Effective Dual Diagnosis Treatment
The most effective way to treat co-occurring disorders is through integrated treatment—which “addresses both disorders at the same time,” according to SAMHSA. This type of treatment “builds on strengths and addresses weaknesses” using various addiction treatment methods, including individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, support groups, and family support.
Common co-occurring disorders include personality disorders and alcohol abuse, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and cocaine and behavioral health issues. Inpatient or residential treatment involves 24-hour care in a hospital-type setting. This is often necessary for people who are struggling with severe substance use disorders and/or mental health issues.
Our Dual Diagnosis program provides each client with an individualized treatment plan developed by our multidisciplinary team to identify the specific interventions needed to address both the mental health and substance abuse issues the client presents to treatment. Comprehensive programming includes process and didactic groups using a variety of therapeutic modalities, individual and family therapy, intensive psychiatric care, holistic and wellness services, with trauma and gender-specific programming tracks.
What Is Dual Diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis treatment is when a person suffers from both a substance abuse disorder and a co-occurring mental health disorder. These two disorders can interact with each other and make the other worse, so it’s important to seek treatment for both simultaneously.
Common Co-Occurring Disorders
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Bipolar Disorder
- Eating Disorders
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, more than 7 million adults struggled with both substance abuse and mental health disorders in 2014.
Substance abuse is sometimes sparked by treatment for a mental disorder. Some may use prescriptions to fuel their addiction while others may self-medicate with drugs or alcohol to control their symptoms.
The goal of our Dual Diagnosis program is to help each individual overcome their addiction and develop a clear plan for their future to manage their mental health and thrive in a sober life.
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What To Expect During Dual Diagnosis Treatment
There are many different types of treatment options available. The kind of treatment you receive will depend on the dual diagnosis treatment center, but some of the most common include cognitive behavioral therapy, medication management, and individualized treatment plans.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that helps people identify negative thought patterns and behaviors and replace them with more positive ones. This can be helpful in treating both addiction and mental health disorders.
Medication Management is another type of treatment that can be used for dual diagnosis. This involves working with a doctor to find the right medication or combination of medications to treat your specific condition.
Individualized treatment plans are important because they take into account your unique circumstances and needs. A good treatment plan will simultaneously address your addiction and mental health disorder to give you the best chance at recovery. Check with your provider to see what kind of dual diagnosis treatment services they have prior to enrolling.
Most people will need to start with an inpatient program and then transition to an outpatient program, such as intensive outpatient healthcare or partial hospitalization. If you or someone you know is struggling with drug abuse and mental health issues, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
Why Self-Medicating Is Dangerous
One of the dangers of self-medicating is that it can lead to a dual diagnosis. As we mentioned before, dual diagnosis is when someone has two co-occurring disorders. And, as you probably guessed, having two disorders is much harder to treat than just one. That’s because mental health conditions often feed off of drug addictions.
For example, someone with depression might start drinking alcohol to cope with their symptoms. But then, the alcohol will make the depression worse. And so on and so forth. It’s a vicious cycle. Another danger of self-medicating is that it can cause you to develop tolerance and dependence more quickly. When you use drugs or alcohol to cope with your mental health symptoms, your body becomes accustomed to them more quickly. This means that you’ll need more and more of the substance in order to get the same effects as before. And, as your tolerance increases, so does your risk of developing an addiction.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Dual diagnosis treatment is important because it helps address both the addiction and the mental health disorder at the same time. Without treatment, it’s difficult to overcome either condition. In some cases, treating one condition can make the other worse.
For example, if someone with depression stops drinking alcohol, they may experience withdrawal symptoms that intensify their depression.
Common comorbidities include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Bipolar Disorder
- Eating Disorders
- Mood Disorders
- Schizophrenia
How Common is a Dual Diagnosis?
Unfortunately, dual diagnosis is quite common. In fact, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, about 8 million adults in the United States suffer from both a mental health disorder and a substance abuse disorder. The most common co-occurring disorders are depression and alcohol addiction, anxiety and substance abuse, and cocaine and mental health disorders. But many other combinations of mental health disorders and substance abuse disorders can occur.
No matter what combination of conditions someone has, it’s important to get effective treatment for both at the same time. The most common treatments for dual diagnosis are inpatient treatment and outpatient care. That’s why it’s so important to be aware of the signs of co-occurring disorders and to get help if you or someone you know is suffering from one.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Destination Hope
Our accredited dual-diagnosis treatment program provides each client with an individualized, evidence-based treatment plan developed by our multidisciplinary team to identify the specific interventions needed to address mental health and substance abuse treatment issues the client presents to treatment.
Comprehensive programming includes process and didactic groups using a variety of therapeutic modalities, individual and family therapy, intensive psychiatric care, and holistic and wellness services, with trauma and gender-specific programming tracks.
Get Dual Diagnosis Treatment
If you or a loved one is seeking a treatment facility experienced in dual diagnosis treatment, Destination Hope can help. We provide many levels of care based on your family member’s unique needs. We will support you every step of the way, from detoxification to aftercare recovery programs. Call Destination Hope, anytime 24-hours a day, 7-days a week at: (888) 989-1479
Sources:
Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
