If you are ready to begin your journey towards recovery, you may be looking into dual diagnosis rehab centers. Although there are many different types of rehab centers available with different programs, dual diagnosis options may just be the right fit for you.
Dual-diagnosis treatment centers, which are specialized facilities for integrated care, offer comprehensive support for individuals with complex needs. This is especially true if you have co-occurring mental health disorders or other behavioral problems, as a dual diagnosis center can help you create a more thorough treatment approach.
In this post, we discuss what dual diagnosis rehab centers are and the types of resources they provide. We also discuss how to choose the right rehab center to fit your recovery needs and goals.
What Does Dual Diagnosis Mean?
Before we dig deeper into why dual diagnosis rehab centers can be so beneficial for those in recovery, what does dual diagnosis actually mean? Dual diagnosis occurs when a mental disorder and a substance abuse disorder are present simultaneously. This refers to a situation where somebody has co-occurring disorders that often play off of one another or are the direct cause of the other disorder. For instance, you may have an alcohol addiction, alcohol use disorder, or alcohol abuse, as well as suffer from clinical depression or bipolar disorder.
The reality is that it is not uncommon for those battling addiction, including drug and alcohol abuse, to have co-occurring disorders. Addiction may be the main issue on the surface, but the underlying issue is often linked back to mental health problems, mental health illnesses, or many mental health conditions that are the real source of the addiction. For example, people with dual diagnosis may self-medicate or engage in self-medication to cope with symptoms, which can further complicate their recovery.
Those who suffer from co-occurring disorders may find recovery a more difficult process, as this will make their situation more complex, and they will need a more customized treatment approach. Those who have co-occurring disorders may also suffer more from relapses, especially if they are not treating the addiction as well as the mental health issue.
Here are some of the most common co-occurring mental health disorders that those with addiction disorders may have:
- Mood disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Personality disorders
- Borderline personality disorder
- Panic disorder
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Eating disorders
- Schizophrenia
Signs and Symptoms of Dual Diagnoses
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of dual diagnoses can be challenging, as co-occurring disorders often mask or mimic each other. However, there are some common warning signs that may indicate the presence of both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder.
A few of the most common of these include:
- Extreme mood changes, such as sudden shifts from happiness to irritability or sadness
- Confused thinking or difficulty concentrating
- Withdrawing from friends, family, and social activities
- Changes in sleeping or eating patterns
- Engaging in risky behaviors or neglecting responsibilities
- Using substances to cope with stress, anxiety, or other mental health symptoms
If you notice these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, please seek help from a mental health professional right away. Early intervention can lead to a more accurate diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan that addresses both conditions. Remember: reaching out for support is a vital first step toward managing co-occurring disorders and achieving lasting recovery.
Benefits of Dual Diagnosis Treatment
There are several advantages to choosing a dual diagnosis treatment program over other types of recovery options. Whether you have a diagnosed co-occurring disorder or suspect that you have a co-occurring disorder, addressing both substance abuse and mental health issues together in a comprehensive program can lead to better outcomes.
Integrated Treatment
Depending on your specific situation, you may already have a mental health diagnosis and be receiving treatment. Integrated dual diagnosis treatment addresses both substance use and mental health issues together, ensuring that neither condition is overlooked. Treating both disorders simultaneously has been shown to lead to better recovery outcomes. This is something that other types of recovery programs may not provide.
Evidence-Based Therapies
At a specialized dual diagnosis treatment center, a multidisciplinary team of professionals — including therapists, psychiatrists, and addiction experts — works collaboratively to create a comprehensive treatment plan.
This may include evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, and contingency management. In addition to therapy, psychiatric services may be available, where psychiatrists can prescribe medications as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Evidence-based therapies help individuals develop coping skills, manage triggers, and build resilience. By treating both disorders simultaneously, individuals are better equipped to achieve long-term recovery and improve their overall well-being.
Medical Detox Support
Many co-occurring disorder treatment programs offer medical detox, which provides a safe and supervised environment for addressing withdrawal symptoms. This can help manage uncomfortable or dangerous symptoms from substance use disorder with medications and medical support.
