What is a Dual Diagnosis?

March 27, 2019 8:27 pm - Published by Arianna Kosoglou

Royal Life Centers at Spokane Heights focuses on wellness at the mental, physical, and spiritual levels. Our addiction treatment process always begins with an assessment and evaluation, where guests will be assessed for their symptoms of withdrawal and undergo a clinical evaluation for any possible co-occuring disorders. The terms co-occuring disorder and dual diagnosis are interchangeable.

What Does “Dual Diagnosis” Mean?

A dual diagnosis means that a guest has more than one disorder. In addition to an alcohol or substance use disorder, guests can have other behavioral disorders including: major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, any personality disorders, schizophrenia, etc.

Many alcoholics and addicts also struggle with a mental health disorder, this is why we evaluate guests clinically upon their arrival to our facilities. In the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, it was found that 7.9 million Americans suffered from a substance use disorder and mental disorder simultaneously. These numbers are so high, because many people struggling with a mental illness turn to drugs or alcohol in an attempt to cope with their disorder.

Treating a Dual Diagnosis

When guests have a dual diagnosis, it is crucial to know and understand their condition— treating both the alcohol or substance use disorder and their mental disorder separately.

Behaviors can stem from an alcohol or substance use disorder, just like how certain behaviors can be a symptom of that same guest’s mental illness. It is important for our clinical team to recognize any other diagnoses, so that we can collaborate with each guest to determine the best course of action for his or her treatment.

Research proves that drugs and alcohol actually worsen symptoms of mental illnesses, which is why once substances are removed from the equation, it is especially important for guests to be treated in an inpatient level of care— to ensure their safety and comfort. Often times, once substances are removed, the symptoms of a pre-existing mental illness seem to come back and be overwhelming. Guests are no longer “self-medicating” with drugs, which is why Royal Life Centers at Spokane Heights puts guests under the direct care of a doctor or medical professional.

Our Accommodations

Royal Life Centers at Spokane Heights provides the appropriate care for each guest, tailored to meet the needs and goals of each individual guest. When developing a treatment plan for dually-diagnosed guests, we may include addiction treatment that requires medication management (when needed) and puts the guest under the direct care of a medical professional. Our treatment options are designed to be individualized for each guest, because Royal Life Centers at Spokane Heights is experienced in working with guests who have a dual diagnosis.

Royal Life Centers at Spokane Heights provides integrative treatment for both a guest’s substance use disorder and their diagnosed mental disorder. We address both issues, to promote a full recovery. Each guest will collaborate with our clinical team and case manager to design a treatment plan that will best suit them and their needs. The individualized nature of our addiction treatment allows for the best possible recovery for lifelong sobriety.

Our Treatment Programs

Royal Life Centers at Spokane Heights offers two programs at an inpatient level of care, including: a medical detox program and a residential inpatient program. Royal Life Centers also offers treatment options including: a partial hospitalization program (PHP), an intensive outpatient program (IOP), an outpatient program (OP), sober living and graduate housing.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a substance use disorder and a mental disorder, you are not alone and we can help you through each step of the recovery process. Please reach out to our addiction specialists toll free at (877)-RECOVERY or (888) 907-0898. Our team is available to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Because We Care.