Many individuals diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD) have co-occurring conditions and underlying causes that require mental health treatment. Rehabilitation must incorporate treatments designed to address each condition simultaneously to ensure the best possible outcome. If mental health disorders are left untreated or given a lower priority during treatment, a full recovery may be difficult to achieve.
During treatment at facilities like 449 Recovery, you have access to a dedicated team of clinicians and support staff who collaborate to help stabilize your condition. You cannot heal from SUD if mental health issues interfere with your ability to make healthy changes. Recovery is a lifelong process, and dual diagnosis treatment can provide a structured environment in which you can get the help you need using evidence-based therapeutic methods.
What Is Dual Diagnosis?
Anyone who has SUD and one or more simultaneous mental health disorders can be said to have a dual diagnosis, also known as a co-occurring condition. Treatment for people with a dual diagnosis can vary significantly depending on the type of illnesses involved as well as the severity of symptoms. Mental health issues increase the risk of relapse if left untreated. Dual diagnosis programs provide support and appropriate treatment. Long-term sobriety is easier to achieve if you actively participate in treatment for all disorders and underlying issues that affect your day-to-day life.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), approximately 7.7 million adults have co-occurring mental and substance use disorders. A few of the most common co-occurring disorders include:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder
You might have more than one diagnosed mental health disorder co-occurring with SUD. Dual diagnosis can affect the severity of your symptoms and side effects during detox, withdrawal, and residential or outpatient treatment. In addition, you may have difficulty focusing on recovery or functioning day-to-day without comprehensive mental health treatment. A dual diagnosis program is the best way to make sure you receive the necessary level of care and support.
How Is Treatment Different for Dual Diagnoses?
Treatment for a dual diagnosis can be more intense and often involves mixing multiple therapeutic methods. You may attend more individual and group therapy sessions targeting specific mental health issues or use alternative therapies to manage symptoms. Various talk therapies and behavioral modifications can be used to teach essential coping skills.
Dual diagnosis treatment usually involves the following:
- Extended length of treatment
- Greater program intensity
- More therapy options
In addition to providing comprehensive care for each condition, dual diagnosis treatment addresses any underlying causes that might have contributed to the development of present mental health issues. Addressing those issues during rehab lowers the risk of substance use relapse following treatment.
449 Recovery and other facilities prioritizing mental health treatments provide clients with multiple levels of care. During rehab at 449 Recovery or a similar facility, you will have access to various services and therapies that improve your mental health. The goal is to help you reach a point in which you feel confident in your ability to overcome the challenges you may face during your ongoing recovery.
Common Treatments for Dual Diagnosis
Treatment for dual diagnosis usually involves combining several methodologies into a comprehensive care plan that addresses all underlying causes and co-occurring conditions. According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), treatment for dual diagnosis must address both conditions, and treatments may include behavioral therapies and medicines. How the different conditions are related will impact what treatments are used. Often SUD and mental health issues are connected in one or more of the following ways:
- Substance misuse deelops as a form of self-medication to cope with mental health issues
- Mental health issues develop as a side effect of substance misuse
- Both conditions develop independently as a result of shared risk factors
It takes a team to effectively assess and treat dual diagnosis. At 449 Recovery, our team works with you from the beginning of the admissions process. We believe that everyone benefits from having more people available to address issues as they arise.
Active Participation Is Vital
A team of clinicians and support staff can only help if you are willing to do the hard work and actively participate in your own recovery. The choice to become sober comes with many challenges that you will need to overcome on a daily basis. With the help of a dedicated team, you can learn to manage symptoms of dual diagnosis and improve your coping skills.
Collaborating with your care team means setting recovery goals and adjusting treatment as needed to meet those goals. Without your active participation, the treatment program will not have a lasting effect. You are the only one who can control the effectiveness of treatment.
Recovery for people with a dual diagnosis usually requires a combination of treatment methods to ensure all conditions and underlying causes are addressed. At 449 Recovery, a team of experts will work with you to determine the best approach to treatment. During rehab, the clinical team will track your progress, and your case manager will determine if you have met your recovery goals. Unlike other treatment centers, the support staff and management at 449 Recovery work together to provide everyday support and long-term relief for clients in recovery. We will encourage you to embrace your inner strength and determination to heal from the damaging effects of substance misuse. You are not alone; we can help you find a healthier path forward by treating dual diagnoses with evidence-based and alternative methods. Contact us today to learn more about our programs by calling (949) 435-7449.
