According to recorded research, people with substance use disorder are often also diagnosed with a mental health condition, as well. The issues that arise from having both conditions simultaneously feed off each other. For example, if a person has mental health problems, they tend to self-medicate in order to feel better. The effects and aftereffects of drugs or alcohol often only make mental health symptoms worse. On the other hand, substance abuse can create chemical imbalances in the brain that result in symptoms of depression or anxiety, or even paranoia and hallucinations.
It’s vital that people with both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder seek the correct treatment from a dual diagnosis treatment center in Tampa, FL or elsewhere.
What is a Dual Diagnosis?
A dual diagnosis simply means you have a diagnosis that recognizes both the substance use disorder as well as the mental health disorder. For example, the dual diagnosis may be that you have an opioid addition co-occurring with a generalized anxiety disorder. Or you may have a cocaine addiction co-occurring with major depression. The substance can be any drug from heroin or meth to cocaine or prescription drugs. The mental health disorder ranges from any recognized mental illness, whether it’s mild or severe. For example, anxiety and depression are some of the more common mental health disorders in the United States.
How Does Dual Diagnosis Treatment Work?
During treatment at a drug and alcohol rehab center, you will receive thorough care for both of your conditions. This is critical for complete healing. If you only gain sobriety and don’t address the mental health disorder, a reoccurrence of mental health symptoms can drive a relapse. During dual diagnosis treatment, your treatment plan evolves along with your changing needs. This way, your therapy team can ensure that your needs are met at every step.
Additionally, evidence-based addiction therapies target the roots of your addiction. In group and individual setting, you can explore your addiction history and any past traumas. With support from your therapists and peers, you can tackle obstacles that hold you back, and celebrate your successes in a healthy manner. Holistic therapies like recreation therapy and nutritional coaching help you recover physically, so you can make more progress on emotional and mental healing.
Several benefits exist when attending a dual diagnosis treatment center. Some of the benefits include:
- Evaluation and diagnosis for any mental health disorders that you may not have known you had
- Proper treatment for mental health disorders to replace self-medicating (this may include taking medication for your illness)
- A better understanding of what drove you to do drugs so you can stop blaming yourself
- A more holistic and comprehensive treatment plan
- By resolving the mental health issues, you strengthen your recovery plan and reduce the chance for relapse
Find Dual Diagnosis Treatment Today
Don’t let drug addiction and mental health problems hold you down in life. You can overcome your addiction by checking out dual diagnosis treatment centers. Contact South Tampa Psychiatry to learn more about our dual diagnosis treatment.
