Dual diagnosis treatment is a program that seeks to address an addiction alongside an underlying mental health disorder. The historical norm has been to treat mental health and addiction separately. This is called sequential treatment. Unfortunately, the sequential method often results in higher rates of relapse. Due to the prevalence of co-occurring mental health disorders and addiction, dual diagnosis treatment offers the best path toward recovery. Learn more about dual diagnosis in Florida by contacting South Tampa Psychiatry online or at 866.273.5017.
Common Co-Occurring Disorders
Before we tackle the primary benefits of dual diagnosis treatment, it’s worth taking a moment to understand some of the most common co-occurring disorders. While it is possible for any mental health and addiction combination to manifest together, medical practitioners have outlined a set of the most common to appear. The most common mental health conditions include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Depression is particularly worth highlighting for the simple fact that it is the most common mood disorder across the globe. Moreover, depression’s symptoms, such as pervasive sadness, a lack of energy, and relational issues, can leave people more open to developing a substance abuse disorder.
Often, people may use substances as a form of self-medication for depression symptoms. While substance use may alleviate depression symptoms at first, it can result in addiction and co-occurring disorders that are more difficult to treat.
3 Benefits of Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Our dual diagnosis treatment program aims to address a patient’s mental health and addiction simultaneously. While treating both issues at the same time presents unique challenges, we believe that it is the best option to achieve healing. Here are three of the top benefits of dual diagnosis treatment.
It Is Individualized
Dual diagnosis treatment is, by necessity, an individualized approach. It is undergirded by recognizing that co-occurring disorders are influenced by biology, environmental triggers, and brain structure, and chemistry. Individualization in treatment begins with an evaluation of a patient’s medical history. That includes analyzing someone’s family history of mental health and addiction, any past medications taken, and previous treatment protocols.
It Is Integrated
Dual diagnosis treatment is an integrated approach, meaning it treats a substance abuse disorder and a mental health issue at the same time. While it may appear obvious, this method has only become widespread in recent years. It requires that treatment centers and practitioners specialize in mental health and addiction. The integrated approach utilizes a combination of therapy, medications, and social support to address each aspect of an individual’s treatment plan.
It Prioritizes Detox and Rehab
Due to treating co-occurring disorders’ seriousness and complicated nature, dual diagnosis treatment requires medically supervised detox and rehab, either inpatient or outpatient. Detox is the first step toward achieving recovery and is most likely to work in a safe, supportive environment. Treatment centers often use medications to help wean people from their addictions, decreasing the severity of withdrawal symptoms. The second phase is rehab. Whether this occurs as inpatient or outpatient is entirely down to what will best benefit the patient in achieving long-term sobriety.
Get Help at South Tampa Psychiatry
South Tampa Psychiatry offers comprehensive, expert support related to dual diagnosis treatment. We specialize in a range of addiction therapy services related to dual diagnosis, including:
- Anxiety treatment
- Depression treatment
- Individual counseling
- Psychotherapy
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy for anxiety and depression
Our team of professionals is ready to support you in achieving sobriety and living a life of freedom. Contact us at 866.273.5017 to learn more about our dual diagnosis treatment program and how it can transform your life or the life of someone you love.
