Treatment Centers for Dual Diagnosis
Over 8.9 million people in the U.S. suffer from dual diagnoses or co-occurring disorders. A person with dual diagnosis typically has a substance use disorder and mental disorder. Approximately 7% of these persons obtain treatment for both and more than half don't obtain any treatment. To learn more about dual diagnosis treatment centers, review this page, and find out about treatment options.
Since everybody reacts differently, treatment must undergo customization to fit every individual. Consequently, you must locate a center that addresses your goals and implements acceptable treatment strategies.
Remember, handling mental health problems and substance use disorder simultaneously can be challenging. For this reason, a dual diagnosis plan considers the psychological facets of addiction instead of merely concentrating on substances.
Once you can address any mental disorders, you'll be better equipped to handle substance use disorder. This guide offers insight into these kinds of dual diagnosis treatment centers.
What Does Drug Rehabilitation Involve?
This process entails the psychotherapeutic or medical treatment for dependency on psychoactive substances, for instance prescription drugs, alcohol, or street drugs such as cocaine or marijuana. Search rehab facilities near me on the web to locate the best type of treatment for you
A rehabilitation program might last a couple of months. However, rehabilitation goes beyond a 90-day fix. Rather, recovery is a process that develops through various stages and a person's growth in sobriety could persist for the rest of the person's life.
Detoxification is frequently the initial phase of a rehabilitation program but overcoming chemical dependence is just the start of treatment.
In an incorporated treatment plan, you'll learn that addiction recovery needs a long-term dedication to rebuilding your psychological and physical health. It's important to note that the environment you select for drug rehabilitation plays a significant role in your recovery's success.
Whether you enroll in an inpatient program, an outpatient facility, or residential community, the facility you select should offer an environment that supports sobriety. Beware that rehabilitation has a higher likelihood of being more effective if you're removed from the temptations, social distractions, and triggers which compel you to use or drink.
While you can't evade high-risk circumstances forever, rehabilitation teaches ways of responding to the triggers in a healthy manner. This way, you can decrease your likelihood of a relapse and gain confidence regarding your sobriety.

What is a Dual Diagnosis Center?
Dual diagnosis is comparatively new in the area of addiction recovery. Until the 90s, individuals experiencing symptoms of a mental disorder such as depressive episodes or anxiety attacks received separate treatment from those who sought assistance for alcohol or drug abuse.
When an overlap of these conditions took place, clients often faced treatment denial for a mental disorder until they got sober and clean. Unfortunately, since an underlying mental disorder often drives substance abuse, this implied that numerous people with a mental disorder and dual addiction diagnosis never obtained the necessary help.
A dual diagnosis rehab center uses an incorporated approach to treating addiction by addressing both substance abuse and mental disorders. This type of facility seeks to help patients resume a normal life as they learn to tackle their co-occurring disorder appropriately.
The objective of such treatment centers is to offer patients with the necessary resources and tools to cope successfully with their mental disorder without the use of alcohol or drugs. A number of people fear the stigma related to mental disorders and being an alcoholic or addict.
However, as soon as you own this, you start moving forward with life. In the 21st century, recovery from dual diagnosis merges the most successful facets of substance abuse treatment and mental health care. Rather than drawing a hard line between addiction and mental health, the treatment of these areas occur as part of a continuum.
Clinicians who specialize in addiction treatment can now obtain credentials and training in the treatment of co-occurring mental disorders. Dedicated rehabilitation services provide personalized recovery services for dual diagnosis patients. The are defined as dual diagnosis treatment centers, a drug and alcohol treatment center alone may not offer help for dual diagnosis, so be sure to check with staff before entering.
However, locating the appropriate program is still challenging, particularly if you're struggling with anxiety or depression alongside substance abuse. If you satisfy the criteria for a mental disorder (anxiety disorders, depression, etc) as well as for an addictive disorder (drug addiction, alcoholism, etc), you might fall under the category of a dual diagnosis patient once you enter treatment.
