Many people struggle with addiction and mental health disorders at the same time. It can create challenges for those who want to recover from both conditions.
Dual-diagnosis rehab programs aim to treat mental health and substance abuse issues. They may use various methodologies, including behavioral therapy, medication management, and support groups.
Inpatient Treatment
Dual diagnosis is the medical term for people with mental illness and substance use disorder. According to a study, nearly 8 million Americans had a co-occurring condition in 2014.
The presence of both disorders is complex and often challenging to treat. It requires an integrated approach to screening, diagnosis, and treatment tailored to meet the needs of people with co-occurring disorders.
The three conditions that co-occur most frequently are schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. However, it is not unusual for other mental health illnesses to emerge due to drug or alcohol misuse. For more information on dual diagnosis, go to https://pinnaclerecoveryut.com/.
Outpatient Treatment
Co-occurring disorders (also called comorbidities) are common conditions. Over 1 in 4, adults have a mental health disorder and a substance abuse issue.
People with mental illness often use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate. It may temporarily relieve symptoms but does not get to the root of the problem.
The long-term abuse of substances can cause changes in brain chemistry that can worsen pre-existing mental illnesses. It is why a dual diagnosis treatment center can be so helpful.
Depending on the severity of the addiction and co-occurring disorders, people might benefit from a medically monitored detox followed by inpatient care or residential treatment. During this time, clients live at the rehab center and are treated by doctors and mental health professionals.
Support Groups
When referring to someone who has both a mental illness and a substance use disease, the term “dual diagnosis” is frequently used. Both disorders must be addressed simultaneously for the patient to recover fully.
Patients must seek treatment for their co-occurring conditions at a dual-diagnosis rehab center. This treatment aims to identify the relationship between mental health issues and substance abuse and treat both through behavioral therapy.
When admitted to a rehab center, patients will be assigned a treatment team that can simultaneously work on substance use and mental health issues. This team will include therapists trained in mental health and drug addiction treatment. They will also help patients find local therapists in their area who can provide ongoing support.
Medication Management
Dual diagnosis programs address the unique needs of co-occurring disorders by combining mental health treatment with substance abuse treatments. This approach is based on the theory that a person’s health and well-being will improve with recovery from both problems.
Often, people with mental illness use alcohol or drugs to cope with their symptoms or alleviate the discomfort they feel from their condition. It can lead to substance use disorder, a more serious problem than it sounds.
Managing mental health issues with medication can help patients achieve long-term sobriety. When medication is part of a recovery plan, it reduces cravings and makes it easier for patients to stick with treatment.
Behavioral Therapy
Dual diagnosis programs often combine a combination of mental health and substance abuse treatment services into one comprehensive treatment plan. This approach aims to reduce the symptoms of both disorders by combining different types of behavioral therapy and medication management.
Integrated therapy for the co-occurring disorder can help avoid duplication of services and may be more cost-effective for patients. It also helps ensure that patients receive the best care to promote sobriety, reduce unpleasant symptoms, and improve their ability to lead healthy and independent lives.
Several empirically supported behavioral therapies can be used to treat co-occurring disorders, including cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. These therapies can help individuals change problematic thought patterns and learn new coping skills to improve their well-being.
