Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers

Understanding Co-Occurring Disorders

Substance abuse affects many people in the US. Because of how widespread a problem it is, many people know someone that is addicted to a particular substance. It’s not a behavior that anyone can control. However, there is hope for you or a loved one. Addiction is not the end of the line. Dual diagnosis treatment centers such as our offering at Icarus can help.

If you or a loved one are suffering from substance use disorder, you Icarus Behavioral Health can help you through our treatment process. Read on to learn more about substance abuse and how we can help you or a loved one recover completely.

Substance Abuse – What is It?

Substance abuse disorders, also known as Substance use disorders, are categorized in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) under “Substance Use and Addictive Disorders. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, substance use disorders involve compulsive, uncontrollable, and often dangerous behavior that interferes with a person’s daily living. A person with a substance use disorder has an impaired ability to control, limit or stop their use of alcohol or drugs. This is different from occasional binging or other deviations from normal behavior.

The signs and symptoms of a substance use disorder may vary depending on the type of drug being used, its dosage, and how long it has been abused. Some of the more common signs of drug abuse are:

• Using the substance more often, in more significant amounts, or over a more extended period than intended.
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when use is reduced or stopped.
• Continuing to use despite physical, psychological, or interpersonal problems caused or worsened by the substance.
• Failing to fulfill responsibilities at work, school, or home due to substance use.
• Change in behavior, personality, or loss of interest in hobbies.
• Financial difficulties; unexplainable lack of money, discovering a pattern of stealing money.

How are Substance Abuse Disorders Dangerous?

The dangers associated with a substance abuse disorder are often substantial and can be life-threatening. Substance abuse disorders can have severe consequences for your physical and mental health. These dangers are not where it ends, though. Socially, you can face significant repercussions for an untreated and out-of-control drug abuse problem.

Common health problems associated with substance abuse include heart disease, liver disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and chronic lung disease, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Health problems associated with substance abuse may be caused directly by the substances themselves or indirectly through behaviors related to using those substances. These health problems may not become immediately clear but may mount up over time. The long-term damage to your body is impossible to tell.

Cigarette smoking is linked to lung cancer partly because it contains nicotine but also because smokers tend to inhale deeper than nonsmokers. In addition, people who use drugs are more likely than those who don’t use them to engage in other risky behaviors that can result in injury or illness — for example, driving while intoxicated or engaging in unprotected sex.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health

Substance abuse can have a detrimental effect on an individual’s mental health. It can affect the way they think, feel, and behave. Substance abuse is often accompanied by other mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety.

People who abuse substances are at risk for developing mental health problems or exacerbating existing ones. Substance abuse has been linked to some of America’s most common mental health issues.

Substance abuse’s effects can stress relationships with family members, friends, and coworkers. Substance abusers may also have trouble keeping up with their responsibilities at home or work.

The Risk Factors Responsible for Drug Abuse

Genetics plays a significant role in determining your predisposition to specific health conditions and diseases, such as drug addiction. If your parents were addicted to drugs or alcohol, there’s a strong possibility that you may be predisposed to addiction as well. Genetics also plays a role in determining whether you are susceptible to developing an addiction later on in life.

For example, if you have certain genes that code for certain receptors in the brain that influence dopamine levels (a neurotransmitter linked with pleasure), it’s possible that you may experience increased cravings for certain substances when exposed to them. This can lead to an increased risk of abuse over time.

The social environment can also play a significant role in drug abuse. This includes your family, friends, peers, and the broader community environment. Your personal relationships are also meaningful because they affect how you feel about yourself and your ability to cope with life’s challenges.

Mental health conditions may increase your risk for drug abuse if they lead you to self-medicate or use drugs to reduce symptoms of depression or other mental illnesses like anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). You shouldn’t be afraid to mention these things to a treatment center since it could aid them in helping you overcome your dependency.

What Treatment Options Are Used at Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers?

There are many different treatment options for drug addiction. The choice of treatment depends on the type and severity of the addiction and the patient’s health, age, and personal preferences. Treatment is most effective when a person has a robust support system, including family members and others who can provide positive influences after treatment.

The first step in this process is detoxification (detox), which is necessary to remove drugs from the body so that they cannot cause physical harm or withdrawal symptoms. A detox may be accomplished through medical supervision at a hospital or rehabilitation facility. Once detox is complete, rehabilitation therapy can begin. Detox is something that you need to go through, but at the right treatment center, you’ll be supervised by medically trained staff every step of the way.

Rehabilitation therapy focuses on changing behaviors associated with drug use so that patients can stop using drugs without experiencing cravings or withdrawal symptoms. Rehabilitation programs may include individual counseling sessions (one-on-one counseling) and group counseling sessions (group therapy). Both types of counseling can help you understand your addictions better and develop skills necessary for living free of drugs and alcohol once they leave rehab facilities. This is a crucial part in your long-term recovery.

