There is a stigma around mental illness that keeps people quiet about their silent struggles and, therefore, they don’t get the help they need. They may turn to drugs or alcohol as way to cope with their struggles.
This is why we must bring awareness to the importance of mental health, erasing the stigma, and finding ways to normalize and treat the prevalent mental illnesses in our world. Our mission at Diamond House Detox is to treat not only addiction but the mental health issues that surround and inexorably intertwine them, freeing our clients to pursue sober living.
The simultaneous combination of a mental health issue and addiction is known as dual diagnosis. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), about 45 percent of people who struggle with addiction also have an underlying and co-occurring mental health issue.
Treating the addiction without addressing the mental illness will, in most cases, lead to unsuccessful recovery and a higher chance of relapse. We believe it's crucial to shed light on mental health so that people understand the trigger that may be behind addiction. Thankfully, this topic is overcoming the stigma it has long been shadowed under, with celebrities using their stage to speak up about their own experiences and spread awareness for others.
In honor of World Mental Health Day, here are five celebrities who have opened up about their dual diagnosis.
Known for his work in popular TV shows such as Teen Wolf and Arrow, Colton Haynes also came into the spotlight when he shared about his struggle with mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety, as well as addiction and alcoholism. His bravery in sharing his experiences has led to many readers rallying around him and supporting his honesty and realism.
"I no longer want to project a curated life,” Colton wrote on Instagram. “I get immense joy when someone comes up to me & says that my willingness to open up about depression, anxiety, alcoholism, & addiction has helped them in some way. I’ve struggled the past year with trying to find my voice and where I fit in & that has been the most beautiful struggle I’ve ever had to go through."
Singer and actress Demi Lovato has been open for years with her fans about her challenges with substance abuse and mental illness, beginning with an early eating disorder. She has spoken publicly about her dual diagnosis, shining a light on the fact that the more it's discussed, the less stigma it will have.
"Mental health is something that we all need to talk about, and we need to take the stigma away from it. So let’s raise the awareness. Let’s let everybody know it’s OK to have a mental illness and addiction problem," she shared during a concert in 2017.
Russell Brand, an internationally-known British comedian, actor and published author, has been candid about his long-time struggles with both depression and drug and alcohol addiction. He has even released a book, Recovery: Freedom from our Addictions, chronicling his own journey and giving advice to others looking to free themselves from addictive lifestyles.
"If you’re addicted to bad relationships, bad food, abusive bosses, conflict, or pornography, it can take a lifetime to spot the problem, and apparently a lifetime is all we have," he wrote in his aforementioned book.
Originally known for her alter-ego Hannah Montana as well as an acting and singing career, Miley Cyrus has opened up about her battle with depression and substance abuse.
"They [fans] know that I've struggled with depression, and that helped them get over theirs. That gives me a big purpose—a reason to wake up in the morning," Miley said.
No stranger to the spotlight, Justin Bieber has recently begun using his stage for good as he shared openly about his mental health. He struggled with depression while also battling various substance abuse addictions, he revealed in an article to Vogue earlier this year: “I got really depressed on tour. . . I haven’t talked about this, and I’m still processing so much stuff that I haven’t talked about. I was lonely. I needed some time.”
At Diamond House Detox, our clients receive care for the whole body. This includes personalized treatment plans for both addiction and mental health, such as medically assisted detox, therapy, and residential stabilization.
We specialize in dual diagnosis and offer a judgment-free holistic program designed to help clients construct the building blocks to a free and healthy future. Diamond House also offers 100 percent private rooms to ensure clients feel comfortable as they go through their recovery. Ready to learn more? Contact Diamond House to begin your recovery journey today.
Content medically reviewed by Vicky Magobet, PMHNP-BC, on October 10th, 2019.
