Recovery Works Best When Mental Health Is Included
There are many benefits to overcoming addiction and the mental and behavioral elements often underlying substance abuse. These benefits include gaining control of your life and starting to live again. Mental health challenges are often met with scrutiny, stigma, and the need to self-medicate when access to treatment isn’t available. More often than not, those seeking help would have to see a different specialist for addiction and mental health disorders; however, an integrated, convenient treatment option is effectively known as Dual Diagnosis.
Mental health disorders and substance abuse often occur together. Approximately 19.86% of adults today are experiencing a mental illness. This means nearly 50 million Americans suffer from disorders such as depression or anxiety. 7.74% of adults in America reported having a substance use disorder in the past year and being tied to an underlying mental illness.
Over 27 million individuals experiencing mental health disorders are being left untreated.
What Is Dual Diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis is sometimes called a co-occurring disorder. Sadly, many people often turn to “self-medicating” or substance use to help manage symptoms related to their underlying mental illness; thus, dual diagnosis is relatively common. Finding dual diagnosis treatment is crucial to recovery if you or a loved one is battling addiction and a mental health disorder.
What Should I Expect From a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program?
Since mental illness and substance abuse can be closely intertwined, addressing both simultaneously through dual diagnosis treatment is essential. This treatment looks different for everyone and is based on various factors, including the specific mental health problem you’re battling and the type of substance you use. Generally, however, you can expect dual diagnosis treatment programs to include:
- Psychiatric therapy (including cognitive behavioral therapy)
- Detox, which medical professionals oversee
- Individual and group therapies for addiction
- Wellness programs to help heal your mind and spirit
Your recovery support specialist will help develop a unique dual diagnosis treatment program that works best for you. A comprehensive understanding of your mental illness will help the treatment team create the best dual diagnosis program uniquely tailored for you. Your program will likely start with a complete psychiatric evaluation to help determine what if any, mental illness you’re struggling with. For example, the evaluations commonly help to diagnose anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder or bipolar disorder.
Detox, Residential, PHP, and IOP Treatment Options
Treatment for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions is not one-size-fits-all. Depending on your needs, severity of symptoms, and stage of recovery, different levels of care can provide the support necessary to achieve lasting change. Common treatment options include medical detox, residential treatment, Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP).
Medical Detox
Detox is often the first step for individuals who are physically dependent on alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, or other substances. During medical detox, clients receive professional monitoring and support to manage withdrawal symptoms safely and comfortably. Detox helps stabilize the body before transitioning into ongoing treatment and recovery services.
Residential Treatment
Residential treatment provides 24-hour care in a structured and supportive environment. Clients live at the treatment facility while participating in individual therapy, group counseling, mental health treatment, and recovery-focused activities. Residential care is often recommended for individuals with severe substance use disorders, unstable living situations, or those who need intensive support away from everyday triggers and stressors.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) offers a high level of clinical support without requiring an overnight stay. Clients attend treatment several hours per day, typically five days per week, and return home or to sober living in the evenings. PHP is ideal for individuals who need more structure than outpatient care but do not require 24-hour residential treatment. Services often include therapy, relapse prevention, psychiatric support, and treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides flexible, structured treatment while allowing individuals to maintain work, school, and family responsibilities. Clients attend therapy and recovery programming several days per week while continuing to live at home. IOP is often a good fit for those stepping down from detox, residential treatment, or PHP, as well as individuals who need ongoing support while rebuilding their daily routines.
What Are the Benefits of Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
There are numerous benefits to dual diagnosis treatment. The most significant of these are discussed in detail below.
How The Key Addiction Treatment Center Can Help
If you or a loved one requires dual diagnosis treatment, The Key Addiction Treatment Center, in Santa Cruz is here to help. Call us at (831) 484-4191 to learn more about our dual diagnosis treatment programs so you can start your journey to recovery today.
You can also learn more about our program and admissions process on our website and fill out our online contact form if preferred. One of our mental health and addiction treatment professionals will contact you as soon as possible.
