Understanding Dual Diagnosis

Dual Diagnosis is a term commonly used to describe individuals who suffer from two mental health disorders. Typically, treatment for dual diagnosis involves addressing both a mental health concern and a substance use disorder. Unfortunately, it is quite common to see individuals living with this condition in a treatment center. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration estimates that one-third of all individuals with a mental health disorder also struggle with a substance use disorder. In most cases, drug and alcohol use worsen the person’s mental health condition.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), 7.7 million adults in the United States are living with dual-diagnosis disorders. In some cases, the presence of a mental health disorder and substance use disorder occurs simultaneously, while in others, the two diagnoses are not caused by each other. Factors such as socioeconomic status, environment, and genetics can contribute to the development of mental health concerns.

NIDA’s research shows that less than half of the 7.7 million individuals living with dual diagnosis receive any mental health treatment, and only 9.1% receive treatment for both their mental health disorder and their addiction. Several barriers can interfere with a person’s ability to receive treatment for their mental health concerns, including the inability to afford treatment and fear of being judged for their concerns. Other barriers include the fear of being sent to a mental health hospital, feeling as though they are coping fine, and not being ready to get sober.

Why Dual Diagnosis Treatment is Essential for Long-Term Drug Recovery

When searching for treatment options, it’s crucial to consider dual diagnosis treatment. For many individuals, addiction and mental health struggles are inherently linked. For instance, some individuals might use drugs or alcohol as a means of coping with their mental health symptoms. If these individuals only receive addiction treatment without addressing their mental health concerns, they may not acquire the necessary skills to manage their symptoms, resulting in potential relapse.

On the other hand, if someone only receives treatment for their mental health issues but continues to use drugs and alcohol, their progress in mental health recovery will be hindered. Drugs and alcohol have a direct impact on the brain and can alter its function, affecting thoughts and emotions. Continuing to use drugs or alcohol will only perpetuate this effect. 

To increase the likelihood of recovery, individuals with a dual diagnosis need to receive treatment for both their addiction and mental health concerns simultaneously. Dual-diagnosis treatment centers have counselors who work with clients to determine the connection between their substance use and mental health struggles. This awareness helps in developing an effective relapse-prevention strategy.

For the best chances of recovery, dual diagnosis treatment may involve specialized treatment options, group therapy, individualized therapy, and the use of psychotropic medications. Your counselors will explain your treatment interventions and the potential benefits.

Discover Our Carefully Curated Environment

The environment of a rehabilitation facility can have a significant impact on the recovery process. With this in mind, The Robert Alexander Center has carefully crafted its drug rehab facility to cater to the needs of staff and patients, resulting in a high success rate for long-term recovery. Here are some of the accommodations provided at The Robert Alexander Center:

• Our rehabilitation center is designed to promote healing and recovery within a calming environment.
• We offer thoughtful spaces that cater to various therapeutic activities and support group sessions.
• The layout encourages movement and social interaction while maintaining privacy and safety.
• Accessible and comfortable living spaces are designed to feel like home and provide a safe place during a challenging time.
• The selection of materials, colors, and textures are durable, low-maintenance, and promote a positive atmosphere.
• Natural elements such as plants and natural light are integrated for a restorative effect.
• State-of-the-art technology is used to support treatment and monitoring.
• We comply with all applicable regulations and standards to ensure patient safety and well-being.
• Our staff members are in recovery or love someone in recovery, creating a culture of understanding and caring support.

What You Can Expect from a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center

Dual-diagnosis treatment centers offer outpatient rehabilitation services. The primary focus is to help patients detoxify from all substances during their initial appointment. Common withdrawal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, sleep changes, and irritability which make it challenging to engage in treatment. For this reason, most patients are advised to participate in a detox program. This program allows the body to process any remaining substance and undergo the withdrawal process. During detox, patients may be requested to attend educational group sessions or meetings to help them understand addiction better.

After completion of the detox program, patients can begin attending the treatment program according to their needs. Individuals with dual diagnosis receive customized treatment plans that take care of their mental health concerns. Programs offer specialized group sessions related to mental health, such as gender-specific struggles, PTSD, and trauma. The number of individual sessions with a counselor may also increase. One-on-one time with a therapist enables patients to focus on things that they may not discuss in a group setting.

Before leaving treatment, patients work with a counselor to develop a relapse prevention plan. This plan caters to specific triggers and challenges that may arise when they return home. Patients should have a coping plan in place for these challenges and triggers and a list of healthy, supportive individuals to reach out to for help.

Discover Our Inpatient Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center

If you are looking for a dual diagnosis treatment center that can help you overcome addiction and mental health issues, then look no further than The Robert Alexander Center. We provide a range of comprehensive addiction treatment services, from Partial Hospitalization Programs to Family Therapy. 

Our Intensive Outpatient Program includes a minimum of 15 hours of group therapy each week, along with one hour of individual therapy to help you achieve your recovery goals. Meanwhile, our Outpatient Treatment provides traditional and alternative therapies to ensure you receive the care you need, while still maintaining your work, school, and family responsibilities.

At The Robert Alexander Center, we understand that every individual has unique needs when it comes to recovery. That’s why we’ll work with you to find the right treatment program to meet your needs and provide you with a safe, supportive, and sober home environment to continue your recovery journey.

If you have any questions about our addiction treatment services, please call to speak with a representative. Our experienced staff and exceptional programs are here to help you move forward in your recovery journey.

The Robert Alexander Center Bringing Hope & Help to Recovery

The Robert Alexander Center is here to aid you in your path to long-term sobriety. Our facility is staffed with skilled medical and mental health experts committed to creating a customized treatment plan together to combat addiction. Understanding the difficulties of seeking help, we stress the importance of professional assistance in attaining a successful and enduring recovery. Trying to quit alone often leads to significant challenges and a higher risk of relapse, complicating the management of withdrawal symptoms. At our rehab center, we offer a wide range of evidence-based treatment options, guiding you through detox, therapy, and post-treatment planning. Our objective is to help you achieve and sustain lasting sobriety. Reach out to our admissions team today to discover how our facility can assist you on your journey to recovery.