Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Addressing the complexities of co-occurring mental health disorders and substance use disorders (SUDs) presents unique challenges to conventional treatment approaches. To effectively support individuals struggling with mental illness and substance abuse, specialized dual-diagnosis treatment provides evidence-based care for sustainable recovery.
Over the past few decades, researchers have made significant advancements in treating co-occurring disorders. With refined diagnostic criteria, it is clear that addressing both conditions increases the likelihood of successful recovery. Integrated dual-diagnosis treatment offers personalized care tailored to your individual needs.
What Is Dual Diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis, also referred to as co-occurring disorders or comorbidity, occurs when an individual experiences both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder simultaneously. In rehab, dual diagnosis treatment incorporates evidence-based services and techniques that target a person’s substance abuse and mental health symptoms at the same time. Medical experts understand the intrinsic link between mental illness and addiction, as these conditions frequently coexist and influence one another, ultimately affecting an individual’s overall well-being.
Regrettably, substance abuse and mental health disorders often intertwine. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIH) reports nearly 8 million people, or 38% of the 20 million adults in the United States with SUD, also struggle with mental illnesses.
Common mental illnesses that co-occur with substance abuse include:
- Clinical depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Personality disorders
- Conduct disorders
- Bipolar disorder (BD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
- Alcohol
- Benzodiazepines
- Opioids
- Stimulants
According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), people who struggle with mental illness are twice as likely to abuse substances. This overlap is partly because the desire to self-medicate the symptoms of mental illness increases vulnerability to addiction. Considering the risks associated with self-medication, it is understandable that SAMHSA’s 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported 1 in 12 adults (8.4%) in the United States have co-occurring disorders.
What Causes Co-Occurring Disorders?
Having a mental health disorder doesn’t always lead to addiction in the same way that not all substance use disorders led to a clinical mental health disorder. When attempting to determine the cause of a co-occurring disorder, there is no single answer.
Co-occurring disorders can be caused by a number of factors in a person’s life including:
- Genetics (including a family history of mental illness or addiction)
- Past trauma (known to exacerbate mental disorders and substance abuse)
- Economic status (like history of poverty or financial hardship)
- Environment (including living and work situation)
- Social pressure or influence
- Grief from loss
Each of these factors put a person at risk for developing a co-occurring disorder. Likewise, the more factors a person has experienced, the higher the risk of developing a mental health disorder or addiction. The risk of developing a co-occurring disorder also depends on the resiliency of the individual, but fortunately, resiliency is an adoptable mindset made possible through therapeutic treatment.
What Happens First: Substance Abuse or Mental Health Disorders?
The question of whether substance abuse or mental illness occurs first does not have a definitive answer. It varies from person to person. While each individual’s experience with mental health and addiction is unique, there are certain situations where one disorder is more likely to trigger the other.
Here are some examples of how mental health disorders can contribute to substance abuse:
- Adolescents and young adults may attempt to alleviate symptoms of social anxiety by engaging in excessive alcohol consumption.
- Many college students resort to misusing prescription stimulants such as Adderall or even illicit ones like cocaine to stay awake throughout the night.
- Many veterans with PTSD resort to using drugs and alcohol in an attempt to alleviate their maladaptive fight-or-flight response.
- Individuals suffering from chronic pain often resort to misusing prescription opioids such as oxycodone or even turning to illicit opioids like heroin as a means of alleviating their pain.
In other cases, a person abuses substances and then develops poor mental health symptoms from their addiction. As a result, substance use disorders often contribute to the development of mental illnesses, such as:
- Being ensnared in the vicious cycle of addiction can result in feelings of anxiety, hopelessness, and helplessness.
- Withdrawal from drugs and alcohol frequently leads to anhedonia, causing a lack of pleasure, as well as feelings of depression, anxiety, and paranoia.
- Misusing substances can lead to the manifestation of psychosis symptoms and, in certain instances, even trigger the onset of schizophrenia.
- Abusing substances in high-risk situations can lead to traumatic experiences that may result in the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Regardless of the order of onset, substance abuse can increase a person’s underlying risk for mental disorders and be the final push that affects their quality of life. Substance abuse can also trigger new symptoms or worsen the state of one’s mental health. Abusing substances can also interfere with prescription medications, lessening their impact or leading to dangerous side effects.
