Can Drugs Cause Dissociative Identity Disorder?

It’s no secret that drug use can have a serious impact on our mental health, which, in some cases, can lead to developing a mental illness. But is it really accurate to say that repeated misuse of substances might result in the onset of serious mental health conditions, including dissociative disorders?

This article explores the current understanding and research on the subject, providing insights into how substances might influence the onset of a dissociative disorder whilst also considering the complexity of diagnosing and treating this condition in the context of substance abuse.

What is Dissociative Identity Disorder?

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder, is a very complex psychological condition that is characterised by the presence of two or more separate personality states or identities within one individual.

These multiple personalities may have their own names, ages, histories, and characteristics and are often very different from the individual’s ‘original’ personality. The causes of DID are still not completely understood. However, it is generally agreed upon by mental health professionals that DID can typically develop as a result of severe trauma or a singular traumatic event.

Common Types of Dissociative Disorders

See below for a brief overview of common types of dissociative disorders.

• Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID): When two or more distinct personality states exist. These states may have their own names, ages, histories, and characteristics. Individuals with DID may experience gaps in memory for the time when another identity is in control.
• Depersonalisation Disorder: The individual feels detached from one’s own body or thoughts, feeling like an outside observer of themselves.
• Dissociative Amnesia: when someone can’t remember things because of a stressful or traumatic experience. This can also mean that they forget important events or even parts of who they are.
• Derealisation Disorder: A sense of unreality or detachment from real-life surroundings. People or objects may seem unreal, foggy, or visually distorted.
• Other Specified Dissociative Disorder (OSDD): Dissociative disorders that do not fully meet the criteria for specific conditions but still cause significant distress or impairment.

The Relationship Between Substance Abuse and Dissociative Disorders

When we talk about how substance abuse affects someone who has been diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), we’re essentially exploring how drugs or alcohol can worsen an already complex situation.

• Symptoms Feel More Intense: Substance use can cause symptoms of DID to feel more intense or complicate its treatment.
• Self-Medication: Individuals with DID might use drugs or alcohol as a way of self-medicating in an attempt to escape distressing symptoms of their condition, such as anxiety, depression, or dissociation. This can lead to a cycle of dependency and addiction, which complicates both the DID and the substance use disorder.
• Triggering Other Mental Health Conditions: While drugs themselves may not cause DID, the use of psychoactive substances, especially in excessive amounts or in a vulnerable individual, can potentially trigger other mental illnesses. However, there’s a difference between drug-induced psychosis and DID, as these are distinct conditions with different treatments.

Is the Risk of Addiction Higher for Someone With A Dissociative Disorder?

Engaging with alcohol and drugs or having a substance use disorder can influence the severity of symptoms or the manifestation of dissociative disorders. However, they are not considered a direct cause of DID according to current psychological understanding and research.

Some studies do, however, suggest there may be a link, as addiction can sometimes be used as a way to cope with the symptoms or trauma associated with dissociative disorders. This varies from person to person based on a broad range of factors, such as their support system and coping mechanisms.

As trauma is a core factor in the development of DID, and substance use can be both a response to past trauma or a source of further traumatic experiences, there’s an indirect link where substance use might contribute to the conditions under which DID develops. This is not the same as causing the disorder directly but instead influencing the environment in which DID or other dissociative disorders might emerge.

Can Drugs Cause Dissociative Identity Disorder?

As we highlighted above, there isn’t enough research on this topic to confidently claim that substance abuse can cause someone to develop and be diagnosed with a dissociative disorder. But they can induce dissociate-like states.

Substance abuse can add to existing dissociative symptoms or trigger dissociative states or episodes in individuals who are predisposed to such experiences.

Ongoing, chronic substance abuse can also lead to changes in our brains, potentially impacting our cognitive processes. This may contribute to the development or maintenance of dissociative symptoms. For example, the use of ketamine, marijuana or PCP (also known as Angel Dust) has been linked with inducing feelings of derealisation and depersonalisation.

Not everyone who abuses drugs will disassociate, and individuals with dissociative disorders may not necessarily have a history of substance abuse.

Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders

If someone has been diagnosed with dissociative disorder and addiction, the best treatment would be through a dual-diagnosis treatment plan, which is provided within residential rehab settings.

Dual-diagnosis treatment for addiction and DID combines specialised care for addiction with tailored approaches for managing DID. Therapy sessions address addiction triggers and patterns, as well as also navigating the complexities of identity and memory associated with DID.

Group therapy is another commonly provided treatment for co-occurring conditions. Holistic approaches, such as mindfulness and art therapy, can also complement traditional therapy methods depending on the individual.

Reach Out for Support Today

With our extensive experience in providing effective dual diagnosis treatment for a broad range of mental health conditions and addiction types, we’re here to provide the support and guidance you need should you have any questions. So, if you’re feeling concerned about yourself or a loved one, don’t hesitate to reach out today on 01908 489 421.