Living with addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions can take a toll on every aspect of your life. It is challenging to manage the symptoms of mental illness and work toward lifelong recovery. However, getting the treatment and ongoing support you need can help you stay on track in your recovery.
People who have depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions require specialized addiction treatment programs. This article will explore what to expect during co-occurring disorder treatment. You will learn:
- How to identify co-occurring disorders
- What happens in treatment for co-occurring disorders
- The benefits of receiving specialized co-occurring disorder treatment
- Where to find co-occurring disorder treatment in Pompano Beach
If you or someone you love lives with addiction and a mental health condition, you are not alone. Reach out to the First Step Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our treatment and recovery support programs. Contact us for help verifying your insurance, with questions, or to schedule an intake appointment.
Recognizing Co-Occurring Disorders
Up to 21.5 million people live with mental illness and substance use disorder (SUD).[1] Mental health experts refer to this as having co-occurring disorders. Some also use the term “dual diagnosis.”[2]
People who live with a dual diagnosis require comprehensive treatment. They also benefit from continuing support to manage their symptoms and avoid relapse.
The first step in getting help is recognizing a problem. Some signs you may be living with a dual diagnosis include:
- Having a diagnosed mental health condition
- Starting to abuse drugs or alcohol after experiencing a traumatic events
- Spending a lot of time getting and using drugs or alcohol
- Increased isolation
- Neglecting your relationships, work, and other responsibilities
- Having a history of anxiety disorder, borderline personality disorder (BPD), depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, or another mental health condition
- Continuing to use drugs or alcohol even when it causes significant problems in your work, relationships, health, etc.
People with co-occurring disorders typically require specialized treatment programs. These specialized programs can address the complex roots of substance abuse while treating addiction.
Your doctor or a mental health professional will assess your substance abuse and mental health issues. They will learn about your conditions so that they can develop an effective treatment plan. Your tailored treatment plan will help you manage both conditions effectively.
What Happens in Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment?
People with SUD and mental health disorders may face additional barriers in seeking treatment. Understanding what happens in substance abuse and mental health treatment facilities may help people feel more confident seeking help.
Here is an overview of what to expect in a co-occurring disorder treatment center.[3]
Assessment
Before you start treatment, mental health and medical professionals will assess your needs. This assessment may consist of:
- Questions about your substance use and mental health symptoms
- A complete mental health and medical history
- A family history of mental health disorders and substance abuse
- Lab testing
- A physical exam
This assessment provides critical information that can help guide your treatment team. It is the first step in your long-term recovery journey.
Detox
People often require medical detox programs to start their recovery journeys. During a medical detox, your team will provide 24/7 supervision and treatment, as well as consistent support to keep you safe throughout the detoxification process.
A detox treatment plan may include:
- Medications to manage withdrawal symptoms
- Mental health treatment to manage symptoms
- Individual counseling and support groups
- Emotional support
- A secure, supportive environment
- Holistic therapies like exercise, nutrition support, and mindfulness
Detox programs typically last two to seven days. However, some people may require longer detox programs to manage long-lasting withdrawal symptoms.
Treatment
Co-occurring disorder treatment programs provide comprehensive support and care. Tailored, specialized treatment plans can help people identify and address the roots of their substance abuse while learning to manage mental health symptoms.
Mental health and addiction treatment is not a one-size-fits-all process. There are several levels of inpatient and outpatient treatment to meet a range of different needs. Your treatment team will assess your needs and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
A dual-diagnosis treatment plan may include:
- Behavioral therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and others
- Medication management
- Mental health treatment
- Individual, group, and family therapy
- Relapse prevention education
- Coping skills
- Nutrition support, art therapy, mindfulness, exercise, and other holistic therapies
- Aftercare planning and support
Throughout treatment, you will work with dedicated mental health and medical professionals. You will participate in intensive therapy sessions to identify and work toward goals.
Throughout treatment, you will explore medications that help you manage your symptoms effectively. You will also learn valuable skills and find support that will help you prevent relapse in the future.
Find Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment in Pompano Beach
If you or someone you love struggles with mental health conditions and addiction, you are not alone. Contact the team at First Step Behavioral Health to explore our comprehensive treatment programs.
Don’t wait another day to get the compassionate care you need. Reach out today to take the first step toward a healthier future.
References:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Co-Occurring Disorders and Other Health Conditions
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Dual Diagnosis
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): What are the treatments for comorbid substance use disorder and mental health conditions?
