When someone has a mental health disorder and an addiction to alcohol or drugs, it is known as a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder. Dealing with one of these issues on its own can be tough enough, but having to deal with both a mental health disorder and an addiction, can be extremely difficult. There are dual diagnosis treatment centers that can help you, though.
Both these issues have their own set of symptoms and having an addiction and mental health disorder can make each condition’s symptoms much worse. You may have a difficult time handling your emotions, dealing with life’s obstacles, maintaining a stable home or professional life, functioning well in daily tasks, keeping up with your relationships and dealing with other aspects of life.
If you or a loved one are dealing with a dual diagnosis, even if you haven’t sought treatment for either of them before, you can reach out for help today here at Harmony Health Group.
What Happens First – The Mental Health Disorder or the Substance Use Disorder/Addiction
There are plenty of studies that show the link between mental health disorders such as depression or PTSD and substance use disorders or addictions. Since so many people struggle with both substance abuse and mental health issues, people often wonder which one causes the other. The truth is that it can go both ways. Some people abuse alcohol or drugs to try to cope with or even get rid of their mental health symptoms. There are others who start drinking alcohol or using drugs and that causes them to become anxious, depressed or experience other mental health problems.
No matter which one of these came first for you, or even if you aren’t sure, our team here at Harmony Health Group can get you the treatment you need to manage or overcome both these conditions.
Being Able to Recognize a Dual Diagnosis
It can be tough to recognize a dual diagnosis, especially figuring out which one started first. It does take time to determine the cause of an addiction or mental health disorder and even when a cause can’t be determined, there are still treatments that can help.
The good news is that our Harmony Health Group has experts who are trained to identify and treat mental health disorders and substance use disorders, so we can recognize a dual diagnosis through the following symptoms or signs:
- Having issues in your relationship due to depression, anxiety, unpleasant memories, or other mental health issues
- Using drugs and/or alcohol to handle anxiety, depression, pain, unpleasant memories, bad moods, or to improve your focus
- People in your life (even just one person) may comment on your mental health symptoms or your use of drugs and/or alcohol
- Feeling out-of-balance even when you aren’t under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol (but especially so when you are drinking or getting high)
- Previously attempted to get treatment for mental health and/or addiction-related issues
- Deny that you drink too much or can’t handle your mental health state
If you find that you relate to any of the things just mentioned, it may be time for you to enter a program at one of the best dual diagnosis treatment centers, such as the one here at Harmony Health Group.
Overcoming Denial is Crucial to Treating Dual Diagnosis Issues
There is such a stigma still surrounding dual diagnosis issues that many people refuse to admit they need help. There are even those who won’t even admit to themselves that they have a substance use disorder or mental health disorder. You may even try ignoring your symptoms just hoping they will disappear. You might be in denial because you are afraid of what will happen when you quit using substances or you are ashamed to admit your wrong-doings or of your mental health status.
Denial is very common and you aren’t alone. There are millions of others who have been right in your shoes and you can get past this. All it takes is to ask for a little help to start the recovery process and you can begin developing a better life for yourself from there. Our team provides services at one of the best dual diagnosis treatment centers in the state and country.
Dual Diagnosis Treatments
There isn’t just one approach that we use to treat a dual diagnosis. It depends on the individual and what we and our clients believe will work best for them. There are also many factors that will determine the best course of treatment for our clients. With this being said, there are various approaches that are taken in the best dual diagnosis treatment centers, such as:
- Treatments for mental health disorders such as individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, medications, lifestyle changes, self-help measures, peer support, nutritional therapy, and more
- Treatments for substance use disorders such as managing withdrawal symptoms, detoxification services, support groups, behavioral therapy, and more
No matter what it is important for you to remember that there is always going to be hope for you and your recovery. Here at Harmony Health Group, we do know that it takes courage, commitment and time to overcome these issues, but we are ready to stand along with you throughout your detox and recovery process.
It is vital that you have the support you need during the detoxification stage and each other part of your recovery. Our team of qualified dual diagnosis treatment centers professionals is a great start to creating and building upon your support system.
How to Find the Best Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers
It is important to make sure you are finding dual diagnosis treatment centers that are accredited, licensed and offering evidence-based treatments. You should also make sure the treatment centers offer dual diagnosis treatments, not just the treatments for addiction or mental health disorders, but both at the same time.
Some of the other ways to ensure you find the best treatment in your case include:
- Participating in the decision-making process of your treatment plan
- Setting recovery and lifestyle goals for yourself
- Practicing self-care during treatment
- Educating yourself by asking questions about the treatment center and their services
These are just some tips that can help you to find the best dual diagnosis treatment centers. If you are ready to find out more about how to overcome and/or manage addiction and mental health disorder, reach out to our team today.
Get Into a Great Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program Today
Are you struggling to manage your mental health? Do you abuse alcohol and/or drugs? If you are dealing with both these issues at the same time you may have a dual diagnosis. The good news is there are treatments available to help you overcome mental health disorders and addictions.
Contact us here at Harmony Health Group to get into one of the best dual diagnosis treatment centers today.