Skip To Section
A dual diagnosis, or co-occurring disorder, means you have both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder. It can be difficult to manage both conditions, but treatment is available. At Elevare Behavioral Health, we specialize in dual diagnosis and can provide you with the resources and support you need to manage both your conditions. Treatment usually includes medication and behavioral therapy.
What Is a Dual Diagnosis?
A dual diagnosis is when you’ve been diagnosed with both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder. This can be tricky to navigate because often the symptoms of one can worsen the symptoms of the other. For example, someone who struggles with anxiety may turn to alcohol to self-medicate and soothe their anxiety, but drinking alcohol will actually make the anxiety worse in the long run. That’s why it’s so important for those who have a dual diagnosis to seek out treatment that specifically addresses both issues. Treating only one of the disorders is not enough, as they are interconnected. Therefore, dual diagnosis treatment usually includes some combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
Substance use and mental illness often go together. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about 50% of people with substance use disorders also suffer from mental illness. There are a number of reasons why these disorders often occur together:
- People who are struggling with mental health issues may self-medicate with drugs or alcohol to try to relieve their symptoms.
- Substance use can lead to changes in brain chemistry that worsen pre-existing mental health conditions.
- People who grow up in environments where substance use is common are more likely to develop both substance use disorder and mental illness.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for treating co-occurring disorders, but integrated treatment programs that address both addiction and mental health disorders are often the most successful.
What Are Common Dual Diagnoses?
Mental health disorders that commonly co-occur with substance use disorders include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Personality disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
People with substance use problems are more likely to have these disorders than people who do not misuse substances.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a dual diagnosis, it’s important to seek out professional help. At Elevare, we create a tailored treatment plan that addresses both the substance use and the underlying mental illness.
What Are the Symptoms of a Dual Diagnosis?
Some signs that you have a dual diagnosis include:
- You have a hard time staying away from drugs or alcohol, even if you know they’re causing problems.
- You often feel like you’re in two different worlds: one where everything is okay and the other where everything is terrible.
- It’s difficult to control your impulses.
- You use drugs or alcohol to cope with feelings of anxiety or depression.
- Your mental health symptoms or substance use have led to problems in your personal or professional life.
- You’ve tried multiple times—unsuccessfully—to get treatment for addiction or mental illness.
- You have been diagnosed with a mental illness and a substance use disorder.
- You often experience mood swings or erratic behavior changes.
- You have problems with relationships and socializing.
What Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment Like?
Dual diagnosis treatment is a specialized form of addiction treatment that recognizes the complex relationship between addiction and mental health disorders and provides integrated care to address both simultaneously.
Individuals who struggle with dual diagnosis often experience challenges in managing their mental health symptoms while also trying to overcome their substance use. In traditional addiction treatment, these underlying mental health issues may not be adequately addressed, leading to a higher risk of relapse or incomplete recovery.
In dual diagnosis rehab, clients receive comprehensive care from a team of professionals including therapists, psychiatrists, and medical staff. These experts work together to create personalized treatment plans that target both addiction and mental health disorders.
What Therapies Are Used in Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
One of the most common therapies used in dual diagnosis treatment is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT can help you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to your addiction. It can also teach you coping and problem-solving skills to help you better manage triggers and stressors.
Other common therapies used in dual diagnosis treatment include dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), group therapy, individual therapy, and family therapy. DBT helps you develop healthy coping skills, while group and individual therapy provide support and allow you to process your experience in a safe and nurturing environment. Family therapy can be especially helpful in addressing communication and relationship issues that may be contributing to your addiction.
Ultimately, the goal of dual diagnosis treatment is to help you develop the tools you need to manage your symptoms and live a healthy, balanced life.
Benefits of Integrated Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders
Integrated treatment offers sessions with mental health professionals and substance use disorder professionals with the same program. You might also see a nutritionist, social worker, and other professionals. As a result, everyone works together to help you get better.
