Millions of people in the United States live with mental health and substance abuse. When someone lives with both conditions, medical and mental experts call this a “dual diagnosis.”
Living with SUD and mental health disorders can make every aspect of life more challenging. People who have a dual diagnosis require specialized behavioral health and substance abuse treatment programs. Specialized treatment allows people struggling with addiction and mental health disorders to manage these conditions and move forward.
This article will explore the benefits of dual diagnosis treatment. You will learn:
- What happens in a dual-diagnosis treatment program
- The benefits of dual diagnosis treatment
- How to determine if you or a loved one requires dual diagnosis treatment
- Where to find dual diagnosis treatment in Florida
If you or someone you love struggles with a mental health condition or substance use disorder (SUD), you are not alone. Find effective, compassionate treatment at Archstone Behavioral Health. Contact our specialists to learn more about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is a Dual Diagnosis?
When someone has a dual diagnosis, it means they have a mental health condition and substance use disorder (SUD). Living with a mental health condition and addiction can be very challenging. People with a dual diagnosis require tailored substance abuse and mental health treatment. This treatment will help them overcome substance abuse and learn to manage their mental health condition.
What to Expect in Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Dual-diagnosis treatment programs provide evidence-based treatment for addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. During treatment, people work with licensed mental health specialists and medical professionals. They receive specialized treatment that can help them manage mental health conditions and prevent relapse.
Dual diagnosis treatment generally occurs in stages. Here is what to expect during dual-diagnosis treatment.
Assessment
Before your treatment starts, a doctor or addiction specialist will assess your needs and determine which level of care and type of treatment you need to be successful in recovery.
Medically-supported detoxification
During a medically-supported detox program, people receive the supervision and treatment they need to have a safe, complete detox. Detox treatment typically includes:
- Medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms
- Emotional support
- Mental health treatment
- Round-the-clock supervision
- Holistic therapies to soothe the mind and body
The length of detox programs varies depending on each person’s needs.
Dual diagnosis treatment
After completing detox, people must participate in a comprehensive treatment program. Dual diagnosis treatment allows people to identify and address the complex aspects of their mental illness and substance abuse.
Treatment plans are tailored to meet each person’s needs but generally include:
- Medications and medical care
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy and other forms of talk therapy
- Group and family therapy
- Mental health treatment
- Aftercare planning
- Holistic therapies like yoga, nutrition support, and mindfulness
- Relapse prevention education and coping skills
This combination of evidence-based and holistic therapies allows people to manage the symptoms of their mental illness. They also learn how to prevent a relapse for the rest of their lives.
Aftercare
Mental illnesses and substance abuse are often lifelong conditions. While it isn’t possible to “cure” these conditions, people can develop aftercare plans to support sobriety.
Dual diagnosis treatment can help people overcome mental health disorders and substance abuse. Seek specialized dual-diagnosis treatment programs as soon as you recognize you need help.
5 Benefits of Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Dual-diagnosis treatment programs provide high-quality addiction treatment therapies while also addressing a person’s mental health conditions. Here are five of the most significant benefits of attending a dual-diagnosis treatment program.
1. Assessment
Before treatment starts, mental health and medical professionals thoroughly evaluate each person to determine the root of their SUD and mental health conditions. This assessment allows the treatment team to create the most effective SUD and mental health treatment programs.
2. Medically-supported treatment
Dual-diagnosis treatment programs may provide medications as part of a treatment program. Alongside other evidence-based therapies, medications can help people manage withdrawal, reduce mental health symptoms, and improve daily functioning.
3. Personalized care
Addiction recovery and mental health care is not a one-size-fits-all process. Dual-diagnosis treatment programs provide individualized care. Mental health and medical experts get to know each person individually, allowing them to tailor treatment to meet their unique needs.
4. A holistic approach
Addiction is more than just a physical condition. It also involves genetics, environment, behaviors, emotions, and more. Dual diagnosis treatment provides comprehensive care for a person’s body, mind, relationships, and other core aspects of themselves. People receive mental health care, emotional support, education, and other therapies that address the roots of SUD and mental health challenges.
5. Focus on aftercare
After rehab, people must stay active in their recovery. During dual diagnosis treatment programs, create a relapse prevention aftercare plan.
An aftercare plan may include:
- 12-step meetings
- Mental health support groups
- Regular mental health and medical care
- Sober living
- Group therapy
- Individual counseling
- Community-based mental health treatment
- Other addiction or mental health treatment
Dual-diagnosis treatment programs help people work toward better health and quality of life at every stage of their recovery journey.
If you or a loved one abuses drugs or alcohol and lives with a mental health disorder, including anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and others, seek treatment. A dual-diagnosis treatment center can provide comprehensive care and compassionate support to help you manage these conditions effectively.
Find Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Florida
If you or a loved one lives with SUD and a mental health disorder, you are not alone. Find effective, compassionate treatment at Archstone Behavioral Health. Contact our specialists today to learn more about our programs or schedule an intake appointment.
