Dual diagnosis refers to the co-occurrence of a person’s substance addiction and a mental health disorder. Addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disorder characterized by compulsive drug-seeking and use despite harmful consequences. Substance addiction, on the other hand, refers explicitly to dependence on drugs or alcohol. Mental health, on the other hand, encompasses the overall well-being of an individual’s emotional, psychological, and social state. Dual diagnosis in addiction treatment encompasses therapy that treats both mental health disorders and substance addiction.

 

What is Dual Diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis, also called co-occurring disorders, occurs when an individual suffers from both substance addiction and a mental health disorder. The prevalence of dual diagnosis is high. Approximately half of those seeking addiction treatment are also diagnosed with a mental health disorder. There is a strong connection between mental health and addiction. Dual diagnosis can be challenging to diagnose and treat, as the symptoms of one disorder can often mask or worsen the symptoms of the other. Successful dual diagnosis treatment requires a comprehensive approach that simultaneously addresses both disorders.

 

 

Top 10 Mental Health Dual Diagnosis

• Anxiety Disorder: Disorders represented by excessive and persistent feelings of worry, fear, and apprehension. Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Anxiety disorders correlate with substance addiction, as individuals often use drugs or alcohol to cope with anxiety symptoms.
• Depression: Depression is a mood disorder characterized by sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. Those with depression are at an increased risk of developing substance addiction, as they may use drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication to alleviate their symptoms.
• Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder based on extreme mood swings, ranging from depressive episodes to manic episodes. Individuals with bipolar disorder are at an increased risk of developing substance addiction. Because they may use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate during depressive or manic episodes.
• Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness characterized by various symptoms, including delusions, hallucinations, disordered thinking, and abnormal behaviors. Individuals with schizophrenia are at an increased risk of developing substance addiction, as they may use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate their symptoms or alleviate the side effects of their antipsychotic medication.
• Borderline Personality Disorder: Borderline personality disorder is a mental health disorder that revolves around intense and unstable emotions, relationships, and self-image. Individuals with borderline personality disorder are at an increased risk of developing substance addiction. They may use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate or alleviate their symptoms of emotional instability.

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder defined by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity symptoms. Individuals with ADHD are at an increased risk of developing substance addiction, as they may use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate their symptoms or alleviate the side effects of their medication.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): OCD is a mental health disorder showing obsessive and compulsive behaviors and thoughts. Individuals with OCD are at an increased risk of developing substance addiction. They may use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate their symptoms or alleviate the anxiety associated with their obsessions and compulsions.
• Eating Disorders: Eating disorders are a range of mental health disorders exhibiting abnormal eating behaviors, thoughts, and perceptions. Individuals with eating disorders are at an increased risk of developing substance addiction, as they may use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate or control their appetite or weight.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD is a mental health disorder that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Individuals with PTSD are at an increased risk of developing substance addiction. They may use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate or alleviate their hyperarousal symptoms, avoidance, and re-experiencing the traumatic event. The connection between trauma and addiction for an adult can occur during childhood.
• Personality Disorders: Personality disorders are mental health disorders that exhibit long-standing, unhealthy, and inflexible patterns of behavior, thoughts, and emotions. Individuals with personality disorders are at an increased risk of developing substance addiction. They may use drugs or alcohol to cope with their symptoms. They do this to alleviate the stress and difficulties associated with their interpersonal relationships.

 

Treatment Programs for Dual Diagnosis

Dual-diagnosis treatment programs offer a comprehensive, individualized approach that addresses addiction and mental health disorders.

Treatment programs available for people with dual diagnosis:

• Detoxification: Detoxification is the first step in addiction treatment, and it involves eliminating the addictive substance from the body. Detox manages withdrawal symptoms under medical supervision to minimize the risk of complications.
• Residential Rehabilitation: Residential rehabilitation, called inpatient addiction recovery, means living at a facility while receiving intensive therapy and medical support. This type of program is ideal for individuals who require 24-hour care and support.
• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): PHP is a step down from inpatient treatment. Patients attend therapy sessions and other activities at a treatment center during the day and return home in the evening. PHP is ideal for individuals who need structured treatment but can manage their symptoms outside the treatment center.
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): IOP is a step down from PHP. It involves attending therapy sessions and other activities at a treatment center a few days a week for several hours. IOP is ideal for people who can manage their symptoms and responsibilities outside the treatment center.
• Recovery Management: Relapse prevention programs offer ongoing support and resources to individuals after completing a treatment program. These programs can include counseling, peer support groups, and other resources to help individuals maintain their recovery and prevent relapse.

 

Therapies for Dual Diagnosis

In addition to the types of treatment programs listed above, various therapies are available to individuals with dual diagnoses.

 

The most common therapies used in dual diagnosis treatment:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to addiction and mental health disorders. Therapists use CBT in individual and group therapy sessions.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT is a cognitive-behavioral therapy that emphasizes developing skills to manage emotions, improve relationships, and reduce impulsive behaviors. DBT treats those with borderline personality disorder and other mental health disorders.
• Motivational Interviewing (MI): MI is a therapy that involves counseling to help individuals increase their motivation and commitment to change their addictive behavior and address their mental health disorder. MI is a brief therapy often used in conjunction with other treatments.
• Family Therapy: Family therapy involves counseling sessions with the individual and their family members to address the impact of addiction and mental health disorders on family relationships and dynamics. Family therapy can help improve communication, build support, and strengthen relationships.
• Group Therapy: Group therapy involves counseling sessions with individuals with similar challenges and struggles. Group therapy can provide a sense of community, support, and accountability.
• Psychodynamic Therapy: Psychodynamic therapy involves exploring past experiences and unresolved emotions that may contribute to addiction and mental health disorders. Psychodynamic therapy can be helpful with complex mental health histories.

 

Dual Diagnosis Addiction Treatment in California

Dual diagnosis requires a comprehensive and individualized treatment approach for addiction and mental health disorders. Treatment programs such as detoxification, residential rehabilitation, PHP, IOP, and recovery management are coupled with multiple therapies. These therapies include CBT, DBT, MI, family therapy, group therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. This provides support and resources to overcome addiction and improve their mental health and well-being. Working with a healthcare professional to identify the best treatment options for each individual’s specific needs and challenges is crucial.

 

At Avedis Detox Center, our supportive and professional team is dedicated and helps people struggling with alcohol-related issues. Our personalized detox timeline provides the necessary resources for you or your loved one’s successful sobriety journey. We understand that recovery can be difficult, so contact us to guide this vital process. Call (833) 514-0579 today! Our experienced staff members ensure your needs are met during every step of rehabilitation. They build tailored care plans and ensure you have the aid you need. Complete the form on our website to verify your insurance – a brighter future could be right around the corner!

 

Learn More About PTSD Therapy at Avedis Detox

Contact us today via phone (833) 514-0579 or online form to learn more about our program. We can help you or your loved one achieve lasting recovery. We provide personalized care that empowers clients to regain control of their lives and attain a fulfilling and meaningful life in recovery.