The Connection Between Substance Abuse and Mental Health
There are many connections between substance abuse and mental illnesses. In a major study on the prevalence of substance use disorders (SUDs) and co-occurring mood and/or anxiety disorders, research depicts extremely high rates of co-occurrence in the US population, confirming the strong link between the disorders. These statistics highlight the prevalence of co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders:
During the study, it was found that out of the 292.8 million adults residing in America, a significant number were affected by substance use disorders (SUD). Approximately 19.4 million adults, accounting for around 9% of the population, had an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Additionally, approximately 4.2 million adult Americans, roughly 2% of the population, were found to have a drug use disorder (DUD). These findings highlight the prevalence of these disorders among the adult population in the United States.
Out of the 292.8 million adults residing in America during the study, more than 19.2 million individuals (equivalent to over 9%) were found to have a mood disorder. Additionally, over 23 million adult Americans (representing over 11% of the population) were diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
Out of the 19.2 million adults diagnosed with an independent mood disorder, approximately 4 million individuals (20%) also experienced a comorbid substance use disorder. Similarly, among the 23 million adults with an independent anxiety disorder, around 4.6 million individuals (15%) had a coexisting substance use disorder. It is important to note that an “independent” mental health disorder refers to a psychological condition, such as depression or anxiety, that persists regardless of substance abuse. By optimizing our understanding of these statistics, we can better address the complex interplay between mental health and substance use disorders.
Compared to individuals with independent mental health disorders and substance use disorders, a relatively small number of Americans actually suffer from substance-induced mental health disorders. Specifically, slightly over 200,000 adults encountered substance-induced mood disorders, while just under 51,000 adults experienced substance-induced anxiety disorders.
Among individuals seeking treatment for an alcohol use disorder (AUD), more than 40% concurrently experienced a mood disorder. Additionally, over 33% faced an anxiety disorder. In the case of those seeking treatment for a drug use disorder (DUD), the percentage of individuals with a co-occurring mood disorder exceeded 60%, while over 43% also dealt with an anxiety disorder.
Who Benefits from Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
Unfortunately, the NIH reports that only 9% of people with co-occurring disorders receive treatment for both. This means the rest are either only getting treated for their substance abuse, only getting treated for their mental health issues, or not receiving treatment at all. This statistic is alarmingly low and shows the need for more understanding of the link between SUD and mental illness.
Every person with co-occurring disorders would benefit from dual diagnosis treatment that targets both key issues. Why? The holistic treatment mindset that we at Royal Life Centers have believes that these diseases stem from the same root problems. Both substance abuse and poor mental health can be manifestations of trauma. To only look at one aspect of a person’s pain and struggle is to leave whole parts of them untreated. Only when treatment is person-focused and trauma-informed can total healing be accomplished.
Have any questions?
Treatment for Dual Diagnosis
Dual-diagnosis treatment programs provide evidence-based care for co-occurring conditions at the same time to bring about true healing and recovery. Treatment for co-occurring disorders focuses on treating mental health and addiction. This comprehensive approach is what leads to recovery.
Dual diagnosis for mental health disorders focuses on the individual’s psychiatry and addresses methods to help them feel better. The goal is for people to understand their symptoms and learn to manage their pain. It includes the following:
- Licensed and experienced clinicians
- Psychiatric medication management
- Trauma-informed care
- Psychotherapy
- Behavioral therapies
- Expressive arts therapies
- Mental health education
- Telehealth sessions
- Holistic and wellness services
- Life-skills training
- Nutrition counseling
- Physical fitness options
Dual diagnosis treatment for substance abuse centers on exploring the roots of addiction. We emphasize helping guests detox from substances and learn alternative coping strategies. This includes:
- A full continuum of care
- Licensed and experienced treatment professionals
- 24/7 supervision in inpatient levels of care
- Detoxification and withdrawal management
- Medication-assisted treatment (as needed)
- Integrative case management
- Seeking Safety curriculum
- Psychoeducation
- Relapse prevention planning
- Experiential activities
- Peer support groups
- Family integration
- Alumni services
- Sober living residences
Integrative treatments for co-occurring disorders can improve treatment success rates because they get to the root of the issues. Both disorders negatively interact with each other, so effective treatment must address both. Integrative treatments instill hope in individuals as they work through their struggles and create actionable goals for an addiction-free, healthy future. They’re also shown to promote long-term recovery.