Efficient treatment for a dual diagnosis entails the consideration of both your mental illness and addiction as you undergo the recovery process. A qualified physician, psychiatrist, or psychologist can provide a dual diagnosis and this might come as a big relief if you've had an un-diagnosed mental disorder for a long period.
If you've tolerated serious mood swings, suicidal thoughts, hopelessness episodes, or flashbacks to painful events for several years, naming the condition might give you hope. After all, naming it means treatment is possible.
To obtain a dual diagnosis officially, you must undergo an evaluation by a mental health expert or addiction specialist. However, you don't need to be a primary care physician or psychologist to realize that something isn't right with you or a loved one.
The Uniqueness of Treating Dual Diagnosis
Treating dual diagnosis doesn't just address the eating disorder or substance use. It addresses the fundamental psychiatric diagnosis too. In a dual diagnosis facility, a comprehensive evaluation is usually the initial step in the treatment process.
People have often received improper medication for dual disorders. Over-medication might occur in anxiety disorders and other conditions, possibly resulting in a backlash effect. When it comes to depression, poor management of treatment could lead to frustration as well as a sense of despair.
The objective of a dual diagnosis treatment center is helping the patient to form a clear plan and refer them to local clinicians in their residential areas to maintain treatment following discharge. The significance of this treatment can't be overstated.
In fact, issues for instance, depression, trauma, or anxiety are relapse risk factors. If a patient goes home without addressing considerable psychiatric disorders, they might feel obliged to self-medicate. Substance abuse frequently starts with those with depression or other disorders with the goal of trying to find a solution themselves.
Essentially, such patients simply seek to feel better, and desperation forces them to turn to drug and alcohol or other compulsive disorders that might appear to alleviate their symptoms.
Beware that this form of self-medicating doesn't produce any true alleviation from symptoms. They might dull the disturbing symptoms but they'll recur, prompting the person to seek more alcohol or drugs to obtain relief. People are frequently dismissive of those having psychiatric disorders.
A number of family members might inform a depressed loved one to get up so they can feel better. They might exhibit skepticism toward panic attacks or episodes of serious anxiety, telling the individual it's in his head.
Fortunately, these serious disorders are treatable. Therefore, if a loved one is exhibiting substance abuse or acting compulsively because of anxiety, depression, or another co-occurring disorders, expert treatment and intervention will give them a chance to enjoy a fulfilling life.
Common Co-occurring Disorders
Although substance use and mental health disorders differ, they frequently coexist together. Numerous people who struggle with issues such as depression or stress frequently turn to alcohol or drugs to cope. Conversely, individuals with alcohol or drug dependency problems can experience seriously damaged mental illness due to substance abuse.
A number of these disorders tend to co-occur. While numerous combinations of substance abuse and mental health illnesses exist, some disorders appear simultaneously. Dual diagnosis treatment centers are designed to treat both of these issues.
Antisocial Personality Disorder and Alcoholism
Approximately 90% of persons with antisocial personality disorder have some type of substance abuse, with alcoholism being the most recurrent.
Antisocial personality disorder presents itself through a distorted way of thinking and associating with others, as well as the incapacity to perceive circumstances clearly. Individuals with the disorder frequently exhibit destructive and normal behaviors without regard for their safety and that of others.
A common trait of persons with antisocial personality is a drinking issue. This could actually strengthen the symptoms of their mental disorder.
Heroin and Depression
While heroin can make you feel remarkably enjoyable in the short-term, long-standing users can also burn out the segments of the brain that are responsible for generating signal pleasures. Over time, they might have a type of brain damage that results in depression.
They're physically unable of feeling happiness in the absence of the drug. The mental illness/drug partnership is extremely common, but fortunately can be rectified with sobriety and treatment.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Opioids
Post-traumatic stress disorder exists in people who've experienced a distressing event and stress reactions that persist after the fact. Intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, avoidance, and nightmares are symptoms of the disorder.
Too often, persons with this disorder depend on the heavy alcohol use and drugs to handle their symptoms. Individuals who've abused opioids tend to exhibit PTSD symptoms. For instance, people who abuse these drugs come down with hypervigilance and become startled easily. Moreover, they exhibit indications of distress and are agitated easily when experiencing withdrawal.
