What do painkiller addictions, binge-drinking, depression, and anxiety have in common? Behavioral health data suggests that there’s more to these combinations than meets the eye. Getting treatment is possible when visiting a dual diagnosis treatment center. Here’s how to make the connections.
How Mental Health Disorders and Addictions Co-Exist
A good-quality dual diagnosis treatment center won’t just focus on substance abuse or psychiatric health. Rather, it’ll treat both conditions at the same time. Dual diagnosis treatment data suggests that 8.2 million Americans currently live with the condition. However, as Mental Health America is quick to point out, this figure has flaws.
For example, it only includes those people who have an awareness of their situation. So many dual diagnosis cases don’t receive a formal assessment, which likely leads to a much larger dark figure. Experts are so concerned that they designated the first Dual Diagnosis Day on May 15, 2018. Considering that official research only identifies 18-percent compliance for meeting treatment criteria in addiction treatment, this awareness is necessary.
It means that some facilities don’t offer treatment for both conditions. Others may see it as an add-on. Still, others may not have trained staff members. In short, there’s plenty of room for error.
How Treatment Works at a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center
Addiction specialists know to dig deep. For example, you deal with unwelcome memories of a traumatic event. They take the form of flashbacks. To numb yourself, you drink alcohol to excess or pick up another nervous system depressant.
In contrast, there’s the person with depression. It’s hard to get out of bed and start the day. Nervous system stimulants make it possible to function. They might even help someone temporarily feel good.
At a treatment facility, the intake specialist looks for areas of dysfunction. Schizophrenia, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and depression are just a few of the disorders they find. Next, they connect substance abuse with the need that the mental health problem created. In the process, they uncover a personalized behavioral health and dual diagnosis treatment strategy.
Typical Modalities That Offer Hope
Treatments for substance abuse and mental health disorders happen together. Medication support such as anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medicine is another good option. Most importantly, program participants undergo targeted therapeutic interventions that focus on life skills and coping mechanism building. Examples include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy as a way to counteract dysfunctional thinking
- Psychotherapy that focuses on managing mental illness
- Trauma treatment, which benefits program participants with PTSD
- Dialectical behavior therapy to boost emotional regulation
- Experiential group sessions that introduce music, art, or exercise
Holistic care also has a significant role in overcoming dual diagnosis. Mindfulness training, meditation, and yoga assist with acceptance of situations. Furthermore, they help program participants with taking time before reacting, which allows stress management training to kick in. Of course, none of these modalities will work unless you reach out for help.
With the availability of a good-quality dual diagnosis treatment center, it makes sense to ask for help now. Don’t you owe it to yourself to get well?