Getting a dual diagnosis of a substance use disorder (SUD) and a co-morbid mental illness may seem even more overwhelming. But this is actually an opportunity for you to learn how to self-manage and cope with both disorders in a structured and consistent environment.
Starbridge Recovery is an addiction treatment center focusing on clients that not only suffer from a substance use disorder, but a co-occurring mental illness. Our certified and compassionate staff are fully equipped to support you through this transition and the development of the necessary life skills to manage both.
What Is Dual Diagnosis?
A dual diagnosis is a combination diagnosis. It means that you are suffering from a substance use disorder AND an additional mental illness. While it might seem overwhelming, this is actually very common in the United States. In fact, 7.7 million adults struggle with a dual diagnosis.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, there are several common risk factors for dual diagnosis. Those include genetic vulnerabilities, epidemic influences, brain region involvement, environmental influences, stress, and trauma and adverse childhood experiences.
The most common co-occurring mental illnesses connected with substance use disorders include anxiety and mood disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, conduct disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and other personality disorders. But through dual diagnosis as an integrated approach to treatment for alcohol, tobacco, opioids, stimulants, marijuana, hallucinogens, and medically prescribed drugs individuals can learn to manage both disorders and live a successful and mentally healthy sober lifestyle.
Why Is It Important to Treat Both Mental Illness and Addiction at the Same Time?
Initially, doctors thought the only way to treat both disorders was to treat them separately. If individuals received treatment for either the substance use disorder or mental illness, they assumed that it would alleviate the stressors of the other disorder. Shockingly, until the late 80s, that was how individuals got help.
Now, therapists use dual diagnosis as an integrated approach to treatment. Through this integrated approach, individuals can combine therapeutic treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Assertive Community Treatment, Therapeutic Communities, and Contingency Management to treat their mental health disorders.
By treating both disorders at the same time, individuals can learn to structure their personal development around healthy coping mechanisms without the fear of relapse or returning to negative habits with their mental health. Structured inpatient support can provide individuals with a goal-oriented focus and a direct structural support through aftercare to maintain sobriety and a healthy lifestyle.
Smaller residential inpatient rehabilitation centers, like Starbridge Recovery, can support individuals through dedicated staff, personalized and focused treatment, and a holistic approach to mental health and substance abuse.
Who Can Help?
Starbridge Recovery is a fully comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment center that is equipped to support dual diagnosis disorders. By using dual diagnosis as an integrated approach to treatment, our medically trained staff can offer complete support for a number of identified mental illnesses like anxiety, depression, mood and personality disorders, and PTSD/trauma. By creating individually tailored treatment plans for each client, we can support them by addressing their substance abuse needs and their mental health needs.
Our holistic treatment options focus on healing the mind, body, and spirit through a combination of traditional, alternative, and unique therapies designed with the client in mind. You or your loved one will be medically monitored and supported through detoxification and an extensive treatment program aimed at developing the skills necessary for lifelong sobriety.
At Starbridge Recovery, a relaxing rehabilitation experience awaits in small private or semi-private lodging, spa-like amenities including dedicated recreation areas, and compassionate staff prepared to support our clients through detoxification, curated dual diagnosis treatment programs, and facilitated aftercare.
Contact Starbridge Recovery to see how we can support you through these diagnoses today.
