Best Dual Diagnosis Group Therapy in Florida

Treatment for dual diagnosis is complex and multifaceted. Individuals with a dual diagnosis have the best chance of successful recovery when they receive multiple forms of therapy and counseling, including group therapy. Dual diagnosis group therapy is a normal part of a well-rounded recovery program that offers patients peer support, perspective, and accountability. Finding the best dual-diagnosis group therapy in Florida is possible when you understand what it means to have a dual diagnosis and what to look for in group therapy.

Understanding Dual Diagnosis and Its Challenges

Dual diagnosis refers to people who have a substance use disorder and mental health disorder at the same time. Both disorders can trigger the other and exacerbate symptoms, which can make treatment more difficult and complex. However, recovery is possible with the right combination of therapies.

Sometimes, individuals with a mental health disorder will turn to drugs and alcohol as a way to alleviate their symptoms. As the person engages in substance use more frequently or at higher doses, they can develop a substance use disorder. Substance abuse can also worsen mental health symptoms as they act on areas of the brain responsible for mood regulation. Individuals who engage in substance abuse can also trigger or worsen a preexisting mental health disorder.

Many challenges come with dual diagnosis, including receiving an accurate diagnosis. Many symptoms associated with substance use disorders overlap with mental health disorders. Both disorders must be treated simultaneously as they interact and worsen the other. An individual who only receives treatment for one disorder may continue to struggle with symptoms of the other putting them at higher risk for a relapse.

The Importance of Group Therapy for Dual Diagnosis

Group therapy is led by one or more therapists and is formed around specific issues, such as substance abuse or depression. Many addiction recovery programs run group therapy alongside individual therapy sessions. Patients can learn necessary coping skills and tools, understand the underlying causes of addiction, and treat co-occurring disorders.

Dual-diagnosis peer support groups can reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness often experienced during the recovery process. Support groups can reduce feelings of anxiety, distress, and fatigue as well. During these groups, you can also learn new strategies to cope with the challenges of co-occurring disorders and how others have successfully overcome those challenges. Seeing others further along in their sobriety can provide hope and motivation that you can also get there.

Key Features of Effective Dual Diagnosis Group Therapy

Group therapy allows individuals with similar experiences about substance abuse and mental health to interact, learn from one another, and provide mutual support. Dual diagnosis group therapy can be as helpful as individual therapy, but certain key features are needed for it to be effective, such as:

• Ground rules: Therapists leading group therapy should set ground rules before beginning to ensure participant confidentiality, privacy, and respect. Participants should feel comfortable sharing their experiences without pressure and should never share intimate details of other participants outside of the group.
• Group cohesion: Dual diagnosis group therapy groups provide participants with a sense of belonging, security, and identification to allow openness without the fear of rejection.
• Learning: Participants can learn about themselves, their disorders, and how to manage symptoms through healthy coping mechanisms. Allows participants to learn from one another and instills hope by seeing others succeed.
• Evidence-based practices: Therapists or counselors leading group therapy should use evidence-based practices such as CBT to teach coping strategies.

Benefits of Group Therapy in Dual Diagnosis

Comprehensive addiction treatment programs often provide the best chance at successful recovery. While most of the intense work happens in individual therapy, group therapy can be highly beneficial as well. Some benefits of group therapy in dual diagnosis include:

• Reduces isolation: Individuals in recovery often feel alienated by friends and family, as well as the loss of social groups that contributed to their substance abuse. Group therapy can reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness by creating a safe space where participants can openly discuss their struggles and successes while providing a sense of belonging.
• Provides support: Participants can provide mutual support to one another. Participants can often form deep connections with others who share their struggles and create a support network that can last beyond therapy sessions.
• Creates accountability: Seeing others commit to recovery can be motivational but group therapy can also help participants feel like others are counting on them as well.
• Skill development: Dual diagnosis group therapy can help those in recovery develop and practice crucial interpersonal and communication skills. They can learn how to effectively express themselves, actively listen, and provide constructive feedback. Skills that are not only therapeutic but also help in building healthier relationships outside of recovery,
• Reduces stigma and shame: Individuals in recovery often experience feelings of shame and guilt. Group therapy fosters an environment of acceptance and understanding, helping to reduce these feelings.

What to Look for in a Dual Diagnosis Group Therapy Program

When looking for the right dual diagnosis group therapy program you should make sure that sessions focus on treating both disorders at the same time. You can also specific dual diagnosis therapy groups that focus on your co-occurring disorder, such as addiction and depression. Dual-diagnosis group therapy programs should also include evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Programs should provide a wide range of therapy groups, such as relapse prevention groups, psychotherapy groups, and cognitive therapy groups. You may also want to find group therapy programs that resonate with you, for example, spirituality-based groups may be a good fit for some people but may not be your cup of tea.

Success Rates and Outcomes of Group Therapy in Dual Diagnosis

According to some research, group therapy and individual therapy are equally effective in treating dual diagnosis. Group therapy can be especially helpful in treating problems that accompany substance abuse, such as guilt, shame, depression, and isolation. Success rates depend on a variety of factors including underlying causes of addiction, patient adherence, type of co-occurring disorder, and quality of treatment. Patients with the greatest success participate in comprehensive treatment programs which include a variety of therapies and treatments such as medication-assisted treatment, individual therapy, and group therapy.

How to Find the Best Dual Diagnosis Group Therapy in Florida

The best dual diagnosis group therapy in Florida will be a part of a comprehensive treatment program, such as you would find at a drug and alcohol addiction treatment facility. When choosing the right program, it is important to look for certain features to ensure you are receiving quality care. First and foremost, the treatment facility should be licensed through the state of Florida and the best dual diagnosis programs will be accredited by a third-party organization, such as the Joint Commission. Quality dual diagnosis programs will be personalized to each patient to include a variety of treatment methods as well. The treatment program should also specialize in dual diagnosis. Quality dual-diagnosis recovery programs will not separate co-occurring disorders but treat them simultaneously, giving patients their best chance at long-term recovery.

Why Choose WhiteSands Treatment for Dual Diagnosis Group Therapy in Florida

At WhiteSands Treatment we create personalized dual-diagnosis treatment programs that include group therapy. Choosing a quality treatment center such as ours ensures a team of clinicians understands your unique case and creates a comprehensive treatment plan that will address all issues related to your co-occurring disorders. Our clinicians can diagnose and treat dual diagnosis to ensure you have the best possible recovery outcomes. Programs are designed to provide you with enough interaction and support from others without overwhelming you by also providing you time and space for yourself.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction and a mental health disorder, the WhiteSands Treatment dual diagnosis program is here to help you achieve the life you envisioned for yourself. Please give us a call today at (877) 855-3470 to learn more or to start the admissions process.

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.