If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with substance abuse and a debilitating mental health disorder, you might be wondering, “What is the best treatment for dual diagnosis?” By far the best option is to treat both addiction and mental health conditions at the same time with a combination of medications, psychotherapy, and even psychosocial interventions to improve well-being.
Understanding Dual Diagnosis
The relationship between these conditions can be difficult to understand. Mental disorders can lead individuals to self-medicate with substances, while addiction can make some mental health disorders like schizophrenia, depression, or anxiety worse. In either case, it’s recommended that people seek treatment for both addiction and mental illness at once, known as dual-diagnosis treatment.
Research strongly supports integrated treatment as the gold standard for managing dual diagnosis.1 This approach involves combining mental health care and substance use treatments for holistic care as opposed to treating each condition separately. For instance, someone with addiction and a mental health disorder, like PTSD or OCD, can have therapists and providers that work together and share treatment plans.
Some of the many benefits of integrated treatment include:
- Increasing communication between mental health and substance abuse providers
- Improving treatment outcomes by addressing both conditions simultaneously
- Reducing the risk of relapse by treating underlying mental health issues that may contribute to substance use
- Providing a more comprehensive and personalized approach to care
The more stable someone is in both their addiction and mental health disorder, the better their chances are of achieving long-term recovery.
The Role of Medications, Psychotherapy, and Psychosocial Interventions for Dual-Diagnosis Treatment
Dual diagnosis treatment can include different effective treatment options like medication, therapy, and psychosocial interventions. These types of interventions help someone achieve goals like going to work, school, and improving their lives.
Medication
Medication is often necessary to both stabilize mental health conditions and alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Some of the most effective medications for dual diagnosis treatment include:
- Antipsychotics: When someone is in active psychosis, it can be difficult to engage in therapy and other forms of treatment. Antipsychotic medications help reduce hallucinations, delusions, and other psychotic symptoms.
- Antidepressants: These medications can be beneficial for people with co-occurring disorders like depression and substance use disorder. They work by helping decrease feelings of depression and anxiety. Some types of medications. like tryciclic antidepressants can also help people specifically with substance use disorder.2
- Mood stabilizers: Mood stabilizers are a type of medication that can help people with bipolar disorder manage their moods and reduce episodes of mania and depression. Studies show that mood stabilizers can help people with substance use disorder who have or don’t have a co-occurring disorder.3
These are just some of the many medications a provider might prescribe for someone with a co-occurring disorder. There are also medications that can help reduce cravings directly, including Buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone.4 A treatment team will work with you to find the right balance of medications for your mental health and addiction disorders.
Psychotherapy
There are many different types of psychotherapy that may be beneficial for individuals with co-occurring disorders, including:5
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Motivational enhancement therapy
- Relapse prevention therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Individual and group therapy
- Family therapy
Therapy is essential for both mental health and substance abuse treatment. It can help people understand the root causes of their substance use, develop coping mechanisms so they don’t turn to substances, and learn how to manage their symptoms effectively.
Psychosocial Interventions
Psychosocial interventions combine psychological and social approaches to treating co-occurring disorders. They focus on addressing both the mental health and substance use aspects of a person’s life. Psychosocial interventions can include:
- Learning how to maintain abstinence
- Medication adherence
- Healthy lifestyle changes
- Community integration
- Occupational rehabilitation
Research shows that, while psychosocial interventions are highly effective in dual-diagnosis treatment,6 they also require a bit of teamwork. That’s why it’s important for people with co-occurring disorders to find an addiction treatment center that provides a full continuum of care and services like dual-diagnosis treatment.
Explore a Dual-Diagnosis Treatment Center Today
It can be tough to find an addiction rehab that combines the best of substance use and mental health treatment. At Encino Recovery and Detox Center, we provide co-occurring disorders treatment in Encino, CA, so you can get help for recovery every step of the way. Our team is here to guide you from the moment you stop using substances, through the inpatient treatment phase, and aftercare planning. Luxury suites, meals from a private chef, even an on-site gym give you the comforts of home while you begin healing. Call us today to learn more about our co-occurring disorders treatment program and start your journey to a healthier, sober life.
FAQs
Can I treat both addiction and mental health disorders together?
Yes, dual-diagnosis is available at specific facilities like Encino Detox. Our team of professionals are trained to handle both addiction and mental health disorders simultaneously, giving you the best chance at a successful recovery.
What is the typical length of stay for inpatient treatment?
The length of stay for inpatient treatment can vary depending on individual needs and circumstances. However, it typically ranges from 30-90 days. During this time, patients will receive intensive therapy, medical care, and support to help them overcome their addiction and mental illness.
Does addiction lead to mental illness?
Mental illness is caused by different factors, including genetics, environmental factors, and life experiences. While addiction can contribute to the development of mental illness, it is not the sole cause. However, substance abuse can exacerbate existing mental health issues and make them more difficult to manage.
Will I take the same medications for both addiction and mental illness?
Not always. Your treatment team will decide which medications are best for your individual situation. Some medications may be used to address both addiction and mental illness, while others may only target one condition.
Can addiction cause other health problems?
Yes, addiction can have serious consequences on overall physical health, including during the detox process. Withdrawal symptoms and intense cravings can lead to relapse, which is why we at Encino Recovery and Detox Center provide both inpatient treatment and detoxification services.
Who is eligible for dual diagnosis treatment?
Anyone who has been diagnosed with both a mental health disorder and substance use disorder may benefit from dual diagnosis treatment. A proper assessment by a qualified professional is essential to determine if this approach is suitable for your situation.
How does dual diagnosis treatment work?
Dual diagnosis treatment typically includes a combination of therapies, medications, and support services. Treatment plans are tailored to meet individual needs, focusing on managing mental health symptoms while addressing substance dependence. This approach may involve counseling, medical detox, cognitive-behavioral therapy, group therapy, and ongoing support.
Why is dual diagnosis treatment important?
Treating mental health conditions and addiction separately may not address the root causes of either condition, leading to an increased risk of relapse. Dual diagnosis treatment provides comprehensive care that focuses on the connection between the two, promoting long-term recovery success.
What is the success rate for dual diagnosis treatment?
Success rates vary based on individual circumstances, the severity of the conditions, and the type of treatment received. However, integrating care for both mental health and substance use disorders significantly increases the likelihood of recovery when compared to treating them separately.
References
- Kelly, T. M., & Daley, D. C. (2013). Integrated treatment of Substance use and Psychiatric disorders. Social Work in Public Health, 28(3–4), 388–406. https://doi.org/10.1080/19371918.2013.774673
- Tricyclic antidepressants in the treatment of alcoholism and drug abuse. (1989, July 1). PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2661551/
- Maremmani, I., Pacini, M., Lamanna, F., Pani, P. P., Perugi, G., Deltito, J., Salloum, I. M., & Akiskal, H. (2010). Mood stabilizers in the treatment of substance use disorders. CNS Spectrums, 15(2), 95–109. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1092852900027346
- Medications for substance use disorders. (n.d.). SAMHSA. https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/treatment/options
- McGovern, M. P., & Carroll, K. M. (2003). Evidence-based practices for substance use disorders. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 26(4), 991–1010. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0193-953x(03)00073-x
- Subodh, B., Sharma, N., & Shah, R. (2018). Psychosocial interventions in patients with dual diagnosis. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 60(8), 494. https://doi.org/10.4103/psychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_18_18