Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Help for Addiction and Mental Health

Dual diagnosis is a term used to describe the coexistence of a mental health condition and substance use disorder. While co-occurring disorders are complex, they are also increasingly common. When individuals suffer from both a mental illness and a substance use disorder, both conditions must be treated simultaneously for treatment to be effective. Because of this, if you or a loved one are dealing with co-occurring disorders, you should seek a professional dual diagnosis rehab provider as soon as possible. Let’s take a look at what to expect when looking for a dual diagnosis treatment program in West Palm Beach.

What is Dual Diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis occurs when an individual suffers from an addiction as well as a co-occurring mental health disorder. For example, an individual suffering from depression, anxiety, or bipolar, who also struggles with addiction, is considered to have a dual diagnosis.

Additionally, dual diagnosis is more common than not. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 7 million to 10 million Americans reported having at least one mental health condition as well as a substance use disorder. Unfortunately, studies have also concluded that individuals suffering from co-occurring disorders often have a more difficult time finding or attending treatment. In addition, research has proven that both disorders must be treated simultaneously for treatment to be effective.

Risks of Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions and Addiction

Getting diagnosed isn’t always easy when an individual is suffering from a mental health condition and addiction. This is because the side-effects and consequences of addiction and certain mental health conditions often overlap, causing diagnoses to become incorrect or completely undetectable. Let’s take a look at the risks and diagnostic difficulties associated with drug and alcohol abuse being combined with mental health conditions.

Long-term, frequent, and untreated drug or alcohol abuse may cause the following:

  • Development of a new psychiatric issue
  • A worsening of pre-existing mental health conditions
  • Causing a re-emergence of treated mental health conditions
  • New symptoms of a mental health condition that are drug or alcohol-induced
  • Masking symptoms of a mental health condition, preventing diagnosis

If an individual treats their drug or alcohol use disorder, their mental health condition will still be present. Sometimes, the symptoms of an underlying mental health condition can become more apparent once an individual begins sobriety. As a result, individuals suffering from co-occurring disorders should attend a dual diagnosis treatment program near them.

What Does Dual Diagnosis Treatment in West Palm Beach Include?

Effective dual diagnosis programs offer a variety of evidence-based treatment modalities. Most individuals seeking treatment for co-occurring disorders require detox, individual and group counseling, medication management, and aftercare planning. Let’s take a look at each aspect of mental health and addiction treatment.

Detox

When people struggle with substance abuse, they also have to deal with symptoms of withdrawal when they quit using drugs or alcohol. Because of this, treatment for dual diagnosis conditions incorporates medically-supervised detox into treatment plans. During detox, addiction and medical professionals monitor and treat patients during the withdrawal process.

Medication Management

Since dual diagnosis patients suffer from mental health conditions, many of them require psychiatric medication. Whether a patient already takes medication or requires new meds, medical professionals at dual diagnosis treatment centers help patients manage their medication. This ensures that patients take their meds regularly and on-time, as well as preventing abuse of medication.

Therapy

After a patient completes detox and becomes medically stable, the mental aspect of treatment begins. Addiction treatment programs in West Palm Beach always includes individual and group counseling. For example, many dual diagnosis treatment providers utilize cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to teach the coping skills needed to combat negative thoughts and actions. This helps patients to break their addictions while learning to manage their mental health conditions healthily.

Aftercare Planning

Lastly, treatment for co-occurring disorders should include some form of aftercare planning or relapse prevention. Aftercare planning is the process of providing patients with the education and resources they need in order to maintain their sobriety and mental health after completing treatment. Some examples of relapse prevention measures may include attending sober living or halfway homes, 12-step meetings, drug or alcohol testing, and continuing to take medications.

How to Choose a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center

Attending treatment helps individuals find relief from their mental health condition and their addictions simultaneously. However, deciphering which dual diagnosis program to attend can be confusing. Due to this, we have put together a checklist of what to look for in a dual diagnosis treatment center.

Professional and effective mental health and addiction treatment in West Palm Beach should offer the following:

  • Detox and psychiatric medication management
  • Individual and group counseling
  • Family therapy programs
  • Relapse prevention planning
  • Educational addiction groups
  • Aftercare planning

Additionally, when choosing a dual diagnosis program, you should ask the following questions:

  • Does the program offer a long enough treatment stay to fully address the complex nature of co-occurring issues?
  • Does the program have state licensing from the appropriate regulatory bodies in substance use and mental health?
  • Would this program provide me with a safe and supportive environment? (Considering your particular needs)
  • Does this rehab center utilize evidence-based treatment modalities and therapies?
  • Can I afford this treatment program? Consider the full price, insurance coverage options, and financing options for low-income individuals.

Get Connected With a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Provider in West Palm Beach Today

The Best Treatment Center understands the complex nature of dealing with co-occurring disorders. Dual diagnosis recovery requires professional treatment provided by experienced and knowledgable staff. If you or a loved one suffer from mental health and addiction, we can help you begin your journey of recovery. Call us today to get started.

Medically Reviewed: September 25, 2019

Dr Ashley

Medical Reviewer

Chief Editor

About

All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

Dr Ashley Murray obtained her MBBCh Cum Laude in 2016. She currently practices in the public domain in South Africa. She has an interest in medical writing and has a keen interest in evidence-based medicine.


All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.