Drug and alcohol addiction is a complex chronic, relapsing disorder. It is not unusual to see a co-occurring mental health disorder along with substance dependence. Individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with their symptoms. In other cases, frequent substance abuse can trigger or exacerbate mental health conditions as well, creating a vicious cycle where the two disorders feed one another. In these cases, co-occurring disorders must be treated simultaneously through dual diagnosis treatment for the most effective outcome. Let’s look a little closer into understanding co-occurring disorders and how you can find dual diagnosis treatment near you.

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Understanding Dual Diagnosis: What It Means

Dual diagnosis is when a person has substance use issues along with mental health issues. It is also known as a co-occurring disorder or comorbidity. It is not a diagnosis but a combination of two or more diagnoses. Mental health disorders can include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. When a substance use disorder occurs alongside a mental health disorder, they can affect one another. An increase in substance abuse can make mental health disorders worse and vice versa.

It is difficult to tell whether substance abuse or a mental health disorder came first. A person may use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate a mental health issue and develop addiction with frequent substance abuse. Alcohol and drug use can also alter the brain’s function and structure, making it more likely to develop a mental health disorder. As the two disorders feed one another, the person’s symptoms can worsen.

The Importance of Integrated Treatment for Dual Diagnosis

When treating substance use disorders, it is important to address the root causes and all aspects of a person who has been affected by drug and alcohol abuse. Addressing only one disorder can make treatment less effective leaving the patient at greater risk for relapse. If they continue to struggle with a mental health condition, they may easily fall back into old patterns of drug or alcohol abuse in an attempt to ease their symptoms. Through dual diagnosis care, patients can learn how to manage their mental health symptoms effectively and healthily instead of substance use.

Benefits of Inpatient Treatment for Dual Diagnosis

There are several levels of care available for dual diagnosis treatment, including inpatient treatment and outpatient treatment. For individuals with moderate to severe addiction with co-occurring disorders, inpatient treatment can offer the best chance at successful recovery. Patients can focus on their treatment programs in a safe and supportive environment away from stressors and distractions. Dual diagnosis inpatient treatment provides structure and supervision, making it less likely for patients to relapse. It is an excellent opportunity for patients to develop strong friendships and bonds with others in recovery who understand their troubles and issues. Overall, inpatient dual diagnosis treatment significantly decreases the chances of early relapse, a time when individuals are most vulnerable to falling back into old habits and behaviors.

Key Features to Look for in a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center

dual diagnosis inpatient treatment

Co-occurring disorders are more complex and difficult to treat. It is important to find a facility with dual diagnosis treatment that can address addiction and mental health issues simultaneously. Some key features you can look for when choosing the right treatment center include:

  • They are licensed by an accrediting body. True dual diagnosis treatment facilities will hold accreditation by organizations like the Joint Commission.
  • The dual diagnosis treatment center offers flexible lengths of stay. Every person’s battle with addiction is different, treatment facilities with flexible lengths of stay (30-day, 60-day, or 90-day rehab lengths) can provide personalized programs. It is not unusual for co-occurring disorders to need longer program lengths.
  • They offer a full continuum of care. Dual diagnosis usually needs a full continuum of care, meaning the patient will follow a step-down system of inpatient care to outpatient treatment to aftercare programs.
  • Clinicians use evidence-based treatment methods. Effective treatment methods will use evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medically assisted treatment (MAT), and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).

How to Search for Dual Diagnosis Inpatient Treatment Near You

There are several ways to find dual diagnosis treatment near you. One way is to use a search engine and do your research on the facility with the right key features mentioned above. You can also get referrals through accrediting bodies like the Joint Commission for facilities that meet their standards. Local support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) can also offer some tools and advice for finding dual diagnosis inpatient treatment near you.

Questions to Ask When Choosing a Treatment Facility

When choosing a dual-diagnosis treatment facility, you should ask several questions to make sure it is the right fit for you. While one person may have had great success at a rehab center, it may not provide what you need. Here are some questions you can ask when choosing the right recovery program:

  • What therapies and treatments do they offer?
  • How long do you predict my stay will be for my best chance of recovery?
  • Does your program offer life skills and aftercare programming?
  • What kind of amenities does my program include?
  • Will I be cut off completely from my loved ones during my stay?
  • Are programs individualized?

The Role of Family Support in Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Family support is a vital part of dual diagnosis treatment and recovery. Loved ones can provide social and emotional support that can greatly complement treatments. Addiction can also place strain on relationships and healing those relationships through therapy can reduce stress during the recovery process. Loved ones can also learn how to better support you through recovery and reduce misconceptions about addiction. Families can learn to rebuild trust, offer forgiveness, and foster an accepting environment necessary for healing from the effects of drug and alcohol abuse.

Why Choose WhiteSands Treatment for Dual Diagnosis Care

WhiteSands Treatment offers comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment along with dual diagnosis care. Our programs emphasize finding and treating the root causes of addiction through individualized programs. Mental health treatment is available through both our inpatient and outpatient levels of care and can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), group therapy, and medication management.

At WhiteSands, our state-of-the-art treatment facilities go above and beyond the industry standard to create a space for patients where they are being healed instead of shamed for their addiction. Patients reside in private rooms with full bathrooms and enjoy several amenities during their downtime to relax and unwind. We also allow patients access to their electronics and phones in the evenings so they can keep in contact with the outside world and deal with triggers in a safe, supportive environment instead of on their own. Recovery at WhiteSands includes relapse prevention, life skill programming, and aftercare programs to help patients successfully reintegrate into their daily lives with the right tools and support.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction and a co-occurring disorder, the WhiteSands dual diagnosis program offers the best chance at long-term recovery. Please call us today at (877)855-3470 to learn more about our programs or to get started on the road towards 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.

About the Author

Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.