If you’re suffering from a dual diagnosis, there is help for you at Alvarado Parkway Institute. Our center for mental health and addictive disorders provides dual diagnosis outpatient programs to help our patients better manage their challenges with innovative treatment. A dual diagnosis is a complex condition that requires an effective and individualized plan to address. In this post, we’re going to explain what this condition entails and also highlight some of the primary ways it’s commonly treated.
What Is a Dual Diagnosis?
A dual diagnosis is a condition where a patient suffers from addiction and mental health problems simultaneously. This duality is commonly seen because a strong link often exists between addictive tendencies and mental health conditions (such as depression or anxiety). Many individuals suffering from mental illness may turn to drugs or alcohol as coping mechanisms. The effects of the drug may give them some temporary relief from their troubles, leading them to keep using it as a long-term solution which can lead to addiction.
Why Should a Dual Diagnosis Be Taken Seriously?
All addictions should be taken seriously because of the dangers they pose to an individual. For patients with a dual diagnosis, extra care is required due to the need to treat both conditions and protect the patient’s overall health.
Substance abuse, mental health problems, and suicidal thoughts can sometimes all converge to make an already negative situation even worse. As mentioned before, people with existing mental health issues may turn to substances as an escape from reality. In these individuals, when they go without their substances, their dark thoughts may become even stronger. The cycle of drug or alcohol misuse can also have adverse effects on their existing mental health condition(s).
Studies have shown that substance use and addiction can contribute to the development of mental illness as the substances alter areas of the brain. When someone takes drugs frequently or abuses alcohol, they are more likely to develop issues like depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia than those who don’t. The substances may lead to chemical imbalances in the brain that prevent hormones from being secreted correctly, which may cause additional negative thoughts or feelings to present themselves. People with addictions may begin developing depressive thoughts that can eventually turn into suicidal tendencies.
How Do You Treat Dual Diagnosis?
Treating addiction is tough, but can be done with the help of a trained professional, a proper diagnosis, and the right resources. For a dual diagnosis, having a targeted plan to treat it is critical to help the affected individual embark on a successful recovery.
Likewise, treating a mental health disorder also starts with a diagnosis. Once the disorder is identified, different methods and treatments may be introduced. While most people may never truly be “cured” of depression, anxiety, or another mental health condition, having the right plan can help them better manage the symptoms. If you have a dual diagnosis, both issues you’re facing need to be addressed with unique solutions.
There are three main ways to treat chemical dependencies and mental illness:
Inpatient Treatment Services
Inpatient services tend to be the most intensive programs. They can help individuals with mental health and addiction issues by temporarily removing them from their environment and placing them in the care of professionals in a safe environment, allowing them to focus on their recovery.
Partial Hospitalization Programs
Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) combine elements of inpatient services while letting patients spend more time at home. PHP programs empower patients to continue to receive treatment for their chemical dependencies and mental health while returning home each evening. PHP is offered five days a week for about six hours each day.
Outpatient Programs
Once a patient’s condition improves, the next step is an outpatient program. The intensive outpatient program (IOP) has less structure than partial hospitalization and inpatient. IOP is offered for up to three days a week for three hours each day. At this point, patients typically have moderate to mild symptoms and a strong support system in place that empowers them to be more independent while still checking in with their treatment team a few days a week.
Finding the Right Dual Diagnosis Treatment Method
The right treatment for a dual diagnosis depends on the person. For those with very mild symptoms where the problem is recognized early on, only outpatient services may be required. However, for patients with severe symptoms or suicidal thoughts, inpatient services may serve as the best option.
If you need help finding the right dual diagnosis treatment options, feel free to get in touch with us today. We have a 24-hour support line where you can explain your challenges to a dedicated specialist, who will be happy to discuss our range of treatment options for you.
