What is Dual Diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis is a form of addiction treatment that addresses both the substance abuse disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions. Co-occurring disorders are common, affecting over half of patients in addiction treatment and nearly 9 million US adults. Common co-occurring mental health conditions include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, personality disorders, ADHD, trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Dual diagnosis focuses on components of addiction treatment such as detox, stabilization, and peer recovery support. They also provide targeted mental health treatments such as evidence-based therapies and holistic activities to promote positive mental, physical, and spiritual health.
Common services offered in our dual diagnosis program include:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Peer support and sponsorship
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Case management support
- Living skill workshops
- Therapeutic activities such as yoga, meditation, and hiking
How To Know If You’re Struggling With A Co-Occurring Disorder
Co-occurring disorders are not always easy to spot. Mental health disorders and substance abuse disorders share many of the same signs, and depending on the kind of mental health problem you struggle with, symptoms can vary. These can manifest as physical, emotional, or behavioral.
Physical
Weight gain or loss, changes in sleep patterns, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, low energy or fatigue, headaches, muscle tension.
Behavioral
Isolation, social withdrawal, lack of pleasure in activities once enjoyed, angry or aggressive outbursts, decline in work or school performance, impulsivity, risky or reckless behavior, financial problems, increased risk of debt or homelessness, anti-social behaviors such as lying or manipulation.
Emotional
Sudden mood swings, odd or drastic changes in personality, general sense of emotional instability, trouble regulating feelings, emotions, or reactions to stress, increased irritability, aggression, impatience, or hostility.
How Dual Diagnosis At Rushton Makes A Difference
Specialized dual diagnosis treatment at Rushton Recovery makes a significant difference because we understand the sensitive nature of how mental health and addiction often exacerbate each other. Blending mental health therapies, substance abuse counseling, holistic healing, and trauma-informed care, this integrated approach leads to several benefits, including:
- Improved Quality of Life: By treating both conditions, patients receive comprehensive care tailored to their full range of recovery needs. This helps improve functioning and leads to better mental well-being.
- Lower Relapse Rates: Treating both helps patients understand how these disorders influence one another and develop a toolbox of coping skills for both mental health and addiction.
- Personalized Treatment: Individualized plans address the unique needs, symptoms, goals, and challenges of both disorders. They also take into account social factors that contribute to co-occurring disorders, including employment, housing, education, and access to healthcare.
- Better Understanding of Triggers and Coping Strategies: Patients identify triggers that drive addiction and mental health symptoms and develop coping mechanisms to manage these. This can support recovery by alleviating cravings and mental health symptoms.
- Effective Aftercare: Dual diagnosis emphasizes the importance of aftercare, including ongoing therapy, establishing a solid peer support network, and connecting with 12-step programs such as AA, NA, or SMART Recovery to support long-term recovery.
- More Successful Treatment Outcomes: Studies show that integrated dual diagnosis care leads to higher rates of sustained sobriety and mental health stability compared to just treating one disorder on its own.
What To Expect in Rushton Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Dual diagnosis residential treatment often offers a comprehensive range of services and provides a full continuum of care from beginning (detox) to end (aftercare). Patients can expect several components of treatment when they enroll in our dual diagnosis program.
Detox and Medical Supervision
For individuals in active addiction and needing to withdraw, our dual diagnosis rehab program offers safe detox under medical supervision. This usually lasts for a week or so, depending on the drug of choice, frequency of use, and the presence of co-existing medical conditions.
Evidence-Based Therapies
Evidence-based mental health therapies address underlying thought patterns, emotions, and triggers that drive mental illness and addiction. There are several evidence-based therapies offered in our dual diagnosis program that may work better depending on the kind of co-occurring mental health problem one is struggling with:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Reframes negative thoughts, develops positive coping skills, and sets goals. Ideal for co-occurring mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and OCD.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Focuses on four key skill sets, including distress tolerance, mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotional regulation. Ideal for complex emotional issues, trauma, and personality disorders.
- Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET): Short-term, client-centered approach that uses intrinsic motivation, patient feedback, self-reflection, and goal-setting to motivate patients to find their own reasons for change, making the recovery journey more self-driven and sustainable.
- Group Therapy: Daily group therapy sessions foster shared experiences, community, and promote insights among peers in recovery.
Physical Fitness
Addiction can cause muscle mass loss, malnutrition, and impair regular activity levels.
Dual diagnosis programs keep residents active, engaged, and social by promoting physical recreation to relieve stress, improve mental well-being, and strengthen physical health. They can also help alleviate cravings by providing an alternative outlet for relieving emotional distress. Common recreational activities in dual diagnosis programs may include:
- Yoga
- Strength training
- Fitness classes such as Zumba
- Hiking
- Biking
- Kayaking
- Basketball tournaments, volleyball, tennis, and other sports
Creative Art Therapies
Engaging in creative art therapies, such as music, painting, drawing, dance, or drama, can provide an expressive outlet for releasing emotions in a non-verbal manner. They can help those with complex emotions or trauma process emotional distress that can be difficult to articulate with words alone.
It allows patients to explore their inner worlds and experiences, can reduce anxiety, and boost self-esteem. They aren’t used as a standalone treatment for addiction and mental health disorders, but complement conventional therapies such as CBT, DBT, or EMDR to improve results. Art therapies can also help reduce isolation by facilitating relationships among residents, fostering a sense of community, and mutual understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dual Diagnosis
Does insurance cover dual diagnosis?
We accept most major commercial plans, but do not accept Medicare or Medicaid. Contact our admissions team, who are dedicated to helping you verify benefits or set up other payment options.
How long do dual diagnosis treatment programs typically last?
Rushton Recovery’s dual diagnosis program typically lasts 30 to 60 days; however, this timeline can vary depending on the individual’s recovery needs. Some patients spend upwards of 90 days in treatment.
Will I need medications for both conditions?
This depends on your unique mental health and addiction needs. Many of our patients are on psychiatric medication to improve symptoms of underlying mental health disorders; however, not all require it.
What co-occurring mental health disorders do you treat?
We treat a range of co-occurring mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and PTSD, to name a few.
Take The First Step Towards Recovery
Contact our admissions team today.