Schizophrenia and Marijuana
Another common blend that exists in a dual diagnosis treatment centers are that of schizophrenia and marijuana use. It's general knowledge among mental health professionals that individuals with schizophrenia often form addictions.
Schizophrenia is a disorder where a person behaves in socially inappropriate ways with various social problems. Although most people consider marijuana comparatively harmless, there's a strong relationship between marijuana use and schizophrenics.
A number of studies reveal a genetic link between the occurrence of schizophrenia and marijuana existing together. Numerous people with co-occurring disorders can find assistance even though it can be challenging to treat their problems because they include mental health and substance abuse disorders. Thankfully, dual diagnosis facilities are equipped to help patients in their path to wellness.
Why Dual Diagnosis Treatment is Best
A dual diagnosis treatment plan is advantageous because it helps patients attain sobriety. Moreover, it helps patients gain control over the associated substance use disorder. You can benefit from this plan in the following ways:
Evaluation of Mental Health
Dual diagnosis plans help in the identification of certain disorders that patients might have and the psychological factors that drove them towards substance use. Substance use often starts as a form of self-medication and recognizing this could break the cycle. Dual diagnosis treatment centers will have addiction and mental health professionals will be involved in your treatment program to guide the treatment while monitoring your progress.
Support Groups and Counseling
Dual diagnosis permits you to engage in individual therapy, family counseling, and support groups as part of the rehabilitation program. It might surprise you how much role your family can play in the path to recovery and how much you could learn from other patients in recovery.
Coping Ability
One of the most important advantages of dual diagnosis is learning how to control the problems that control you. It permits you to identify possible triggers while helping you develop a plan you could implement to prevent the likelihood of a relapse.
Planning for the Future
When you have co-occurring disorders, it might appear hard to make progress on any future plan. Attending school or maintaining employment can be twice as difficult under alcohol and drug influence.
Obtaining professional assistance from a substance abuse treatment center could help you gain emotion control. This way, you'll be in a position to build strong inter-personal relations that make other aspects of life easier.
Treatment of the Body and Mind
A number of dual diagnosis treatment centers adopt holistic treatments for instance meditation, yoga, and nutritional counseling to help patients obtain the appropriate balance, live a substance-free lifestyle, and remain positive.
Understanding the benefits of obtaining dual diagnosis treatment can help you or loved ones on the path to recovery. Regardless of how overwhelming or difficult it might be, there's always a program to help people discontinue substance use and remain focused on recovery.
Therapies for Treating Dual Diagnosis
According to a study published by the United States National Library of Medicine, the results revealed that the treatments for mental disorders as a singular diagnosis are just as effective for patients with dual diagnosis.
Similarly, the treatments that help persons suffering from substance abuse are equally effective in treating substance abuse in the presence of another illness. Bear in mind that the treatment that works for a person with dual diagnosis is dependent on the individual's needs.
Treating a patient as an individual rather than a group of disorders or symptoms is one of the guiding rules of treating dual diagnosis and drug addiction. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the most efficient program has the ability to customize a treatment program to everybody's needs.
Another aspect to consider when developing a treatment program is the kind of co-occurring disorder that's present. The following therapies will prove effective for dual diagnosis patients:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Also called CBT, this psychotherapy program has numerous advantages for mental disorder and the treatment of addiction and drug abuse. The program comprises a set number of visits during which you'll unlearn preconceived notions regarding your life and how you've chosen to make decisions.
The structure behind it is based on the hypothesis that we base our decisions and actions depending on the perception of our surrounding environment. For instance, if you think you aren't good enough, you might behave in a manner that's unhealthy because you don't think you matter.
Alternative Therapies for Stress Reduction
According to experts, the adoption of some relaxation techniques has proven efficient for treating depression, anxiety, and pain. When incorporated as part of a general treatment program, the simple relaxing process could alter the way the body responds physically to the stresses of life.
