Mental health conditions are common, and one in five people suffers from such a condition. The statistics on addiction are equally high – around 16.5%. Facing either of these challenges is challenging, but what happens when you suffer from both? Recovery from co-occurring disorders can feel overwhelming and daunting, but dual-diagnosis treatment offers a potential path to recovery. Learn how dual diagnosis treatment helps individuals achieve and sustain recovery from co-occurring disorders.
What Are Co-Occurring Disorders?
Co-occurring disorders are also known as dual-diagnosis or comorbidity. It is when someone has a mental health condition and a substance use disorder. It’s essential to treat both conditions together for a successful long-term recovery. These disorders can include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Personality disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Alcohol addiction
- Drug addiction
The term co-occurring disorder isn’t new, but health professionals have continued to discover more about this condition and treatment options.
Dual-Diagnosis Treatment: What Is It?
Dual-Diagnosis Treatment is when you get help for a mental health issue, like depression or anxiety, and addiction, like alcohol or drugs. Treatment options include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Mindfulness-Based Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Substance Abuse Treatment
- Individual Counseling
- Group Therapy
- Psychoeducation
- Medicated Assisted Treatment
- Holistic Treatment (yoga, art therapy, music therapy, etc.)
Health professionals create a treatment plan. It’s there to discover what causes a patient’s mental health problems and addiction. Ultimately, the goal is to help someone get better long-term.
What Are Duel-Diagnosis Treatment Centers?
Dual-diagnosis inpatient treatment programs provide specialized help. Treatment centers support people with mental health and substance abuse issues. The centers are safe and have medical supervision. A mental health condition may cause addiction or vice versa. Dual-diagnosis centers recognize that you must treat both issues simultaneously, and that’s the best path to a successful recovery.
Advantages of Inpatient Treatment
You don’t have to choose inpatient care to receive dual-diagnosis treatment. Although, there are advantages.
Comprehensive Care
Dual-diagnosis treatment centers offer full support for both mental health and addiction. Patients can get comprehensive psychological and physical care. Most importantly, they receive that care in a safe and supportive environment.
Holistic Care
Dual-diagnosis treatment centers use a type of care called holistic care. This kind of care combines medicine, one-on-one counseling, and other services. These elements work together to create the best treatment plan for each person.
Structured Environment
Dual-diagnosis treatment centers offer a safe and supportive place for people. Patients value the structure. It can help them manage their problems better.
Long-Term Support
Dual-diagnosis treatment centers help people recover from their conditions. They do this by providing long-term support, like talking to therapists or finding support from other patients.
Reduces Stigma
People with two different challenges often face negative opinions, but it’s different in a place where they can get treatment. Treatment centers offer safety and understanding without criticism.
Why Dual-Diagnosis Treatment is Essential for Recovery
Dual-diagnosis treatment is critical to recovery and helps people by simultaneously addressing mental health and addiction problems. The strategy looks beyond the symptoms of addiction and allows for a customized approach. Dual-diagnosis treatment can teach people how to cope and manage recovery.
Achieving Long-Term Recovery Through Dual-Diagnosis Treatment
It’s essential to have both short and long-term recovery goals. Dual-diagnosis treatment can be a great option to help you long-term. Here are some steps to get you started:
Individual Plans
Make sure you have a personalized treatment plan. It should cover mental health and addiction treatment. The program may include a range of medical treatments.
Get Knowledgable
You’re more likely to understand the path to recovery when educated on your condition. Learn about your diagnosis, triggers, and, most importantly, the warning signs of a relapse. It’s also good to develop long-term techniques to help manage your stress.
Focus on Behavioral Change
Learn the importance of changing your long-term behavior. That might include lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and exercise. It may also mean changing your social activities and sleeping habits.
Establish Healthy Coping Skills
Good coping skills will help prevent a relapse. When you’re in treatment, explore different ways to cope with challenges and difficulties. Find the techniques that work best for you.
Create a Relapse Prevention Plan
A relapse prevention plan will ensure you know your triggers, warning signs, and coping strategies. Having a plan of action will reduce the likelihood you’ll return to past problematic habits or negative thoughts.
How to Access Dual-Diagnosis Treatment
Dual-diagnosis treatment is available through special rehab facilities. That includes mental health and substance abuse treatment centers and other health care settings. Your doctor or mental health expert can recommend a place to get help. Treatment centers usually offer three types of care: residential, outpatient, and community-based. Various treatment options allow you to select the best plan for your condition.
Finding the Right Long-Term Treatment
With the proper treatment approach, sustained recovery from co-occurring disorders is possible.
Dual treatment helps individuals discuss mental health issues and substance use disorders. Doing this provides the best chance of recovery. Discover our outpatient and inpatient treatment options and find the best solution for you.