Key benefits of dual diagnosis treatment include:
- Treats both problems at the same time
- Keeps both problems from getting worse
- Helps you recover faster
- Decreases your chance of relapse
Levels of Dual Diagnosis Treatment Programs
At Elevare, we offer different levels of care depending on your needs. You may start with detox and continue with treatment in our inpatient facility. If you do not require detox, you may enter an outpatient program like our partial hospitalization or intensive outpatient programs.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Detox
Dual diagnosis treatment starts in detox. When you enter our program, our team of medical professionals will conduct thorough assessments to determine the severity of any substance use disorders and mental health disorders.
To treat your addiction, detox professionals will monitor your vital signs and administer medications as needed to ease withdrawal symptoms. To help you maintain your sobriety and treat your mental health disorder, clinicians can provide psychiatric medications to address any symptoms of untreated mental illness. During detox, you will also begin participating in therapy and support to help manage any emotional distress that may arise during this process.
In general, detox lasts from three days to a week while your body gets rid of the toxins. However, it’s important to note that people who struggle with severe mental health disorders and substance use disorders may require a longer stay in detox.
Inpatient Dual Diagnosis Treatment
If you have a dual diagnosis, inpatient treatment can help you get better. Inpatient treatment means you live one of our facilities while you’re getting treatment. This allows you to focus on getting better without getting distracted by anything else. Inpatient treatment programs provide 24-hour care and supervision.
This level of care is ideal for people who have a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder because they are at a higher risk for relapse and dangerous behaviors.
Our inpatient program has a wide range of services, including:
- Individual and group therapy
- Medication management
- Medical care
- Holistic approaches
- Recovery activities
Individual therapy gives you the chance to work on personal issues with a therapist one-on-one. Group therapy provides support and an opportunity to share your experiences with others who are going through similar issues.
Inpatient treatment programs usually last 28 days, but some people need to stay longer, depending on their progress in treatment.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is designed for individuals who need more intensive care than what they would receive on an outpatient basis.
PHP programs usually last for six to eight weeks and include a variety of individual, group, and family therapy sessions, as well as medication management and other types of support. PHP programs are often used as a step-down from inpatient treatment or as a way to prevent relapses after completing an inpatient program.
PHP can be an effective treatment option for individuals with dual diagnoses because they provide a higher level of care while still allowing you to maintain a level of independence.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) are designed to provide regular, structured treatment while still allowing you to live at home and work or attend school. Treatment typically includes group and individual therapy, as well as psychoeducation and skill-building sessions.
Dual diagnosis treatment in IOP generally meets three to five days per week for three to four hours per day. Intensive outpatient programs provide a good transition from an inpatient or PHP program back into everyday life.
Outpatient Program (OP)
Elevare’s outpatient dual diagnosis treatment program meets for one to three hours a week. Typically, it involves some combination of individual therapy, group therapy, and psychiatric care. Our program also includes an educational component, which can help you learn more about your conditions and how to manage them.
How Long Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
The length of treatment will depend on a number of factors, including:
- Severity of your conditions
- Underlying causes
- Your response to treatment
- Your outside support system
In general, most people need to participate in dual diagnosis treatment for at least several months. This may include a short period in inpatient treatment followed by several months in outpatient programming. This gives you the time to detox from substances, learn new coping skills, and develop a solid plan for maintaining sobriety and managing mental health symptoms.
Does Insurance Cover Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
If you or a loved one is struggling with a dual diagnosis, you may be wondering if your insurance will cover the cost of treatment. The good news is that most insurance plans cover treatment, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, you will likely need to get pre-authorization from your insurance company before starting treatment. Second, your insurance company may require you to try other forms of treatment, such as medication or therapy, before they approve coverage for a treatment program.
If you have any questions about your coverage for dual diagnosis treatment, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Elevare Behavioral Health. We’re here to help.
Looking for Help with Addiction and Mental Illness?
At Elevare Behavioral Health, we offer comprehensive care for people struggling with substance use and mental health disorders. We understand that these conditions often occur together, and we offer the customized treatment that each individual needs. Our highly trained staff provides research-based care in a safe and supportive environment. We offer a variety of therapies and activities to help you heal physically, mentally, and spiritually.
If you or someone you love is struggling with a dual diagnosis, please reach out for help. We are here to support you on your journey to recovery.
Our admissions team is available 24/7 to listen to your story and help you get started with the next steps.
