Whether it’s anxiety from an upcoming work deadline or depression that stemmed from being in quarantine during COVID-19, mental health can be an obstacle to the goals we want to achieve in life. For anyone struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, trying to manage a mental health condition on top of it can feel overwhelming.
Even though an addiction and co-occurring mental health condition can make you feel trapped, there is help out there to overcome this situation. Dual diagnosis treatment has become a staple in the services offered at addiction treatment centers across the country. Let’s look at why dual diagnosis treatment centers are the key to lasting recovery.
What Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
Dual diagnosis treatment is a form of therapy designed to help someone struggling with substance use and a mental health condition. When you’re suffering from anxiety[MK1], depression[MK2] or past trauma[MK3], it can feel as if the world is falling down around you. To manage the daily symptoms of your mental health condition, you might turn to drugs or alcohol to cope.
Instead of treating substance use and mental health separately, dual diagnosis treatment addresses both use conditions at the same time. This approach can help you not only uncover the root cause of your destructive behavior, but also teach you healthy coping skills to manage symptoms of your mental health condition.
The Benefits of Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers
Experts Are Ready to Diagnose Your Condition
A 2018 survey conducted by the National Survey of Drug Use and Health reported that 9.3 million adults in the country have a substance use disorder and a mental health condition. Part of what makes a dual diagnosis disorder difficult to treat without the right expertise is that each mental health condition requires a specific approach.
For example, the way alcohol use affects someone with anxiety often differs from the impact it would have on depression. Dual diagnosis treatment centers will get to know you on a personal level to learn how the unique factors of your mental health condition are impacting your addiction.
Helping You Realize You’re Not Alone
Mental health conditions and substance use are great at convincing you that you’re isolated, and that no one will understand the stigma that’s attached. However, many dual diagnosis treatment centers like The Raleigh House, have created a welcoming environment that encourages clients to learn from each other’s experiences. In time, you’ll start to realize you’re not alone, and the other people in treatment will provide insight into your own recovery by sharing their stories.
Receive Medication Designed for Mental Health Conditions
It’s common for people to use drugs and alcohol to cope with mental health conditions. At a dual diagnosis treatment center, you’ll have access to evidence-based medications and treatments to help you break free from the hold drugs or alcohol has on your mental health. Some dual diagnosis treatment centers even use experiential therapies like rock climbing to show you healthy ways to cope with mental health conditions.
A Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center Focuses on Full Recovery
Part of what makes dual diagnosis treatment[MK4] centers unique is their approach to a full recovery. It means that being sober from drugs and alcohol isn’t enough on its own; the treatment is designed to help you build a healthier lifestyle. Plus, you’ll learn coping techniques that can help you maintain your sobriety over time. The next time anxiety, panic or depression appears in your life, you’ll have the knowledge and skills to manage it without risking your recovery.
Discover Expert Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Colorado
At The Raleigh House, we know how challenging it can be to struggle with substance use and a mental health condition. You have the potential to reach lasting recovery, and we have the expert dual diagnosis treatment that can help you heal.
Our staff has over 10 years of experience helping people with co-occurring conditions reclaim their purpose and break free from the hold addiction has over their life. If you’re ready to begin your journey toward lasting recovery, we’re here to help. Contact our expert admissions team today[MK5] to get started.
