Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve answered some of the most common questions clients ask before their first stay with us.
A mental health disorder or substance addiction is challenging enough separately on its own. Unfortunately, some face both, which often feed into each other, making matters worse.
If you’re among those dealing with both conditions, you know first-hand the challenges that come with dual diagnosis. No matter how isolating a dual diagnosis may make you feel, know that millions worldwide understand what you’re going through.
At Soul Surgery, we recognize the importance of treating conditions together rather than independently.
In this blog on how to treat dual diagnosis for patients, we’ll look at the following questions:
A dual diagnosis occurs when an individual experiences a substance use disorder concurrently with a mental health disorder. The most effective treatments for dual diagnosis depend on each person’s circumstances and needs but typically include a combination of medication-assisted treatment (MAT), therapy, support groups, and interventions. Many people will enter an inpatient or outpatient program for their dual diagnosis as these will include the different components of an effective treatment.
Both substance abuse and mental illness need to be addressed in order to treat dual disorders. You must detox from the substance while participating in behavioral therapies and medication treatment. Therapy allows you to learn coping mechanisms and to address the core reasons that caused or fueled the addiction or mental disorder.
Likewise, medication breaks down those cognitive barriers that make it challenging to overcome the urge to abuse substances and help with withdrawal symptoms during detox.
The dual diagnosis treatment model is broken down into six components: assessment, medication assistance, psychotherapy and support groups, family involvement, and lifestyle changes.
Before you can begin substance abuse or mental health treatment, you need to be comprehensively assessed by a professional. This gives them the proper understanding of your diagnoses, the severity of each, and additionally occurring disorders or medical conditions. An assessment comprises screening tools, psychological tests, a physical exam, and laboratory tests (e.g., blood tests).
A key piece in recovery for dual diagnosis is medication. When you’re on the best-fit medicines for your situation, it can aid in alleviating the symptoms of substance withdrawal and suppress or lift the negative emotions caused by mental illness.
Psychotherapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) focus on changing the negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with addiction and mental illness. You’ll develop coping skills and strategies to combat the urge to use or participate in unhealthy behaviors.
Support groups, including Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), allow you to be a part of an environment of peers who understand what you’re going through. The accountability of these groups offers encouragement in sobriety, constantly reminding you that you aren’t alone on this journey.
The family component of addiction is complex. As much as the addict needs support, the family does as well. It’s easy for loved ones to enable an addict in their destructive behaviors unknowingly. When the family is involved in treatment, doctors or interventionists can learn the dynamics that may contribute to the problems. This also allows you to have personal support from your loved ones.
When you’re struggling with poor eating and sleeping habits, and a lack of exercise and stress management, these put you at higher risk for dual diagnosis and contribute to existing addiction and mental illness. You’ll learn healthy practices and lifestyle changes as you go through treatment. A well-balanced lifestyle and low-stress levels go a long way in creating a healthy mind and body.
People with dual diagnoses deal with both substance use and mental health disorders simultaneously. The added weight of two disorders rather than only one puts people at higher risk for complications such as the increased risk of suicide and relapse, chronic health conditions, and legal issues.
Substance abuse disorders and mental illness are impactful on their own, let alone when dealt with together. Patients with dual diagnosis are more likely to have medical and neurological comorbidities, such as pain disorders and traumatic brain injuries, which increase the risk for suicidal behaviors. Along with this, common symptoms of a mental health condition include behaviors like withdrawal from friends and family and self-isolation, often fueling the condition.
The adverse effects of substances on the body and stress from mental illness increase the risk of chronic health conditions like liver disease and respiratory problems. In addition, substance abuse and mental illness can lead to taking part in risky behaviors such as illegal purchases or sales of substances, aggressive or violent behavior, theft, etc. The greater a person’s dependence on a substance, the greater the lengths they’ll go to obtain it.
The contributing factors of dual diagnosis vary from person to person. It’s unlikely that one single thing is the cause of addiction or mental illness, and typically is a combination of factors. Genetics, stress, and trauma are among the most common contributors to someone’s dual diagnosis.
Dealing with addiction and mental illness alone is a heart-breaking, isolating experience. No matter how far gone you feel, know there’s always hope. We’ve designed a program that fits your individual needs so that you get the best support for your recovery.
Please don’t wait any longer. If you’re reading this blog today and recognize a need for support, don’t hesitate to contact us. You’ll be greeted by a compassionate team member, ready to inform you about treatment options and help you start your recovery journey.
Take the first step in your journey to recovery.
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