Understanding Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Mental Health and Addiction
Substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health disorders often occur at the same time. This is often called dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders. It’s hard to know how to get help when you’re facing both, and sometimes you may not be sure what came first.
Dual diagnosis treatment is one of the services we offer at Victory Recovery Addiction Center. For people facing addiction, depression, severe anxiety, or other mental health disorders, treatment for both conditions at the same time is essential. It may save your life and restore your well-being.
Why Dual Diagnosis Treatment Matters
The 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) indicates that about 21.2 million adults have co-occurring mental illness and SUD. Data indicate that those with mental illness are more likely to develop an SUD. And those with an SUD are more vulnerable to developing mental health disorders.
The most common forms of mental disorders in dual diagnosis include:
- Mood disorders, including anxiety
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Major depressive disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Those with mental health disorders are more likely to misuse substances such as:
- Tobacco
- Alcohol
- Opioids
- Stimulants
- Marijuana
- Hallucinogens
- Prescription medications
What is most critical is understanding the link between these two disorders. Treatment for one without the other leads to relapse and the risk of complications. If you fail to get treatment for underlying mental health disorders but get SUD treatment, there’s a much higher risk of relapsing because what led you to the substance has yet to be treated.
What Happens in Dual Diagnosis Disorder at Victory
When you contact Victory, we go to work for you to create a treatment plan designed to meet your specific needs. Here is what the process of entering dual diagnosis treatment is like:
Complete Assessment
The first step is to complete a full assessment. During this process, we’ll gather information about your background and symptoms. It’s very common for substance abuse and mental health symptoms to overlap, making it hard to see one due to the other’s presence. After an assessment, we’ll consider what the most important next steps are.
Treatment in Detox
For some people in active addiction, the next step is the detox process. It allows for a comprehensive treatment plan to address the substances in your system that are controlling your behaviors, thoughts, and health. During drug detox treatment, we’ll provide 24-hour support in a calm and comforting environment. We offer management of withdrawal symptoms, emotional and mental health support, and a transition into additional therapy as the next step.
Individualized Treatment Plan
Your team will then create a treatment plan to meet your specific needs. This will always focus on your overall health, addressing both mental health disorders and SUD. A full course of treatment for addiction may include:
- Residential treatment at our location
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP) for those who have a stable, drug-free support system
- Individual therapy sessions using tools such as cognitive behavioral therapy, 12-step focused treatment, and dialectical behavior therapy, as well as trauma-specific care when needed
- Group therapy where you will learn and grow in your confidence
- Medication-assisted treatment when appropriate, often finding the right balance of medications to treat mental health concerns
- Family therapy to help your loved ones know how to support you
- Continuing care as you work to advance your health and well-being for years to come
These programs are flexible, with ample opportunity for you to choose ways to engage and express yourself. Dealing with mental health complexities alongside SUD requires a uniquely skilled team that understands not just what’s happening but how to get you through treatment.
Why Choose Us for Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Victory?
Choosing a provider for such an important type of care requires careful consideration. At Victory, we can offer:
- Seamless continuity of care, treating you from detox through recovery and beyond for both SUD and mental health disorders
- Experts who are compassionate. We are here for the long-term needs you have. We specialize in dual diagnosis.
- Whole-person care centered around emotional, physical, and mental health needs through experiential therapy and holistic care.
- Efficient insurance verification and clear transparency on our services and costs.
- Reliable support when you need it the most.
You’re not alone. You can overcome both conditions with treatment.
Request a Conversation. Contact Us Now to Learn How We Can Help
Expect our team to be here to guide you every day. Your first step is to recognize the value that can come from dual diagnosis treatment. Then, contact us. Victory Addiction Recovery Center is a resource for those ready to achieve wellness through science-backed and proven strategies. Contact us now about dual diagnosis treatment in Lafayette, LA.