Many people with drug or alcohol addiction also struggle with mental health disorders. This may include disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder. They may have phobias or eating disorders. Some also have more complex conditions, such as schizophrenia. In a mental health treatment center, this is treated through dual diagnosis treatment. So, what is dual diagnosis treatment, and what can you expect from it?
What is Dual Diagnosis Treatment, and When Is It Necessary?
A dual diagnosis treatment program treats both conditions – the addiction and mental health disorder – at the same time. This creates the best possible outcome for a person with both conditions.
A common situation occurs where a person reaches out for treatment for addiction. If therapy does not address that person’s underlying past trauma or depression, addiction relapse is more likely to happen. Yet, it can be hard to know the mental health disorder exists because the addiction may be more obvious and, therefore, the first step in care.
In a reputable treatment program, diagnosing both conditions and creating a treatment plan to address both conditions happens. Some signs this type of treatment may be beneficial include:
- Using drugs or alcohol to deal with stress
- Being unable to deal with stress, anxiety, or emotions without access to substances
- Experiencing intense memories or flashbacks without the use of alcohol or drugs
- Trying to stop using but feeling unable to do so
- Experiencing intense anxiety or depression when not using
What Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment Able to Do?
There are many components to this type of therapy. The first step is often to work through detox to break dependence. This occurs when the body and brain become reliant on the drug. A person with intense withdrawal symptoms and cravings may need to start with inpatient or outpatient detox services.
At the same time, therapists and doctors work to help stabilize the mental health disorder. This may include working with medications to help alleviate some of the symptoms a person is facing. For example, treating depression with medications can help a person feel more normal and better able to work through their challenges. It often takes a combination of medications, and that combination needs to be specialized for the individual.
Treatment is not just medication, though. Most people benefit from psychotherapy, a type of talk therapy that examines what is happening and why. It also helps a person to gain real strategies they can use to help them better cope with mental health disorder symptoms or control the onset of relapse. Some of the therapies used within this include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- EMDR therapy
- Holistic therapy programs
- Motivational interviewing therapy
Both individual and group therapy sessions may be used to help with this. Another component of the process is to include family therapy as it can provide a way for both the family and the individual to work through challenges, improve communication, and create balance at home. Some people will also benefit from medical care and nutritional therapy, especially if they have used drugs for a long time.
What Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment Really Like?
When a person enters into treatment like this, they work closely with therapists who can provide education and information about their disorders. They learn strategies through both individual and group therapy to deal with the symptoms they have. They also develop strategies for managing real life hard situations, intense stress, and challenges. Through a combined effort, a person can start to heal and reclaim their health.
Treatment starts as soon as a person requests help. For dual diagnosis, look for a treatment program that specializes in this type of high-level care. It may be a necessary investment in long-term healing.