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Lafayette, LA 70508

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(337) 456.9111
Call to learn more about our healing culture

Treating Dual Diagnosis in Louisiana

At Victory Recovery Center, we are dedicated to guiding individuals on their journey to recovery. At our center, we understand the intricate relationship between substance use disorders and mental health conditions. Our mission is to provide comprehensive and integrated care to address dual diagnosis effectively.

What is Dual Diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis, also known as co-occurring disorders or comorbidity, refers to the presence of both a substance use disorder (SUD) and a mental health disorder in an individual. This condition recognizes the complex interplay between substance abuse and mental health issues, where one can exacerbate or influence the other. At Victory Recovery Center, we recognize that treating both conditions concurrently is essential for achieving lasting recovery. Our approach is rooted in the belief that true healing encompasses both the mind and body.

The recognition of dual diagnosis is crucial in providing effective and comprehensive treatment. Addressing both the substance use and mental health components simultaneously is essential for successful recovery and improved overall well-being. It requires an integrated approach that involves collaboration between mental health professionals and addiction specialists to tailor treatment plans to the unique needs of individuals with dual diagnosis.

How Many People are affected by a Dual Diagnosis condition?

It is not uncommon for individuals to suffer from co-occurring disorders. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately 9.2 million adults in the United States have a co-occurring disorder.

SAMHSA also notes that people who have mental health disorders are more likely to experience substance use disorders than those who do not have them. In addition, because these conditions are very hard to diagnose, the number of people suffering from co-occurring disorders may actually be significantly higher than reported.

What Comes First: Addiction or Mental Health Disorder?

With a co-occurring disorder, either disorder can occur first. In some cases, a mental health condition can make substance abuse more likely. For example, someone with an anxiety disorder might use alcohol or drugs to help themselves relax and cope with stressful situations and, in the process, develop an addiction. In other cases, substance use can bring about mental health challenges. Someone who has been addicted to drugs may develop depression, fueled by the stress of trying to access the drug and keep people from finding out about the addiction.

Sometimes, it can be very difficult to determine which disorder came first, and in the end, it doesn’t really matter. The important thing is that both disorders are recognized and treated together. Professionals like our master’s-level clinicians at Twin Lakes work to understand what the underlying conditions are so that they can create an effective treatment plan for all involved.

Our Approach:

At Victory Recovery Center, we take a holistic and integrated approach to dual diagnosis treatment. Our team consists of experienced professionals, including substance abuse counselors, mental health therapists, psychiatrists, and medical staff. By working together, we tailor our services to meet the unique needs of each individual.

What’s the first step in treatment for Dual Diagnosis?

A comprehensive assessment is the foundation of our treatment plans. We diligently identify both substance use and mental health issues to create a personalized roadmap to recovery. This individualized approach ensures that every client receives the specific care they need.

Customized Treatment Plans:

Our commitment to personalized care means that no two treatment plans are the same. We address substance use and mental health issues simultaneously, recognizing the interconnected nature of these challenges. Your journey to recovery is unique, and our programs reflect that.

What kind of treatment or therapy modalities are used to care for Dual Diagnosis?

Victory Recovery Center employs evidence-based therapeutic approaches to address dual diagnosis. From individual counseling to group therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and more, our diverse modalities empower individuals to navigate their recovery journey.

Do you ever use Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

In some cases, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) plays a crucial role in managing both substance use and mental health symptoms. Our qualified medical staff works closely with clients to determine if MAT is a beneficial component of their treatment plan.

Offering a supportive environment.

We understand the importance of a supportive and empathetic environment during the recovery process. At Victory Recovery Center, you’ll find a community dedicated to helping you overcome the challenges of dual diagnosis. Peer support and a sense of belonging are integral to our approach.

The importance of aftercare and continuing support:

Recovery doesn’t end when treatment does. Victory Recovery Center provides robust aftercare programs and ongoing support to ensure sustained well-being. Our commitment extends beyond the initial stages of recovery, helping individuals build fulfilling and lasting lives.

What Types of Mental Health Disorders Can Accompany Addiction?

Most commonly, individuals with substance use disorders suffer from anxiety and mood-related disorders. However, individuals who have a severe mental illness are also more likely to use drugs or alcohol as a tool for coping with their mental health symptoms. Commonly occurring conditions include the following:

  • Major depression
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Dysthymia
  • Panic disorder
  • Social anxiety
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Generalized anxiety disorder
  • Severe mental health disorders, like schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, can also create substance abuse risk factors.

How Do You Know If You Have a Co-Occurring Disorder?

Most people are aware, at least to some extent, of their own problematic drug or alcohol use. However, self-diagnosing mental health issues is harder. It’s easy to brush off sadness or stress as a temporary response to a situation. But if you start to notice that you reach for substances in certain situations or at certain times, you might start to see the connection. What are you trying to avoid? Why do you feel like you “need a break”?

The best thing you can do for yourself, even if you’re not sure of your condition or its severity, is to seek out treatment. By working with a location that provides co-occurring disorder treatment, you may be able to get significant help early on.

Be aware that individuals may have worsening symptoms of mental health disorders even when they are getting treatment. This is a common indicator that they were using substances to help “medicate” their mental health symptoms. When their body detoxes from the substance/s, the mental health issues come to the surface.

How can you get help for a Co-Occurring Disorder?

The first thing you need to do is reach out. Calling for help can be one of the hardest steps in getting better, but we try and make it easier by offering guidance from the first call. Reach out to us at 337-456-9111.

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