagnosis treatment, which works on both the mental health disorder and the addiction at the same time for the best results possible. For example, if Gibson were to seek treatment for addiction but not for bipolar disorder, it’s likely that both disorders would continue.
If you or someone you love is having problems with alcohol abuse, chemical dependency or addiction, recovery from a drug abuse program, like the one at Destination Hope, may be the answer. Remember that recovery from addiction and alcohol abuse treatment means learning how to cope with intensely emotional situations, and identifying when you need help and support. Treatment for addiction relapse, counseling, and aftercare can help you do this, so please call us today. Destination Hope is a full-service addiction and health treatment facility in Florida for men and women who suffer from substance abuse and behavioral health issues.
