Dual diagnosis, also known as co-occurring disorders, is a term used to describe the presence of both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder in an individual. The meaning of dual diagnosis can be a bit murky, but it generally implies a substance use disorder, such as drugs or alcohol, and a mental health condition, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, are present simultaneously in an individual. This complex condition can make treatment more challenging, but understanding its nature, symptoms, and available treatments is essential for those affected.
The Arbor Behavioral Healthcare treats dual diagnosis in Georgetown, TX, and other behavioral health conditions. Call 844.413.2690 today to learn more or get started on dual diagnosis treatment.
What Is Dual Diagnosis?
A dual diagnosis occurs when someone has both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder. These conditions often interact with and exacerbate each other, making it crucial to address both disorders simultaneously for effective treatment. Dual diagnosis affects millions of adults in the United States each year.
Symptoms of Dual Diagnosis
Symptoms of dual diagnosis can vary depending on the specific mental health and substance use disorders involved. However, some common signs include:
- Difficulty maintaining relationships
- Social isolation
- Erratic behavior
- Unexplained mood swings
- Poor work or school performance
- Legal problems related to substance use
- Recurring thoughts of suicide or self-harm
If you or a loved one are exhibiting some or all of these symptoms, seeking professional dual diagnosis treatment is the best option for lasting health and well-being.
The Importance of Seeking Professional Help
Attempting to manage the symptoms of dual diagnosis without professional help can be detrimental to an individual’s well-being. Self-medicating with drugs or alcohol often worsens mental health symptoms and can lead to addiction. Additionally, untreated mental health conditions can make it difficult for individuals to maintain sobriety and may contribute to relapse. Seeking professional behavioral health treatment ensures that both disorders are addressed simultaneously, increasing the chances of long-term recovery.
Evidence-Based and Holistic Therapies for Dual Diagnosis
There are various evidence-based and holistic therapies available to treat dual diagnosis effectively. Some of these therapies include:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is used to treat dual diagnosis by helping participants process traumatic memories, reducing their emotional distress and substance use.
Family Therapy
Family therapy can help individuals with dual diagnosis work through family dynamics that may contribute to the severity of their symptoms.
Group Therapy
Group therapy provides dual diagnosis patients with a supportive community of peers to discuss common challenges and share successes.
Equine Therapy
Equine therapy is a holistic approach to treatment that uses horses to help individuals with dual diagnosis build confidence, practice mindfulness, and develop empathy.
Relapse Prevention Therapy
Relapse prevention therapy helps individuals with dual diagnosis to identify triggers for their substance use and develop healthy strategies for managing relapse.
Common Co-Occurring Disorders
Some common mental health issues that often co-occur with substance use disorders include:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia
Recognizing and treating both disorders together is essential for overcoming dual diagnosis. Failure to address one condition can hinder the treatment progress of the other, potentially leading to relapse or worsening mental health symptoms.
The Arbor Behavioral Healthcare: Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Georgetown, Texas
If you or a loved one is struggling with dual diagnosis, The Arbor Behavioral Healthcare in Georgetown, Texas, can provide the comprehensive care needed for lasting recovery. Their dual diagnosis treatment program combines evidence-based therapies with holistic approaches to address mental health and substance use disorders effectively.
Don’t wait to seek help. Contact The Arbor Behavioral Healthcare today at 844.413.2690 or reach out online to begin your journey towards healing and recovery.