A dual diagnosis is when an individual has two co-occurring disorders, one being a mental health disorder and the other being a substance use disorder (SUD). Usually, each disorder that is diagnosed will have a direct influence on the other in a dual diagnosis, which is why treating both using separate and proven options at the same time is critical for a successful outcome. A common example of a dual diagnosis is a person having clinical depression or anxiety that is accompanied by an SUD. The SUD can serve as an exacerbating factor to an individual’s underlying mental health struggles.
Depending on the individual types of disorders within a person’s overall dual diagnosis, their treatment options will be tailored to their specific needs. Here are several types of programs that are commonly used when treating a dual diagnosis so that each disorder is adequately addressed.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy is an excellent option for many individuals who suffer from a dual diagnosis. In these one-on-one sessions, an individual is given the opportunity to consult with a licensed therapist and discuss their day-to-day feelings and mental health challenges. Through the power of open discussion with a professional, an individual can learn more about the roots of their mental health disorder and discover healthy ways to cope with it.
Individual therapy that is focused on substance abuse is also available. One-on-one therapy for substance use may involve psychotherapy, a form of individualized treatment that helps a person analyze their type of addictive behavior and proactively pinpoint triggers, temptations, and any possible underlying causes. During private conversations between yourself and a licensed therapist, you can target each aspect of your diagnosis and find helpful new solutions.
Integrated Group Therapy
As another essential way to treat a dual diagnosis, integrated group therapy (IGT) fosters involvement between multiple individuals toward a collective goal. There is strength in the concepts of community, fellowship, and accountability when it comes to recovery. The individuals in attendance at an IGT program may be peers who are facing similar challenges, or they may be family members or friends of an individual. Each person present is focused on wellness and the healthy treatment of mental disorders.
Peer support is a powerful tool for those struggling with a dual diagnosis because it helps them remain accountable and draw strength from the experiences of others. The idea of not being alone in a recovery or mental health journey is one that can uplift a person and prevent them from experiencing loneliness while embarking on their wellness path.
Familial support is also crucial for a successful dual-diagnosis treatment plan. Hearing first-hand accounts of how something like an addiction can affect those whom an individual loves can encourage them to pursue sobriety, which can also help with managing their accompanying mental health condition. Within an IGT program, embracing community is vital to positive mental health progress being made for all involved.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a variety of therapy that involves finding and pursuing healthier solutions that aid in staying away from relapsing. During CBT, a patient will sit down with a trained professional to help further identify triggers and develop effective coping strategies.
Specific strategies that may be employed at a CBT session include regulation of emotions, exploring healthy coping strategies, and practicing helpful mindfulness techniques. Meditation, breathing exercises, and fear confrontation are some specific types of invaluable mindfulness tools to learn. The goal of mastering skills taught at a CBT is to replace unhealthy coping mechanisms with healthy ones and develop more constructive thought patterns. Due to all of the benefits associated with these advanced treatment methods, CBT is often an integral part of an effective dual-diagnosis treatment plan.
Dialectic Behavioral Therapy
Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is another treatment option that many people with a dual diagnosis may be recommended for. In this type of treatment, the objective is focused specifically on preventing self-harm.
With an SUD, the human body suffers physical consequences as the result of addiction, but beyond solely experiencing those effects, a person with a dual diagnosis and depressive symptoms may turn to intentional self-harming techniques as an unhealthy coping mechanism. DBT seeks to prevent these by helping people accept their conditions and work to reverse damaging behaviors. It’s a proven therapy for treating both substance use and other different types of mental health disorders.
With these four main types of treatment, those who struggle with dual diagnoses can be put on customized plans that work to pinpoint their specific conditions and help alleviate them in cutting-edge ways.
Alvarado Parkway Institute is a San Diego-based behavioral health facility that offers hope and assistance to those who are struggling with mental health disorders and a co-occurring substance use problem. We’re passionate about researching and treating dual diagnoses in the most effective ways possible. If you or someone you know is wrestling with the symptoms of a dual diagnosis, contact us today for more information about how to get lasting and powerful professional help.
