It is common for a person with drug and alcohol addiction to face mental health challenges. That may include depression and anxiety. It can also include more complex conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Treatment is also possible and can be effective in these situations. A dual diagnosis treatment program is the ideal choice. It treats both components of the disorder to provide a better way forward. Fort Behavioral Health is one of the dual diagnosis treatment centers that offer this type of comprehensive care.
How Does Dual Diagnosis Help?
A person with both a mental health disorder and addiction has two separate but linked conditions. Either one can come first. However, it is critical to treat both conditions at the same time. If a person gets help for drug addiction but doesn’t deal with the underlying depression, chances are good they will relapse. That’s why it is so important for individuals to have a comprehensive treatment program that can properly address both conditions to ensure the best possible outcome.
Signs You May Need Dual Diagnosis Addiction Treatment
It’s not always easy to spot mental health disorders in a person who is using drugs and alcohol. That’s because these substances often hide the symptoms of these disorders or make them harder to diagnose. Some signs that both conditions are present include the following:
- Intense feelings of anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder when not using drugs or alcohol (using these substances to keep those feelings and emotions at bay)
- Using alcohol or drugs as a way to deal with stress
- Experiencing flashbacks or bad memories often but using alcohol or drugs to push them away
- Lacking energy and focus, difficulty with memory, and struggling with responsibilities
- Needing to use drugs or alcohol all of the time or feeling withdrawal symptoms and cravings
If you find yourself in this situation, don’t overlook the importance of a comprehensive assessment and treatment plan.
How Does a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program Help?
These addiction therapy programs provide the same type of therapies and treatment goals. However, they also include help for mental health needs. That may include medications to help stabilize moods and therapy to learn how to manage symptoms of these conditions.
During this type of treatment, a person will experience a wide range of ups and downs. They may be unsure if they can handle life without drugs or alcohol because of the intensity of mental health symptoms. It can take some time to work through these difficult experiences. Yet, in dual diagnosis treatment centers, that’s the focus of care. It is to provide a wide range of therapies and resources to help support long-term healing and recovery.
How to Get the Right Treatment for Addiction Therapy and Mental Health
When you have an assessment to determine your needs for addiction therapy, your therapist and doctors will screen for mental health disorders. Be sure to mention any symptoms you have. This is also a good time to open up about any type of negative experiences you’ve had in the past that may be impacting you today.
From there, you’ll be able to begin treatment in our comprehensive program with programs and therapies such as the following:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- 12-Step treatment programs
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Medical support and treatment as needed
Invest in Your Future with Dual Diagnosis at Fort Behavioral Health
If you think dual diagnosis treatment centers can help you, don’t wait to get help. Instead, reach out to Fort Behavioral Health. Our trusted team of clinicians is available to work with you today on addiction and mental health needs. Learn more about the path we offer when you call 844.332.1807 or connect with us online.
