Co-occurring Treatment in Miami: How to Get the Right Diagnosis

Understanding Co-occurring Disorders: Basics and Importance

A co-occurring disorder, also known as dual diagnosis,  is when there is an intersection between mental health disorders and substance use disorders. Understanding the unique impacts of a dual diagnosis is imperative when you’re embarking on a treatment program. Both disorders require comprehensive treatment methods that help to treat each disorder individually while also understanding how each one can influence one another.

When someone is living with a co-occurring disorder, it can be challenging to manage the symptoms of mental health and experience the unique challenges associated with substance use disorders. There are often people who will use substances to manage the symptoms of a mental health disorder, however, self-medicating with substances can exacerbate the severity of a substance use disorder leading to a cycle of addiction. 

Treatment for a co-occurring disorder requires a variety of therapeutic methods that address both mental health and substance use. This can include a variety of traditional therapy methods, holistic treatments, evidence-based therapy methods, and medical care. Each disorder must be treated individually to avoid exacerbating the other disorder which can lead to a cycle of relapse and deteriorating mental health. Understanding the basics of co-occurring disorders and how to treat them is essential for long-lasting recovery. 

The Challenge of Diagnosing Co-occurring Disorders

One of the main challenges with co-occurring disorders is properly diagnosing dual diagnosis due to the intricate relationship between mental health disorders and substance use disorders. There are often similar symptoms that overlap between the two it can be difficult to differentiate between mental health and addiction. This can make it challenging for healthcare professionals to properly diagnose and distinguish between mental health, substance use, or the interplay of both. That is why patients must have thorough evaluation and assessment to understand the complexities of co-occurring disorders and properly diagnose each co-occurring disorder. 

There is often a stigma surrounding mental health disorders and substance use disorder which can make it challenging for individuals to be open and honest about their struggles and symptoms that they are experiencing. This can create incomplete assessments and misdiagnosis due to the inaccurate depiction and information about the symptoms individuals are experiencing. 

Signs and Symptoms of Co-occurring Disorders

Understanding the signs and symptoms associated with co-occurring disorders helps to ensure that individuals can receive early intervention and support to get the proper help and treatment. Co-occurring disorders can demonstrate the following signs and symptoms: 

• Using substances as a way to manage emotions such as anger or sadness 
• Isolating from friends and family 
• Dramatic changes in personality 
• No longer participating in activities that once brought you joy 
• Erratic behavior 
• Changes in social circles to one that is centered around substance use 
• Changes in sleep patterns 
• Significant changes in weight 
• Malnutrition 
• Extreme fatigue 
• Episodes of confusion or paranoia 
• Panic 
• Disorientation 
• Inability to focus 
• Extreme mood swings 
• Extended periods of profound sadness 
• Unexplainable anger or irritation 
• Feeling invincible 
• Experiencing emotional detachment 
• Suicidal ideation 
• Increased dependency on substances 
• Drastic changes in regular behavior 

The Role of Professional Evaluation in Co-occurring Disorders

Professional evaluation is critical for the diagnosis and treatment of co-occurring disorders. To best understand the mental health disorders and substance use disorders that individuals are facing, there needs to be a thorough assessment and evaluation completed to formally diagnose someone with a dual diagnosis. 

Once someone has been diagnosed with a co-occurring disorder, the professional evaluation can help determine the appropriate course of treatment for each patient. As there are no two patients alike, there can not be a one-size-fits-all approach to co-occurring disorders. After assessments and evaluations are complete, patients will be offered a comprehensive treatment plan that can include medication-assisted treatment, behavioral therapies, psychotherapy, holistic treatments, and alternative treatment approaches that help patients heal from addiction and gain the skills for managing their mental health through healthy coping strategies and emotional regulation tools. 

Treatment Approaches for Co-occurring Disorders in Miami

Treating a co-occurring disorder requires a comprehensive approach with evidence-based therapy methods, medical care, and holistic treatments. Before you can begin the extensive work of treating mental health disorders, it is first critical that you relieve your body from the physical dependence on alcohol or drugs within a detox program. As you undergo a detox program, you’ll be monitored by medical professionals who will ensure you safely move through withdrawal symptoms while also monitoring your mental health to ensure you don’t experience an exacerbation of symptoms. 

After overcoming the physical dependence on substances, you’ll be prepared to begin an intensive treatment program that incorporates a myriad of treatment approaches. Patients will be invited to participate in therapeutic modalities such as: 

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy 
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy 
• Individual or group therapy session 
• Medication Assisted Treatment 
• Alternative therapies such as music or art therapy, nutrition therapy, and physical exercise 
• Holistic treatments such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and more 

Why a Tailored Treatment Plan is Essential

A tailored treatment plan is essential for each patient’s journey in dual diagnosis treatment. Your experiences with mental health and substance use disorder. Co-occurring disorders are multifaceted disorder that requires comprehensive treatment methods to address and heal from the underlying causes while developing the tools for long-lasting recovery. At WhiteSands, we believe that every patient in our recovery center is unique and deserves to have a treatment program that is centered around your personal needs and goals for healing and recovery. 

Through a personalized plan, you’ll be offered a treatment plan that is meaningful to you and supports you in achieving your goals for treatment and recovery. Through the initial professional evaluation and assessment, our team can determine your physical and psychological needs and develop a program that is centered around those needs while ensuring your safety and comfort throughout treatment. As you move through your treatment program, your treatment plan will be adjusted to meet your current needs help you to progress through your treatment program, and, ultimately, support you in achieving your treatment goals. 

WhiteSands Treatment: Expertise in Co-occurring Disorders

The multifaceted team at WhiteSands are leading experts in the realm of treatment of co-occurring disorders. Our experienced team of medical professionals, addiction therapists, psychologists, holistic practitioners, and support staff bring a wealth of knowledge and resources to patients’ healing plans to ensure that you can receive the proper levels of care and treatment. We value the individuality of all of our patients and strive to provide a unique, meaningful experience for all of our patients so that they can find their way in recovery and achieve their goals of sobriety and stable mental health functioning. 

Taking the First Step: Contacting WhiteSands for Co-occurring Treatment

Taking the first step towards recovery can often come with questions about what to expect. Contacting the admission team at WhiteSands will help you answer any questions you may have– what to expect, the cost of treatment, or the length of time in treatment required. Our compassionate team will help you navigate the first steps of recovery and design a personalized treatment program that will help you achieve your overarching goals of healing, personal growth, and recovery. 

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.