Understanding Co-Occurring Disorders and Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Nearly 50% of people who seek treatment for substance abuse are also struggling with a co-occurring mental health condition. At the same time, people who struggle with mental illness are far more likely to abuse substances, struggle with addiction, and require inpatient treatment to get sober. Needless to say, mental health and addiction are closely intertwined.

Compared to individuals who only have one single disorder, those with co-occurring disorders tend to have more severe medical and mental health challenges. They also require more intensive, one-to-one treatment, so a standard addiction treatment program may not be suitable for these individuals.

Diagnosing and treating co-occurring disorders is absolutely essential in order for treatment to be effective. Leaving mental health untreated could result in a drug or alcohol relapse later on down the road. Fortunately, many dual diagnosis addiction treatment facilities in the United States are equipped with the evidence-based therapies and comprehensive services needed to address both mental health and substance abuse.

Patients who attend a dual diagnosis rehab program typically begin their journey in detox where they are safely detoxed from drugs and alcohol while under medical supervision. Then, they transition to a 30, 60, or 90-day residential or outpatient recovery program where they heal their minds, bodies, and spirits from the effects of addiction and their mental illness.

Types of Co-Occurring Disorders

Any mental or behavioral health condition that exists at the same time as drug or alcohol addiction can be considered a co-occurring disorder. Some of the most common mental health conditions that are treated in a dual diagnosis program include:

• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Social anxiety disorder
• Panic disorder
• Major depressive disorder
• Seasonal affective disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Bipolar disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
• Other personality disorders
• Conduct disorders
• Schizophrenia

Whether you have a diagnosis or not, a multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, counselors, and addiction professionals can help you learn how to cope with your symptoms more effectively so you don’t have to rely on drugs and alcohol.

Risks Associated With Co-Occurring Disorders

Because people with co-occurring disorders generally have more severe addictions and health complications, leaving co-occurring disorders untreated can be very risky. Without treatment, these individuals are at an increased risk for a variety of long-term health impacts, such as:

• Social isolation
• Relapses
• Hospitalization
• Financial problems
• Family and relationship problems
• Homelessness
• Sexual or physical violence
• Incarceration
• Serious medical and mental illness

Because of the long-term effects of mental illness and co-occurring addiction, it is vital to seek help as soon as possible.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders

Co-occurring disorders are treated simultaneously using dual diagnosis treatment. Dual diagnosis treatment combines addiction counseling with mental health therapy to address both conditions at the same time. 

Since there are many overlapping symptoms between mental illness and addiction, treating both conditions at once is highly effective.

Treatment typically involves: 

• Medically supervised detox
• Inpatient psychiatric care
• Group therapy
• Individual therapy
• Mental health counseling
• Aftercare planning
• Holistic therapies such as adventure therapy, art or music therapy, and massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic.

In most cases, treatment is covered by insurance, too, so you don’t have to stress too much about the cost. At the end of the day, getting treatment can be life-saving, and is the best decision you can make for yourself.

 

How to Find Treatment

Finding the right dual diagnosis rehab center can be overwhelming and it’s important to choose one that meets your needs. As a result, the best way to find treatment is to enlist the help of a professional. An addiction specialist or your primary care physician can assess your situation and help you choose the right treatment program for you. You do not have to make this decision alone.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction and mental health, please do not hesitate to seek help. Your life is worth it.