Medication Management for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders
Medication management is provided on a case-by-case basis. Some individuals benefit from medication for their substance addiction, mental illness, or both. Common medications for addiction withdrawal and cravings are buprenorphine, naloxone, and naltrexone. On the other hand, medications for mental disorders include anti-depressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics.
The goal of psychiatric medication during rehab is to help individuals reach a base level where they can make informed decisions. As such, medication management is specialized and monitored to help assist with recovery.
Dual Diagnosis Therapy Services
Dual diagnosis therapy services offer personalized care for individuals dealing with both mental illness and substance abuse. These services encompass a wide range of treatment options, all aimed at supporting recovery. At Royal Life Centers, we provide various somatic treatments such as yoga therapy, breathwork, meditation, infrared saunas, biofeedback, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Our comprehensive approach includes behavioral therapies, relapse prevention strategies, specialized therapies, symptom management, and substance detoxification. Our centers prioritize the initial step of detoxification for anyone seeking our services.
Dual Diagnosis FAQ
It’s important to understand dual diagnosis when considering treatment options for addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. Getting the answers to common questions about co-occurring disorders is a good place to start.
Frequently asked questions about dual-diagnosis treatment programs include:
An illustration of dual diagnosis involves an individual grappling with alcohol addiction alongside PTSD. Such individuals often experience shared symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, mood swings, irritability, and an accelerated heartbeat.
Among the frequently diagnosed dual diagnoses are substance abuse or addiction paired with conditions such as PTSD, bipolar disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia, or depression.
Symptoms of substance abuse and psychological disorders can often overlap, presenting as difficulties with concentration, mood fluctuations, withdrawal from social activities or hobbies, alterations in sleep patterns, changes in physical appearance, or engaging in risky behavior.
For effective dual diagnosis treatment, integrated care is crucial. This approach focuses on addressing both the issues and their underlying causes, ensuring comprehensive healing. Recovery should encompass evidence-based treatments such as detoxification, behavioral therapies, medication management, peer support, and thoughtful aftercare planning.
Dual disorder treatment, also known as dual diagnosis rehab, focuses on addressing co-occurring conditions in a sequential manner. This approach ensures comprehensive care and effective management of both diseases simultaneously.
Dual diagnosis technically refers to the presence of two or more psychological or behavioral illnesses, whereas co-occurring disease specifically denotes the combination of mental illness and substance abuse. However, these terms are frequently used interchangeably.
If you have any additional questions about the dual diagnosis treatment services at Royal Life Centers or would like to know more about our other treatment services, call us at 888-907-0898.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Royal Life Centers
At Royal Life Centers, our utmost priority is to ensure the comfort and well-being of our guests throughout their journey towards recovery from addiction and co-occurring disorders. That’s why we provide a comprehensive continuum of care for individuals seeking rehabilitation for drug and alcohol use disorders. Our network of dual-diagnosis treatment centers is dedicated to delivering exceptional support and fostering a sense of wellness for all those we serve.
Our comprehensive addiction treatment programs guide individuals through a seamless transition, starting from detox and residential inpatient care to partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient programs, and outpatient treatment. Each level of care is meticulously designed to equip our guests with the necessary tools to sustain their sobriety.
We also extend an invitation to our guests to stay at one of our supportive sober living residences during the aftercare phase of their treatment—offering continued support and a nurturing environment for their recovery journey.
What To Expect During
Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
At Royal Life Centers, we offer different levels of care that guests move through during their recovery and treatment. We believe dual diagnosis treatment should fully address both co-occurring disorders because they affect each other. In fact, evidence proves that if either illness is not treated, the other will likely intensify.
Our goal of person-centered holistic care advocates for individuals to achieve whole-body wellness, which can’t happen if either issue isn’t treated. Our biopsychosocial model of wellness places emphasis on guests’ physical, psychological, social, and spiritual health, all elements of self-identity that deteriorate when battling addiction and mental illness.
