Millions of people in the United States live with a mental health condition and substance use disorder (SUD). These conditions can make every aspect of life more challenging. Without treatment, substance abuse and mental illness can get more complicated to manage.
Mental health and medical professionals use the term “dual diagnosis” to describe living with mental health conditions and SUD. People with a dual diagnosis require specialized dual-diagnosis treatment programs to manage these conditions.
This article will explore how to find dual diagnosis treatment.
- Common signs of a dual diagnosis
- What happens in dual-diagnosis treatment
- How to find the best dual diagnosis treatment center to meet your needs
- Where to find mental health and SUD treatment
If you or someone you love live with a dual diagnosis, you are not alone. Reach out to the specialists at The Best Treatment to learn about our comprehensive dual-diagnosis treatment programs. You can contact our intake team with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is a Dual Diagnosis?
The term “dual diagnosis” describes people with a mental health condition and substance use disorder (SUD). After a thorough assessment, people receive a dual diagnosis from a mental health or medical provider. A dual diagnosis assessment may include:
- Questions about past and current substance use
- A physical exam and lab testing
- A mental health history
- Assessments for mental health issues
- Family history of mental health and substance abuse
Some signs of a dual diagnosis include:
- Using drugs or alcohol to cope with anxiety, stress, trauma, or other mental disorders
- A diagnosis of a mental health disorder
- A history of a mental illness (anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, etc.)
- Substance abuse that worsens the symptoms of a mental illness
Some medical and mental health practitioners refer to a dual diagnosis as “co-occurring disorders.” Living with substance abuse and mental health conditions can be very challenging. People with both conditions require specialized dual-diagnosis treatment programs.
What to Expect From Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Dual diagnosis programs provide comprehensive treatment for mental health disorders and substance abuse. These programs focus on addiction recovery, relapse prevention, and mental health symptom management.
There are several levels of dual diagnosis treatment. People may attend inpatient treatment programs or receive care in an intensive outpatient program.
Many rehab centers offer multiple levels of care to meet people’s needs at every stage of recovery. It is essential for each person to find the best dual diagnosis treatment program for their needs.
A dual-diagnosis treatment program may include:
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
- Medically-supported detox programs (medications, round-the-clock supervision, mental health and medical treatment, etc.)
- Specialized therapies, including dialectic behavioral therapy (DBT) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Individual, group, and family counseling
- Relapse prevention education
- Coping skills
- Holistic therapies (art therapy, mindfulness, exercise, nutrition therapy, etc.)
- Aftercare planning
Dual-diagnosis treatment programs use evidence-based treatments to help people address the roots of their substance abuse. They also get the treatment they need to manage their mental health condition. Each person follows an individualized treatment plan to help them reach their goals.
How to Choose the Best Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center
The first step of seeking treatment is having thorough substance abuse and mental health evaluations. Your regular mental health or medical specialists should offer these assessments. You may also contact The Best Treatment to learn more about these evaluations.
Next, find dual-diagnosis treatment centers near you. You can find your treatment options by:
- Asking your doctor for recommendations
- Contacting your health insurance company for in-network options
- Contacting The Best Treatment intake specialists for guidance
When searching for a dual-diagnosis treatment program, looking for signs of high-quality care is crucial. Some things to look for include:
- The center has licensure to provide mental health and addiction treatment services
- The center offers multiple levels of care to meet each person’s needs throughout recovery
- The center provides individualized treatment plans instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach
- The staff have licensure to provide addiction and mental health care
- The center is clean and well-maintained
- The program includes assistance with aftercare planning
Ask about the types of therapies the center uses and how the staff handles relapse. Learn about what a typical daily schedule may include. The more you know about a treatment center, the more confident you will feel in seeking treatment.
Find Treatment Now
Living with a dual diagnosis can make life more challenging. However, getting the right treatment can help you overcome substance abuse. It can also help you manage the symptoms of your mental health condition.
If you or someone you love struggles with mental health conditions or SUD, you are not alone. Find compassionate, comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment at The Best Treatment. Contact our intake specialists to learn about our programs or schedule an intake appointment.
