Do you feel like you’ve been struggling with both addiction and mental health issues? If so, you’re not alone. Many people with addiction issues also have co-occurring conditions such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Recognizing the presence of these disorders is an important first step, but what comes next? What is a dual diagnosis treatment program, and how can it help you?
Treating both mental health and substance use conditions together can be more effective than treating them separately. Dual diagnosis treatment programs involve specialized treatment methods and therapeutic activities that are tailored for people with co-occurring conditions. To learn how Outreach Recovery’s dual diagnosis programs can benefit you, contact us at 888.897.9284 today. Our mental health treatment is here for you.
Do I Have Co-Occurring Conditions?
The presence of a co-occurring condition is often a major obstacle to addiction recovery. Emotional, behavioral, and psychological symptoms can fuel substance misuse. They can also prevent individuals from breaking free of their addiction.
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may have a co-occurring disorder:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness or guilt
- Anxiety, worry or panic attacks
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities that you used to enjoy
- Irritability, aggression, or frequent mood swings
- Flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts related to a traumatic event
- Difficulty focusing, remembering or making decisions
If you’re experiencing these symptoms or any other mental health issues, seeking professional help is important. Mental health professionals can help you diagnose your condition and recommend appropriate treatment.
What Is a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program?
A dual diagnosis program is an evidence-based approach to treating individuals struggling with addiction and co-occurring disorders. The program treats both conditions simultaneously rather than separately. Why is that important? Because addiction and mental health conditions often coexist and contribute to each other. For example, someone with depression may turn to drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication, and addiction can worsen the symptoms of depression.
A dual diagnosis program addresses both issues simultaneously through counseling, behavioral therapies, and medication management. The goal is to help individuals gain a better understanding of their addiction and mental health, manage their symptoms, and build the skills necessary to lead a healthy, productive life.
Therapies Used in a Dual Diagnosis Program
The therapies used in a dual diagnosis program vary depending on the individual’s needs and the team of professionals providing care. However, some of the most common therapies include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) – Used to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to addiction.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) – This helps individuals manage emotions that are difficult to regulate, such as anger or self-destructive behavior.
- Family therapy – Educates family members so that they can support sober living.
- Group therapy – Used to connect with other individuals and build a support system.
- Medication management – Used to manage symptoms and decrease cravings.
These therapies and others can help individuals develop a better understanding of their co-occurring conditions, regulate their emotions, and learn the skills needed to manage their symptoms.
6 Benefits of Our Dual Diagnosis Programs
If you’re struggling with addiction and co-occurring conditions, our dual diagnosis programs can offer several benefits, including:
- Personalized care and support
- Effective treatment for both conditions simultaneously
- Education and support for family members
- Building a stronger support system
- Identification of underlying mental health issues
- Learning new skills for coping with addiction and mental health symptoms
If you need help with addiction and co-occurring disorders, Outreach Recovery can help.
Get the Help You Need Today with Outreach Recovery
Our dual diagnosis programs are designed to help you overcome obstacles and build the skills necessary for a healthy and productive life. With compassionate care and the latest evidence-based approaches, we help ensure your long-term recovery.
With personalized care and support, evidence-based approaches, and education for family members, a dual diagnosis program can help you build a stronger support system and learn the skills necessary to live a healthy and productive life. Call Outreach Recovery today at 888.897.9284 or reach out using our online form to learn more about our dual diagnosis programs.