When guests enter Royal Life Centers, they collaboratively build their personalized care plan with their therapist. Recovery starts with detoxification to remove toxins from the system. Depending on a case-by-case basis, their recovery plan may integrate medication-assisted treatment to help manage withdrawal or other symptoms.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please reach out for help today.
Comprehensive Treatment Programs for Veterans with Co-occurring Disorders
Veterans are an especially vulnerable population when it comes to co-occurring disorders. Many first responders and retired military face trauma from their service, such as PTSD. In particular, between one- and three-quarters of those who live through violent or disaster-related trauma abuse alcohol. Likewise, those who struggle with PTSD are nine times more likely to misuse substances. Veterans over 65 who have PTSD are greatly at risk of suicide if they have co-occurring addiction or depression.
Veterans need to be cared for and shouldn’t have to live with deteriorating health due to their sacrifices. Therefore, we offer a specialty program for veterans where they can receive dual diagnosis for their co-existing problems. Royal’s Valor Program focuses on the unique struggles veterans face, using integrative treatments, talk and experiential therapy, and trigger management. Guests in the program also unpack their experiences through trauma-informed programming.
Our Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers
Royal Life Centers’ award-winning dual diagnosis treatment programs can be found within our multi-accredited addiction treatment centers located in Washington State and Arizona. At each of our dual diagnosis, our accomplished staff provides exceptional care to guests who need treatment for co-occurring disorders.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers in Washington
As a part of the Royal Life Centers addiction treatment network, Spokane Heights is one of our dual diagnosis treatment centers in Washington state. We have facilities for detoxification and inpatient treatment, as well as for outpatient and aftercare programming.
Our dual diagnosis rehab centers in Washington include:
- Royal Life Centers at Spokane Heights is our detox and inpatient treatment center in Spokane, Washington.
- Royal Life Centers at Cascade Heights is our aftercare and outpatient treatment center in Mead, Washington.
- Royal Life Centers at The Haven is our detoxification and inpatient treatment center in Lacey, Washington.
- Royal Life Centers at Sound Recovery is our aftercare and outpatient treatment center in Lacey, Washington.
- Royal Life Centers at Puget Sound is our detox and residential inpatient treatment center in Sumner, Washington.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers in Arizona
We offer dual diagnosis treatment in our facilities in Arizona, too. Each of our Arizona locations cares for guests who have co-occurring disorders like SUD and mental illness. Dual diagnosis at our centers in Arizona follows the same person-centered approach to recovery.
Our dual diagnosis rehab centers in Prescott, Arizona include:
- Royal Life Detox is our medical detox center in Prescott, Arizona.
- Royal Life Centers at Chapter 5 is a men’s rehab center in Prescott, Arizona.
- Royal Life Centers at Seaglass is our women’s rehab center in Prescott, Arizona.
Are you looking for help with addiction? Let us support you on the path to lasting recovery
Help for Addiction and Mental Health
At Royal Life Centers, we believe that no one should remain trapped in the isolating cycle of addiction and mental illness. We see our guests as individuals, not defined by their struggles, but as people with unique stories and potential for recovery.
Our comprehensive approach to healing focuses on your overall well-being. Our team of licensed therapists and clinicians will collaborate with you to develop a personalized service plan that addresses both your addiction and psychological disorders, targeting the root causes for lasting healing.
When you begin treatment with Royal Life Centers, our dedicated therapists will meet with you to create a tailored treatment plan, incorporating evidence-based and complementary therapies proven to be effective in treating substance use disorders (SUD) and co-occurring disorders.
Remember, it is never too late to seek help or ask questions on behalf of yourself or a loved one. Reach out to us by filling out a secure contact form or calling us at 888-907-0898.
Looking for Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse and a co-occurring mental health disorder, please reach out to us to find out more about how dual-diagnosis treatment can help. We work with most private insurance policies and offer affordable self-pay rates if you do not have insurance. Give us a call and we will figure out the best treatment plan for you or your loved one.
Because We Care.
Would you like more information?
If you or someone you know has a substance use disorder,
we hope you’ll begin your journey with us at Royal Life Centers.
