Nearly 8 million Americans have a dual diagnosis. This means that in addition to battling an addiction to drugs or alcohol, they’re living with a chronic mental health condition. Unfortunately, not all addiction treatment centers have the ability to treat both conditions. By leaving a patient’s mental health untreated, they may not see lasting results. Patients with co-occuring disorders should seek dual diagnosis inpatient treatment. Read on to learn about the psychological and physical benefits of this holistic care.
How Mental Health Impacts Substance Abuse
Mental health diagnoses like anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia have a serious impact on a patient’s day-to-day life. Mental health problems can impact things like:
- Overall outlook
- Emotional regulation
- Executive functioning skills
- Relationships
Many people turn to substances like drugs and alcohol as a form of self-medication. Maybe using a substance creates a feeling of relaxation. Maybe it allows you to release some of your intrusive thoughts or uncomfortable feelings. When substances become an escape from a mental health diagnosis, it can turn into a dependency. Not only do drugs and alcohol ease symptoms, but they rewire the brain to require larger, more frequent doses.
Types of Dual Diagnosis Treatments
The purpose of dual diagnosis treatment is to help patients safely detox before embarking on a holistic journey to recovery. This involves getting to some of the root issues that led to addiction, in the first place.
At a dual diagnosis treatment facility, you may find treatment methods like:
- Medically supervised detoxing
- Psychiatric intervention to provide safe medication options
- Therapy (both group and individual)
In other words, the goal extends beyond detoxing addictive substances from your system. After the initial phase of treatment, patients will learn more about their mental health conditions. The goal is to find new and healthy ways to cope and thrive with a dual diagnosis.
Finding a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center
As we mentioned earlier, not all addiction treatment centers take this approach. If you’re looking for treatment centers for dual diagnosis, you’ll need to verify that the program includes ongoing therapy sessions. Finding the right fit will include:
- Reviewing available treatments and approaches
- Assessing price and insurance coverage
- Determining the best location for your treatment (e.g., a facility close to supportive family members)
- Asking for more information about new patient intake procedures
Take a look at this guide to the best dual diagnosis treatment centers in California for more. There are always resources available to make your search easier.
Treat Your Physical and Mental Health for Lasting Results
Addiction often coincides with mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. If you’re struggling with addiction and mental illness, seek out dual diagnosis inpatient treatment. Dual diagnosis residential rehabilitation treats both the body and mind for holistic, lasting results. Are you looking for more ways to uncover the true you and return to a place of health? We cover everything from arts and culture to health and fitness, offering something for everyone. Take a look around to learn something about yourself and the world.
