Dual diagnosis, also known as a co-occurring disorder, is when an individual has both a drug or alcohol addiction and underlying mental disorders. A research study from the National Institute on Drug Abuse suggests that 60 percent of adolescents in a drug rehab program also meet the criteria for a mental illness.
This emphasizes why early intervention is so necessary when it comes to treating co-occurring mental illness and addiction. The goal of dual diagnosis treatment is to treat the entire person – addressing both the substance use disorder and any underlying mental health conditions through the use of evidence-based therapies.
Which Types Of Mental Health Disorders Can Dual Diagnosis Treatment Address?
Dual diagnosis treatment can address a variety of mental health conditions, ranging from mild to severe disorders:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- Mood Disorders
- Bipolar Disorder
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Eating Disorders
- OCD
- And many others
It’s important to choose a drug rehab facility that will conduct a thorough evaluation to assess your condition and take the time to understand your situation.
By choosing a facility that is experienced in providing dual diagnosis treatment, you’re less likely to relapse and increase your chances of maintaining sobriety for the long term.
Who Is A Candidate For Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
There are a few key indicators that someone would benefit from dual diagnosis treatment, either in a residential treatment program or outpatient program. These can include:
Having a Co-Occurring Mental Illness
To receive dual diagnosis treatment, there needs to be a mental health disorder that accompanies drug or alcohol addiction. As mentioned above, this can include a variety of co-occurring disorders such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, mood disorders, and many others.
To be diagnosed with a mental health condition, the individual needs to be evaluated by a licensed medical professional.
Changes in Mood
Another indicator that someone could be a candidate for dual diagnosis treatment is if they are experiencing changes in their mood or behavior. This could involve socially withdrawing from friends and families, no longer participating in activities that once brought them joy, engaging in risky behavior, or feeling hopeless.
These symptoms can indicate mental health issues or a mental disorder that a substance abuse problem may exacerbate.
Difficulty Managing Daily Responsibilities
If an individual is having difficulty going to work or even taking care of their hygiene, these can be signs they could potentially benefit from dual diagnosis treatment.
Often, mental health problems can make it challenging to perform everyday activities, and individuals may struggle even more with this if they have co-occurring disorders that involve alcohol or drug abuse.
Motivation
Motivation plays a critical role in receiving dual diagnosis treatment. It’s important to actively engage in the various therapy sessions, as this is essential for maintaining sobriety and overall mental and emotional well-being. Dual diagnosis is a very complex condition that requires treating both co-occurring disorders simultaneously.
It can often be difficult to know if a drug addiction is a result of a mental health condition or if the drug use triggers the mental health condition. This is why receiving help from professionals specializing in co-occurring disorders is important.
They can provide the necessary support and care for individuals who are struggling with substance use and have one or more mental disorders.
Professionals can also help individuals struggling with substance use disorders better understand their reasons for substance use, identify potential triggers, and provide them with tools to cope with life in healthier ways, such as learning ways to manage anxiety disorders or more severe mental illness.
Therapies Provided in Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Several therapies are known for being very effective in dual diagnosis treatment, which are listed below. Often, treatment involves a multi-faceted approach that combines several different types of therapies over weeks or months that address both mental illnesses and substance use disorders at the same time.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy, also known as CBT, is aimed at helping individuals change their negative thought patterns to more positive ones. The idea is that thoughts affect feelings, which ultimately influence our behaviors that may contribute to substance use disorder.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational interviewing helps individuals uncover their own motivations for change and supports them in building a commitment to the changes they want to experience in their lives.
In addition to the above types of therapies, individuals in dual diagnosis treatment programs will also have the opportunity to meet in individual therapy sessions, group therapy sessions, and trauma-informed therapy and potentially receive medications to help with their mental health condition.
Why It’s Important to Receive Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Receiving treatment for co-occurring disorders can make all the difference for someone living a sober life after addiction treatment for substance use. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), people with co-occurring disorders are more likely to be hospitalized than those with only a mental health condition or substance use disorder.
This makes it very important to receive dual diagnosis treatment for substance use disorders and mental disorders. Additional ways that an integrated approach to co-occurring disorder treatment can improve quality of life include:
- Reducing or discontinuing substance use
- Improving psychiatric symptoms and functioning
- Increasing the chance for successful treatment and recovery for both mental illness and drug addiction
- Decreasing hospitalization for drug abuse or from a mental disorder
- Reducing medication interactions
If you or a loved one are struggling with a mental health condition and drug addiction, help is available. Whether the addiction is related to marijuana, alcohol, Ambien, and similar prescription drugs, as well as many other types of drugs, therapy is available to help you reach sobriety and live a healthy life.
Early intervention can also play an important role in recovery. Our team at Luxe Treatment Center utilizes an integrated approach to treatment so that you can get your life back.
Start Dual Diagnosis Treatment Today at Luxe Treatment Center
At our drug rehab in Las Vegas, we focus on utilizing evidence-based therapies and treatment plans that take a whole-person approach with our clients who are struggling with substance use and a serious mental illness.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward drug and alcohol addiction recovery, our team is here to help you begin healing with integrated treatment.
We believe in affordable, accessible care and accept most public and private health insurance companies. Send us a message and let us know who you are insured with so we can verify your coverage and help make the most of your health insurance benefits.
If you do not currently have health insurance or are underinsured, let us know. We can work together to explore alternative payment options to get you help via our dual-diagnosis treatment program.
Send us a message via our confidential online form or give us a call at (725) 215-3017 to find out more information about integrated treatment options for individuals struggling with a dual diagnosis of substance abuse and a co-occurring mental health issue. We are here to help.