Medication-assisted therapy is a treatment option that combines medications and behavioral therapies to treat opioid use disorder. Medications used in medication-assisted therapy are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat opioid use disorder. MAT works better with some disorders than with others.

Behavioral Therapy for Dual Diagnosis Disorders

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is psychotherapy that aims to treat drug abuse. CBT helps people with drug problems by changing their thoughts about themselves, their lives, and their addictions. CBT aims to help people change their behavior rather than just telling them what to do or giving advice. It aims to help you identify negative thoughts or beliefs about yourself or your situation that may lead you to engage in addictive behavior.

Family therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on the family system rather than just the individual. Family therapy is essential in treating drug abuse because it can help identify the various roles in the problem and develop healthier ways of interacting among family members. Family therapy can also help family members understand why their behaviors might be enabling drug use or how they can encourage you to seek treatment.

What is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recommends that people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol also receive treatment for any mental illness that they may have. This is because the use of drugs or alcohol can make it more challenging to treat the mental health issue, which could lead to relapse after getting sober.

A dual diagnosis is a condition that involves both a substance abuse disorder and a mental health condition. These are known as co-occurring disorders. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) estimates that up to 75% of those seeking treatment for drug addiction have at least one mental health disorder. These disorders can include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.

What is Offered in Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers?

A dual-diagnosis treatment center can be very effective in helping patients to recover from all types of addictions and mental illnesses. The process is usually more of an integrated treatment approach, involving several different treatment options, including residential, partial hospitalization, and inpatient and outpatient programs. These programs at dual-diagnosis treatment centers are designed to provide a safe and supportive environment where patients can receive medical care, counseling, and therapy.

Dual-diagnosis rehab treatment involves psychiatric medications and counseling therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Medication management may be used to treat symptoms of depression or anxiety, while counseling helps people learn skills to improve their emotional well-being even after they leave rehab. Some programs also offer family education so family members can learn how to support their loved ones during recovery and as a form of aftercare

What Sets Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center Programs Apart?

Dual-diagnosis treatment programs are more effective at treating drug abuse than some “one-size-fits-all” approach because they are tailored to each patient’s specific needs and circumstances. The program is also customized to include a variety of treatment modalities, including individual therapy, group counseling, and case management services.

The best dual-diagnosis treatment provides you with a safe and supportive environment where you can learn the skills you need to manage your problems (like anxiety disorders) daily. In addition, these programs offer individual and group counseling services that help you develop new ways of coping with stress and other issues related to your addiction.

Treating the Underlying Causes of Dual Diagnosis and Addiction

In addition, dual-diagnosis treatment centers allow people with co-occurring disorders to explore the underlying causes of their addiction and mental health problems. This approach is often very helpful because it gives them insight into what triggers their cravings and helps them identify strategies that work well when facing future temptation.

Treatment centers specializing in dual diagnosis treatment will also provide participants with resources to help them maintain long-term sobriety after they graduate from the program. These include aftercare, self-help groups, and referrals to local support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (for those with alcohol addiction) and Narcotics Anonymous (for those struggling with opiates generally).

The Importance of Mental Health Treatment

Treatment of behavioral health and mental health conditions is critical to proper substance use disorder rehabilitation. Many people with substance abuse problems also have mental health conditions. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that people with co-occurring disorders need regular treatment for both their addiction and their mental health issue.

Dual-diagnosis treatment centers are responsible for giving patients the support they need. The organization also states that treating both conditions improves outcomes and reduces relapses.

Mental health disorders are nothing new for individuals struggling with addiction. Mental health disorders typically appear alongside addiction and may exacerbate the problem. Dual-diagnosis treatment centers offer recovering individuals a chance to address both issues simultaneously.

The relationship between mental health and substance abuse is complex. Both conditions are chronic, relapsing, and reoccurring, and most people suffering from these issues require long-term treatment. While many people with mental health problems do not also have a substance abuse problem, some need both types of treatment simultaneously because of their co-occurring mental illness.

Choosing Icarus for Dual Diagnosis Treatment

There are many different types of addiction treatment programs available today. Some programs focus solely on treating addictions, while others prioritize a bespoke dual diagnosis treatment program for each patient and traditional treatment methods such as detoxification and individual counseling sessions. Mental health problems treated alongside addiction can help individuals overcome both.

At Icarus Behavioral Health, our team of substance abuse treatment experts is capable of dealing with drug or alcohol addiction. For persons struggling with a co-occurring disorder and in need of the best dual diagnosis treatment, we guarantee industry-leading addiction treatment that puts the management of the mental health issues underlying substance abuse at the forefront.

Reclaim Your Life Today with Icarus!

Relapse prevention and allowing you to regain control over your life by healing both your addiction and behavioral health issues are the primary focus at an Icarus Behavioral Health rehab center.

Reach out to us today and let us get you started on the road to recovery with our second-to-none addiction treatment services!