Substance use disorders and mental health conditions are closely linked. Co-occurring disorders, or dual diagnoses, are common. Both conditions can be difficult to address on their own, but when they occur together, the challenges of treating them increase exponentially. If you have co-occurring disorders, a dual diagnosis treatment program can provide the most thorough and effective treatment to deal with the unique challenges of this combination.
At Promises Brazos Valley, we recognize how difficult it can be to manage addiction and mental health disorders together. Recovering from a dual diagnosis is next to impossible without the appropriate treatment. Our dual diagnosis treatment program considers all of your needs for a healthy, lasting recovery. Our team of professionals will provide a thorough assessment and craft a customized treatment plan to ensure your success. Contact us today at 979.426.0086 to learn more about our dual diagnosis treatment.
What Is Dual Diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis is a term that describes people with both a substance use disorder and another mental health condition. These may also be referred to as co-occurring disorders. Substance abuse is a risk factor for developing a mental illness. It also worsens the symptoms or makes them harder to treat. In some cases, substances may cause mental health problems directly. For example:
- Stimulant drugs like cocaine can trigger mania in people with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
- People with depression who use marijuana are more likely to become suicidal than those who do not use the drug.
- People with anxiety disorders may use alcohol or benzodiazepines to cope with their anxiety. These substances help numb anxiety symptoms but can worsen the condition over time.
As you can see, a dual diagnosis can develop as a result of substance use leading to mental health conditions or mental health disorders, increasing the risk of substance abuse.
How Can a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program Help?
The first step to healing is getting a proper diagnosis. Getting an accurate diagnosis is critical for the creation of an appropriate treatment plan. An addiction treatment facility should assess your mental health and substance use history to determine whether you have co-occurring disorders. A dual diagnosis treatment program can help you overcome substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions by providing you with services such as:
- A treatment team consisting of mental health and substance abuse professionals – To fully address mental health conditions and substance use disorder, you need to have professionals from both fields working together on your treatment.
- An appropriate medication regimen – You may need medication to minimize withdrawal symptoms and cravings to help you maintain abstinence from drugs or alcohol. Anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, and antipsychotic medications can help make symptoms of mental health disorders more manageable.
- Customized therapy sessions – Your treatment team will determine which types of therapy will best support your recovery. You will likely attend individual, group, and family therapy sessions. But you will also benefit from specific types of therapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and trauma therapy.
The main benefit of a dual diagnosis treatment program is having co-occurring disorders treated together. This significantly increases the chances of maintaining recovery and reclaiming a better quality of life.
Find Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Promises Brazos Valley
If you need dual diagnosis treatment, reach out to Promises Brazos Valley at 979.426.0086. Our dual diagnosis treatment program can help you heal from the effects of mental health conditions and substance use disorders. With our help, you no longer need to feel stuck in an endless cycle of mental health struggles and substance abuse. Call us today to get the help you need.