While many people know that mental health conditions and substance use disorders are both major health issues in America today, there is less awareness about cases where someone deals with both addiction and mental health issues at the same time. The combination of two or more complex diagnoses makes achieving wellness an even more difficult task to accomplish, especially without support. Seeking professional rehabilitation treatment is crucial in these cases.
At Samba Recovery, we are familiar with how complex this type of dual diagnosis can be and how important it is to address both conditions simultaneously. We offer a dual diagnosis program to support our patients on their path to long-term, sustainable recovery. Connect with us at 888.505.8279 to learn more about our addiction treatment programs in Atlanta.
What Is a Dual Diagnosis?
The term dual diagnosis is to describe when a person has both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder at the same time. It is important to recognize that these two disorders can interact with each other in complex ways, worsening symptoms and making recovery more difficult. When an individual has a dual diagnosis, it affects the way they are treated for their conditions.
Typically, traditional treatments for mental health issues and substance abuse are separate and involve different approaches. In the case of a dual diagnosis, treatment must address both issues at once in order to be effective. Treatment plans often include psychotherapy, medication management, lifestyle changes (such as diet and exercise), and support groups.
One of the primary challenges of treating individuals with dual diagnoses is that there are often co-occurring behaviors or issues that complicate the situation. For example, someone with a dual diagnosis may also have difficulty managing their anger or may exhibit self-harming behaviors due to underlying trauma from past experiences. These additional issues must be addressed in treatment in order to ensure lasting recovery from both the mental health condition and the addiction.
How Can You Tell if You Need a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program?
If you are struggling with both a mental health disorder and substance use, it is important to determine if you need a dual diagnosis treatment program. This type of program is designed to treat both the mental health condition and the substance abuse simultaneously. An integrated approach to treatment is the most effective, as either disorder may recur if one condition is left untreated.
Common symptoms of a dual diagnosis can include:
- Using drugs or alcohol to escape psychological problems – If a person’s emotional distress is so great that the only way to get relief is to turn to drugs or alcohol, they may be dealing with more than everyday stress. It is possible that they are struggling with an anxiety disorder or depression.
- Trying to quit results in violent emotions or thoughts of self-harm – Withdrawal is often distressing and uncomfortable, and prolonged use of drugs only makes it worse. However, attempting to quit does not often result in suicidal or violent thoughts. These may be a symptom of an untreated mental health condition.
- Relying on drugs or alcohol to feel normal – While most people will use drugs recreationally as a way to heighten experiences or feel pleasure, many people with mental health conditions rely on drugs or alcohol for a sense of normalcy.
If any of these signs and symptoms sound familiar, then it’s a good idea to seek professional help from a qualified medical practitioner who specializes in treating individuals with dual diagnoses.
Samba Recovery Offers a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program in Atlanta, GA
Individuals who are diagnosed with dual diagnoses often require specialized care from therapists who are skilled in addressing both conditions simultaneously. Additionally, it is important that individuals have access to ongoing support services such as peer support groups so they can maintain their progress after completing formal treatment programs. Ultimately, successful recovery from a dual diagnosis requires comprehensive care and an individualized approach tailored to fit each person’s unique needs.
At Samba Recovery, we offer all these resources and more. The compassionate and experienced staff at our treatment center are eager to help you along your journey and ensure you don’t have to face recovery alone. Contact us at 888.505.8279 or reach out online so we can help you take the first steps toward a brighter future.