It’s surprisingly common for individuals to undergo treatment for substance use without realizing they also have a co-occurring mental health disorder. Recognizing and addressing these dual diagnoses is crucial for achieving and maintaining sobriety from substance use. This blog teaches valuable insights and guidance, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about the type of treatment necessary when facing co-occurring disorders.
A co-occurring disorder refers to the presence of both a substance use disorder and another mental health condition. Treating both diagnoses at the same time is crucial because addressing only one aspect may lead to ineffective treatment and a higher risk of relapse. Hanley Foundation offers resources and support for anyone embarking on their sober journey, ensuring proper mental health treatment is integrated into their recovery plan.
What is a Co-occurring Disorder?
A co-occurring disorder is defined as the presence of two or more psychiatric diagnoses in the same individual. This is usually a combination of substance use disorders, such as alcohol or drug addiction, and mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. These disorders frequently interact and influence each other, resulting in complex symptoms and complications. Understanding and detecting co-occurring illnesses is critical for correct diagnosis and management, as it enables healthcare providers to provide personalized interventions and support to people with these overlapping conditions.
Are Co-occurring Disorders Rare?
In 2019, about 7.7 million US adults experienced co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorder, making up 3.8% of those aged 18 or older, per SAMHSA. NIDA notes individuals with substance use disorders are twice as likely to have mood and anxiety disorders. The CDC stresses the public health impact of co-occurring disorders, highlighting the necessity for integrated treatment to address both substance use and mental health effectively, underscoring the importance of recognizing and treating these conditions for improved outcomes and recovery promotion.
How Does an Undiagnosed Co-occurring Disorder Affect Substance Use Treatment?
Undiagnosed co-occurring disorders can have a substantial influence on substance use therapy because they complicate the underlying conditions that drive addiction. Treatment efforts may fail or be ineffective if the co-existing mental health problem is not identified and addressed. Undiagnosed disorder symptoms can intensify substance use behaviors, increasing the likelihood of relapse and making it challenging to sustain recovery. Furthermore, untreated mental health issues might impair an individual’s capacity to participate in and benefit from substance use treatment programs completely. Identifying and treating co-occurring illnesses is critical to delivering thorough and successful treatment that addresses the underlying causes of addiction.
If you or a loved one need help, call our admissions team today at 855-809-4673.What is Dual Diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis is another term for co-occurring disorders, meaning one has a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder at the same time.
Underlying mental health concerns can contribute to substance use, resulting in ineffective interventions and an increased risk of relapse if both are not addressed. A dual diagnosis strategy guarantees that both the substance use disorder and the co-occurring mental health issue are treated concurrently, resulting in more successful and long-term recovery outcomes.
Better Outcomes from Dual Diagnosis Treatment
According to SAMHSA, integrated treatment can lead to better outcomes and quality of life for people with co-occurring disorders. This approach, combined with early detection, offers several benefits, including reduced or discontinued substance use, improvement in psychiatric symptoms and functioning, increased chances for successful treatment and recovery for both disorders, improved quality of life, decreased hospitalization, reduced medication interactions, increased housing stability, and fewer arrests.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Hanley Center
At Hanley Center, dual diagnosis treatment encompasses a personalized approach tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Our Center for Brain Recovery conducts comprehensive behavioral health assessments and psychological testing for every individual, ensuring accurate diagnosis and treatment of both substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. For those with co-occurring disorders, our treatment plan includes evidence-based therapy, medical care, including medication when necessary, psychiatric services, case management, family education, life skills training, recovery support, and continuing care planning. Through our innovative program, the Center for Brain Recovery at Hanley Center, we prioritize brain health with evidence-based therapies. This holistic approach acknowledges the intricate link between addiction and mental health disorders, providing simultaneous treatment to address both issues effectively. By integrating comprehensive care that addresses the complexities of dual diagnosis, we empower our patients with the tools and support needed for sustainable long-term recovery.
Hanley Foundation is devoted to reshaping the narrative of addiction through prevention, advocacy, treatment, and recovery support. Our comprehensive prevention education programs have positively impacted Florida’s communities, making us the largest prevention services provider. For over four decades, our treatment facility, Hanley Center, has offered private, confidential, and personalized addiction and mental health care, surrounded by a tranquil tropical setting that promotes healing and recovery.
