Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Elevate Wellness: Dual Diagnosis Treatment That Works
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), nearly 21.5 million adults in the United States had a cooccurring disorder in 2022. In 2019, this number was approximately 9.7, highlighting not only the seriousness of the problem but also its rapid growth. That’s why, at Elevate Wellness Center, our licensed medical staff uses a comprehensive approach to treat both mental health disorders and substance use disorders simultaneously.
What Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
When an individual struggles with both addiction and mental health issues, it is called a dual diagnosis. Treatment for this dual disorder is considered one of the most effective approaches for recovery. It offers a comprehensive treatment plan that simultaneously targets both the mental health disorder and the substance use disorder. This combination of dual disorders is often referred to as a co-occurring disorder or comorbidity. These disorders are commonly seen in individuals struggling with addiction and can develop at the same time, or one may lead to the other.
Symptoms of Dual Diagnosis
Both mental health disorders and substance use disorders typically have their own distinct symptoms. These symptoms can vary depending on the type of substance used and the specific combination of co-occurring disorders. However, some common symptoms can be traced in most of the individuals with mental health or substance use disorders.
Common symptoms of a mental health disorder may include:
- Extreme mood swings or emotional highs and lows
- Difficulty concentrating, thinking clearly, or making decisions
- Lacking proper functionality at home, school, or the office
- Social seclusion or avoiding other people’s company
- Excessive fears, worries, or guilt
- In extreme cases, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, or mistrust
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or excessive sleeping)
Common symptoms of substance use disorder may include:
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Lack of focus or memory issues
- Sudden changes in behavior
- Craving for substance use
- Unexplained health problems like frequent nausea, tremors, etc.
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
What Comes First Mental Health Issues or Substance Use?
Like the classical egg and chicken question, there is no definite answer to which disorder comes first. While one disorder may not cause the other, there is a strong connection between them. Research shows that long term substance use can lead to the development of mental health disorders. Likewise, individuals with existing mental health conditions may turn to drugs or alcohol that can worsen their symptoms. Someone with a mental health disorder may use self medication, which can eventually lead to a substance use disorder.
Why Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment So Important?
Dual diagnosis treatment targets the root cause of both mental health and substance use disorders, making it essential for long term recovery and relapse prevention. A key part of this treatment is helping individuals to build strategies to maintain sobriety. Additionally, it treats the whole person, not just isolated symptoms. This approach lowers the risk of relapse and helps individuals build a stronger foundation for long term wellness.
If you or a loved one is struggling with co-occurring disorders, you can Contact Us via phone call, email us, or just fill out the online form.
Our Integrated Treatment Approach
Extensive research highlights the importance of treating mental health and substance use disorders simultaneously. That’s why, at Elevate Wellness Center, our team of professionals uses an integrated approach that targets both conditions at the same time. This holistic method lays the groundwork for lasting recovery while reducing the risks of relapses. We also use personalized treatment to meet each individual’s unique needs. This treatment includes evidence-based therapies, medical support, and holistic practices that promote emotional, physical, and mental well being with balance.
Why Choose Elevate Wellness Center?
At Elevate Wellness Center, we don’t just treat symptoms we treat people. Our compassionate team provides 24/7 services, from monitoring to medication and therapies. We offer integrated and personalized treatment programs that address both mental health and substance use disorders. With evidence-based therapies, medical detox when necessary, a beautiful residential treatment facility, and a supportive staff dedicated to helping you live a life of sobriety, we’re here for you every step of the way.
Take the First Step
Recovery begins with the first step. Take that step, and we’ll walk alongside you or your loved one on the journey toward complete healing.
FAQs About Dual Diagnosis Treatment
According to the National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH), three possible causes explain co-occurring disorders.
- Researchers have identified environmental factors, such as stress and trauma, as well as genetic vulnerabilities that run in families, that can contribute to both mental health and substance use disorders.
- People with mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may turn to self medication, which can lead to substance dependency.
- On the other hand, long term substance use may cause changes in the brain that trigger the onset of mental health disorders.
Integrated treatment approach simply refers to treating substance use disorder and mental health disorder at the same time. Instead of treating both disorders separately, an integrated treatment approach gives promising results.
Evidence-based therapy refers to the treatment of mental health conditions using practices that are proven to be effective and are backed by scientific research. At Elevate Wellness Center, we use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed care. These therapies help individuals manage symptoms, change harmful habits, and build healthier lives.