Individuals struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol may naturally wonder how dual diagnosis is handled in recovery. If you or a loved one have questions about dual diagnosis in recovery, it’s important to know that treatment focuses on treating the overlapping systems that occur with mental illness and addiction. Full recovery from addiction along with mental health disorders does take time as well as diligent care. This is why it is imperative that you choose an addiction treatment facility with experience in handling dual diagnosis in recovery.
The Dual Diagnosis in Recovery Process
The most successful approach to dual diagnosis in recovery is one involving an integrated program. This type of program will address all of the aspects of addiction as well as mental health issues in a comprehensive approach. Addiction rehab counselors will work alongside mental health professionals in this type of program to ensure the individual is provided with well-rounded care. Aspects of a dual diagnosis treatment program may include:
• Assessment of mental health-This phase of treatment works to identify the disorder(s) from which the individual suffers.
• Integration of rehabilitation-By utilizing the information gained from the mental health assessment, rehabilitation counselors will began working with the individual to address addiction.
• Holistic Treatment-This type of program may incorporate treatments such as yoga, massage therapy, and nutritional counseling to treat the individual’s mind, body, and spirt and assist him or her in finding balance.
• Behavioral Modification Therapy-In this approach to treatment, the individual is provided with instruction regarding the most effective strategies for coping with mental illness and avoid triggers that could potentially lead to relapse in the future.
It is important to note that a comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment program typically requires more than one treatment strategy. Various strategies incorporated in your or your loved one’s treatment program may include group as well as individual counseling sessions. These counseling sessions are designed to establish trust while assisting the client in building self-confidence, learning new coping skills, and learning how to effectively manage mental illness symptoms.
Counseling Sessions in Dual Diagnosis Recovery
Individual counseling sessions involve working with therapists who have been trained in treating dual diagnosis clients. This may include working with a counseling, psychologist and/or psychiatrist. During individual counseling sessions, clients will work to address their addictive disorder as well as their psychiatric diagnosis.
Group therapy often takes the form of mutual support groups. This form of therapy is incredibly important in handling dual diagnosis in recovery. Individuals suffering from mental illness may find that social withdrawal and isolation tend to worsen the symptoms associated with social anxiety and depression. By meeting with other individuals who experience the same struggles, clients are able to learn how to trust others and even build their own competence levels.
Assistive Services for Dual Diagnosis in Recovery
Individuals struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and chronic anxiety may find it challenging to keep up with even simply daily tasks. Dual diagnosis treatment programs can help by providing assistive services, such as relationship counseling, vocational counseling, and nutritional counseling. It is not uncommon for mental illness and addiction to take a heavy toll not only on the individual but also on his or her family and friends. Addiction and mental illness can also affect one’s career. Family therapy and couples counseling can help individuals struggling with mental illness and addiction along with their spouse, children and other important people in their lives.
Depending upon the needs of the individual, other types of services, such as help with housing, food, and childcare may also be deemed appropriate. In some cases, the prospect of immediately returning home after leaving treatment may seem overwhelming for an individual trying to cope with addiction and mental illness. When this is the cases, assistance with housing can help to make the difference between maintaining one’s recovery and relapsing. Follow-up and aftercare services are also an important part of helping clients to maintain their sobriety after they leave treatment.
If you or someone close to you is ready to get started and put addiction behind you, we can help. Whether addiction has only recently become part of your life or you have struggled with it for some time, we can help you to find the path the recovery. Our friendly counselors at our Southwest Florida treatment program are available 24 hours a day and are ready to listen. We work with clients and families from across the United States. Call us today at 844-639-8371 to find out how you can make a positive change.