How Rehab Centers Address Co-Occurring Disorders Effectively

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David

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If you’ve ever wondered why some people find recovery more difficult than others, you may have come across the term dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders.

Simply put, a high number of those who have developed an addiction are also likely to be affected by a mental health disorder. About 50% of people with severe mental disorders also have a problem with substance abuse.

But here’s the important part…

Traditional methods that only address addiction or mental health separately are no longer considered effective.

In this post you will learn:

  • The Real Challenge Behind Dual Disorders
  • The Benefits of Drug Rehab Centers in Virginia for Dual Disorders
  • Why You Cannot Deal With Dual Disorders on Your Own
  • Evidence-Based Dual Diagnosis Treatments in Rehab Centers

The Real Challenge Behind Dual Disorders


Dual disorders or also known as co-occurring disorders mean that someone is experiencing both a mental illness and a substance use problem at the same time.

This is what’s causing so much difficulty:

It means that both of these conditions are interacting with each other. When you suffer from a mental health problem like depression, you are likely to turn to alcohol or drugs to feel better. However, substances can make your depression worse which results in you consuming more of alcohol or drugs.

This is why it is so hard to break the cycle on your own.

Recent reports show that 35% of adults with mental disorders have a substance use problem. When you look at the real numbers, it’s millions of people facing this situation.

The value of drug rehab centers really comes to light here. Drug rehab centers in Virginia are dedicated to addressing both of these conditions at the same time, which leads to a greater possibility of long-term recovery.

Why is that? Because they recognize the fact that treating only addiction without addressing the underlying mental health condition is not an effective approach.

The Benefits of Drug Rehab Centers in Virginia for Dual Disorders


Ever wanted to know the difference between success and failure when it comes to recovery?

It’s all about simultaneously treating both conditions at the same time.

The older forms of treatment used to only focus on one condition at a time. So you would first get clean and then address mental health problems later on. Or the other way around. The problem with this approach?

It simply doesn’t work!

This is why integrating the treatment is so much more effective:

  • It addresses root causes instead of just managing the symptoms.
  • You are less likely to experience a relapse when both conditions are managed at the same time. For example, when substance use disorder is managed, you are less likely to use substances as a coping mechanism to deal with mental health issues.
  • Studies show that 50% of people with co-occurring disorders respond positively to a combined treatment program.

The key is a treatment team that is aware of how these two issues can impact one another. This team will be able to recognize warning signs, safely adjust medications and provide the right therapies for your case.

Evidence-Based Dual Diagnosis Treatments in Rehab Centers


The question is, how do these rehabs centers approach co-occurring disorders?

Let’s have a look at some of the most effective approaches that make a real difference:

Comprehensive Assessment​


Professional centers never start treatment before performing a thorough evaluation of you and your situation. This is far from just asking you a couple of questions on your drinking or drug taking behavior.

They will use standardized assessment tools to:

  • Identify all mental health issues.
  • Understand your substance use patterns.
  • Identify the interactions between the mental health condition and the substance use disorder.
  • Develop a treatment plan that is fully tailored to your needs.

Medication Management​


This is the part where professional centers make a significant difference. Managing medications for someone with co-occurring disorders requires specific expertise.

For example, certain antidepressants can interact with alcohol to create potentially dangerous side effects. Some anxiety medications can also be addictive by themselves. A professional treatment team will be able to navigate these issues with skill.

Behavioral Therapies​


The leading professional rehab centers employ multiple therapy approaches:

  • CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns that contribute to both addiction and mental health issues.
  • DBT or dialectical behavioral therapy teaches you healthy coping skills for managing difficult emotions without resorting to substances.
  • Trauma-informed care addresses the underlying trauma that often contributes to both addiction and mental health disorders.

Group and Individual Counseling​


It has been found that treatment is most effective when both individual and group counseling are combined. Individual therapy helps you address your personal issues in a private setting. Group therapy helps you realize that you are not alone in your struggle.

How Professional Centers Can Make a Difference


Something you may not know is that…

The level of care can vary significantly between different treatment facilities. Not all rehabs are equipped to properly address co-occurring disorders.

What makes the best centers different:

  • Specialized staff. Look for a center with psychiatrists, psychologists, and addiction counselors with specific training in dual diagnosis treatment. They should be familiar with the interactions between mental health and substance use.
  • 24/7 medical support. Dual disorders can create medical emergencies at any time. Having round-the-clock medical supervision helps ensure your safety throughout the vulnerable phases of treatment.
  • Continuing care programs. Recovery doesn’t stop once you leave rehab. The best centers provide post-treatment continuing care to maintain long-term recovery. This might include outpatient counseling, support groups, medication monitoring and crisis intervention services.
  • Family involvement. Mental health and addiction affect your entire family. Quality programs offer family therapy and education to help loved ones understand your conditions and support your recovery.

The Real Statistics


It’s hard to believe, but statistics show that over 93% of people with substance use disorders fail to receive specialty treatment.

The issue is more complicated for those with co-occurring disorders that require dual treatment approaches.

But here’s some good news:

Once people receive appropriate treatment, recovery is possible. Consistent research shows that integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders leads to:

  • Better treatment completion
  • Lowered relapse rates.
  • Improved quality of life.
  • Better family relationships.
  • Improved performance at work.

The trick is finding a rehab facility that really specializes in dual diagnosis treatment and not just claims to offer treatment for β€œeverything.”

You Are Not Broken


Struggling with co-occurring disorders can make you feel like a broken human being who is beyond help. You may believe that it is impossible to overcome these dual disorders in your life.

That is simply not true.

Millions of people have recovered from co-occurring disorders. The main difference is finding the right type of help at the right time.

Professional rehab centers know that addiction is rarely a singular problem. They know how to disentangle the complex web of factors that can keep you stuck in the rut.

Recovery is possible, it just needs the specialized help from people who know what you’re going through.

Wrapping Things Up


Co-occurring disorders present one of the biggest challenges in addiction treatment today. At the same time, it is one of the most treatable problems when addressed with the right type of care.

Drug rehab centers in Virginia that specialize in dual diagnosis treatment have several things to offer:

  • A completely integrated approach to address both conditions at the same time.
  • A number of evidence-based therapies that are known to be effective in treating more complex cases.
  • Medical supervision to ensure that treatment is being done in a safe environment.
  • Ongoing support to help you maintain your recovery long-term.

If you are struggling with both mental health and substance use problems, do not attempt to address them on your own. Professional help is not just beneficial, it is a vital part of the process that can no longer be ignored.

Remember that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It is the first step in reclaiming your life.

The post How Rehab Centers Address Co-Occurring Disorders Effectively first appeared on Sotwe.

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