For instance, self-hypnosis, breathing exercises, yoga, progressive relaxation, and meditation exercises could help patients control the brain and body's fight or flight responses. Since stress causes your body to respond with an increased heart rate and blood pressure, relaxation techniques could decrease blood pressure and heart rate.
While relaxation methods are safe for most people, experts recommend you learn them from trained instructors because there's a likelihood that some symptoms could worsen when you use relaxation techniques incorrectly.
Group Therapy
Specialized groups led by qualified therapists permit those struggling with addiction and mental illness to share their ideas, stories, and solutions. This form of therapy offers a support network where you obtain peer support and numerous perspectives in tackling various situations.
The subjects for this therapy undergo careful selection and take place under guidance so they maintain their therapeutic nature.
Family Therapy
Mental illness and addiction don't merely affect the person. In most instances, family members feel the effect of their loved one's co-occurring conditions. This mode of treatment offers a platform for mutual support and healing where broken bonds could be repaired.
Additionally, it gives family members the necessary skills and knowledge to understand how mental disorder and addiction are influencing the loved one.

Experiential and Outdoor Therapies
When used alongside other therapies, experiential and outdoor therapies can offer an appealing way for you to handle negative emotions, forge significant social skills, and determine new avenues for a positive lifestyle.
Qualified therapists use thrilling activities to take you out of your comfort zone, enabling you to unearth your true potential. These can comprise adventure programs or team building activities like hiking, camping, and canoeing.
The Cost of Dual Diagnosis
Dual diagnosis facilities can be costly, but numerous insurance plans will cover part of the cost. Additional coverage might be accessible depending on your diagnosis, income, and working status. The programs tend to be inpatient because of the higher care level and the out-of-pocket costs range between $200 and $900 daily.
The cost will differ depending on the treatment duration, with longer plans typically having a lower cost daily. It could also differ by the offered amenities and program location.
Outpatient Costs
The cost of treatment will vary depending on various factors, including:
- The kind of treatment
Outpatient programs include intensive and standard. The more intense the program, the more costly the ultimate cost will be. However, if you decide to select a couple of expensive therapies, the bills could pile up fast.
- The number of services included
Different dual diagnosis treatment centers will need various therapies for various sessions. Depending on the specifics, the cost will certainly change. Moreover, while some costs will depend on the number of sessions; others will vary depending on the therapist who might charge more or less depending on the sessions, location, number of patients and other factors.
- Insurance coverage
The out of pocket cost will depend on the amount the provider will pay for every therapy session. A number of providers will cover the total cost while others need the patient to pay a deductible or co-pay before providing any coverage.
Other dual diagnosis treatment centers on the other hand, have a cap per family or patient on particular kinds of services in a given period. It's important you obtain pre-authorization for outpatient services to establish the amount of bill you'll have to cover yourself.
The Treatment Duration
Some price their plans on a weekly or monthly basis while others design their plan to last up to one year or more. Therefore, a three-month plan will probably be less costly than a six-month plan, depending on other details. The most common are 30, 60 , and 90 day programs, with some specializing in long term rehab, this is more so the case with dual diagnosis patients.
What to Consider When looking for a Dual Diagnosis Facility
License
Unfortunately, numerous mental health and substance abuse treatment centers claim to be dual diagnosis when they aren't. Ultimately, you'll end up losing considerable money on an insufficient treatment that doesn't meet your clinical needs.
When making an inquiry regarding treatment, you must inquire about whether the treatment facility has a license to treat patients with dual diagnosis and the companies with which they hold accreditation.
The Treatment Duration
Quality programs have a convenient structure for the patient. The average duration of stay for most facilities is 30-40 days. In numerous instances, that isn't long enough to address two disorders effectively. Treatment facilities that offer a longer treatment duration have a higher success rate at assisting patients to attain recovery. While no two cases are similar, a 90-day rehab stay would be a great start.
Although treating dual diagnosis is challenging, it is possible with the right facility. Search our drug rehab directory and find a dual diagnosis treatment centers in your area.