Dealing with a drug or alcohol addiction while simultaneously having a mental health condition requires a complex treatment program to tackle both issues. Dual diagnosis treatment programs have emerged as proven evidence-based methods that aim to target both co-occurring disorders at the same time. Research has consistently shown that treating these conditions together rather than separately leads to better patient outcomes. This targeted treatment approach allows addiction specialists to understand how each condition affects the other and develop more effective treatment strategies.
Developing an effective dual diagnosis treatment program typically begins with a comprehensive evaluation to fully understand both conditions. Once that information is gathered, the treatment specialists create a plan that may include various evidence-based therapy like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). These types of therapies help patients understand the connection between their emotions and behaviors causing the addiction while developing healthier coping mechanisms.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is another critical aspect of an effective dual diagnosis program. Medications can be prescribed to address mental health symptoms and help manage substance use disorders. Treatment specialists carefully monitor these medications to ensure their effectiveness and manage any potential effects, adjusting treatments as needed based on the patient’s needs.
How to Support Someone With Dual Diagnosis?
Supporting someone with a dual diagnosis requires patience, understanding, and a commitment to learning about how the mental health disorder and substance abuse issue is impacting the person. Knowing their specific conditions and treatment approaches allows people to better understand their challenges and respond appropriately to their needs. It’s important to maintain open, non-judgmental communication and create a safe space where they feel comfortable discussing their struggles without fear of criticism.
Providing practical support can take many forms, from helping them attend medical appointments and therapy sessions to assisting with daily tasks. Offer encouragement in their participation in treatment programs and support groups, but avoid being pushy. You might also help them create healthy routines like exercise and develop positive coping mechanisms. While offering support is critical, you cannot control their recovery, but maintaining a supportive presence will go a long way.
What Medication is Used for Dual Diagnosis?
For substance use disorders, medication-assisted treatment options might include methadone or buprenorphine for opioid dependence, naltrexone for alcohol or opioid dependence, or acamprosate for alcohol use disorder. The specific combination of medications depends on the patient’s diagnosis, symptoms, medical history and other attempts at recovery. For mental health conditions, medications may include antidepressants for depression and anxiety, antipsychotics for conditions like schizophrenia or severe bipolar disorder, and mood stabilizers for bipolar disorder.
The success of MAT at the best California treatment centers for dual diagnosis requires careful monitoring and adjustment. Treatment specialists must be able to properly manage the different medications through regular assessments. Some medications used for mental health conditions may need to be adjusted or changed if they potentially interact with substances being used or with medications prescribed for substance use disorder treatment. Having regular communication between the patient and their treatment providers is essential to ensure medications are working effectively, side effects are properly managed, and any necessary adjustments are made promptly to the treatment plan.
What Are the Barriers to Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
With dual diagnosis treatment recently emerging as an effective method for treating mental health conditions and substance abuse, finding centers that offer this relatively new treatment form can be challenging. This is particularly true for residents in rural areas, which can make it difficult to receive appropriate treatment. Before this treatment program came to the forefront, many patients had to be treated for mental health and substance use disorders in separate facilities by different specialists.
Many people needing treatment for dual diagnosis in California also face stigma associated with mental illness and substance use disorders, which can discourage them from seeking help. Many people with dual diagnosis struggle also struggle with unstable housing, unemployment, or lack of transportation, making it difficult to maintain consistent treatment. Financial and insurance coverage barriers also create challenges with dual diagnosis treatment, as proper insurance coverage may be limited.
Find Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers California Residents Can Access
Being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders requires a dual diagnosis treatment plan to effectively manage these issues. Both conditions are serious individually, but together, the symptoms are extremely dangerous to deal with. Without professional treatment support, it’s unlikely that either condition can be overcome. When you enter an addiction treatment center that specializes in dual diagnosis treatment, patients can access evidence-based treatment to help manage both conditions. Resurgence Behavioral Health offers personalized dual diagnosis treatment in California at our addiction treatment facility. Each of our patients is evaluated and given an individual treatment plan to ensure they receive the best customized care for their needs. If you or a loved one is dealing with a co-occurring disorder, we can craft a personalized treatment plan to produce the best results. Please call us at 855-458-0050 to access compassionate care and support for mental health and addiction recovery in California.