This ultimately reduces the risk of complications and helps individuals begin their recovery journey with a stable foundation.
Head-On Recovery Approach
Another benefit of dual diagnosis treatment is that it takes a head-on or holistic healing approach that considers the whole person, including physical health, and not just the symptoms of addiction. These programs recognize that different disorders will interact with one another, creating a more unique recovery journey and more complex treatment needs.
A head-on recovery approach is essential when treating co-occurring disorders and has become the gold standard for treating co-occurring disorders. Dual diagnosis programs often provide psychological, social, and emotional treatments that include a customized recovery plan and therapy resources.
Mental Health Resources
Dual diagnosis treatment programs also provide more mental health resources than the average recovery program. These resources are essential for diagnosing the co-occurring disorder, understanding how it impacts your addiction, and finding treatment options.
For people with limited resources, this makes mental health treatment more accessible, especially when it comes to ongoing treatment needs, such as therapy.
Who Should Consider Going to a Dual Diagnosis Rehab Center?
Dual diagnosis rehab centers have a variety of benefits that can help you achieve long-term recovery. But is this the right option for you?
If you aren’t quite sure just yet, here are some situations that may make you the perfect candidate for dual diagnosis treatment.
Previous Relapses
It isn’t uncommon for co-occurring disorders to create a higher risk of relapse when someone is trying to recover from addiction. Although this isn’t necessarily always the case, co-occurring disorders and mental illnesses create a more difficult recovery process that requires a whole-person approach.
If you find that your addiction keeps coming back or has even transformed into other types of addictions, you may want to consider a dual diagnosis treatment center.
Multiple Addictions
When someone has an addiction, these addictive behaviors are not necessarily focused on just one thing. You may end up having a higher likelihood of developing other addictions, such as alcoholism, drug addiction, and other behavioral disorders. In some cases, this could be the result of co-occurring mental health disorders that have gone untreated.
Symptoms of Mental Illness
You may want to consider checking into a dual diagnosis rehab center if you have been experiencing mental health symptoms along with your addiction. These symptoms should be out of the ordinary and be more persistent or severe than things you may be feeling due to your situation.
For instance, you may have severe mood swings that don’t have any real cause, or you may have persistent feelings of sadness that interrupt your day-to-day life. Undiagnosed mental illnesses can contribute greatly to addiction, as you are trying to stifle what you are feeling with unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Present Mental Health Disorders
For individuals who already have diagnosed mental health disorders, dual diagnosis rehab treatment is essential. Because you have a co-occurring disorder, you need a very specific treatment plan that will take this into account and treat both the mental health disorder and the addiction.
Not only will this approach treat both of your problems at the same time, but it will also greatly improve your chances of maintaining sobriety.
Need for Aftercare and Support
Aftercare programs are often built into dual diagnosis rehab centers and provide continued access to therapy, counseling, and support groups. This helps you manage mental health symptoms and stay on track with your recovery goals.
Support groups, such as 12-step programs or peer-led meetings, may offer a sense of community and understanding that can be invaluable during challenging times. Some programs provide family therapy and counseling, which can also play a crucial role in repairing relationships and building a strong support network. At the end of the day, a personalized treatment plan that evolves with your needs ensures that you have the tools and resources necessary for a fulfilling life.
With the right aftercare and support, individuals with co-occurring substance disorders can develop healthy coping strategies, manage their mental health, and achieve lasting, successful recovery.
Start Your Recovery Journey at The Lakes Treatment Center
Depending on your recovery needs and your history with addiction, a dual diagnosis rehab center may be the right fit for you. Especially if you have co-occurring disorders or a more complex case, a dual diagnosis approach can help you treat the full problem.
At The Lakes Treatment Center, our approach is focused on treating the mind, body, and spirit. Our therapies are evidence-based and have a strong focus on long-term sobriety with tools and resources, such as aftercare and life skills training. Additionally, we provide dual diagnosis resources for those who need to address co-occurring disorders along with their addiction.
If you are ready to get started with a dual diagnosis treatment program, contact us today at The Lakes Treatment Center. We would be happy to provide more information about our treatments and programs, as well as why they’re most suitable for.
