Research indicates that substance abuse can cause or worsen mental health conditions. Some individuals begin using drugs and alcohol as a way to deal with an underlying mental health concern that they are unaware of, while others may develop a co-occurring disorder after the onset of their addiction. Regardless of how these co-occurring disorders developed, they must be treated separately and tangentially in order for you to find meaningful and sustained recovery.
At JourneyPure, we want you to know that you don’t have to continue to suffer alone with your co-occurring condition, as our dual diagnosis program is designed specifically to help you find recovery from all that you are suffering from. So if you are currently in a position where you just can’t seem to stop using substances or drinking because every time you do you fall into depression, anxiety, or some other mental health concern, then our treatment program may be exactly what you need.
The skilled and compassionate clinicians at our dual diagnosis treatment center in Tennessee will help you address any potential underlying mental health issues that could be contributing factors to your struggles with addiction, and in doing so, we offer you the best possible chance at maintaining your recovery.
Dual Diagnosis For Co-Occurring Disorders
Dual diagnosis is a term used to describe having both a substance use disorder and a mental illness occurring at the same time. Upwards of 50% of those with substance use disorders have a dual diagnosis that has impacted their lives in a number of ways. It is extremely common for those individuals with a dual diagnosis to struggle with mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, and personality disorders. Unfortunately, when someone is experiencing a dual diagnosis, the symptoms of both conditions (the substance use disorder and mental illness) can get much worse, as each condition agitates the other. As a result, an individual is bound to experience a number of painful physical, mental, and emotional symptoms if he or she does not receive treatment. When treatment is obtained, however, an individual can have both conditions treated at the same time all while learning healthy coping skills.
Many people who suffer from drug addiction and alcoholism experience co-occurring disorders. A co-occurring disorder, or dual diagnosis, describes an individual who suffers from alcohol or drug addiction while simultaneously experiencing depression, anxiety, or other mental health symptoms. Studies show that individuals suffering from mental health disorders are far more likely to engage in substance abuse than an individual who doesn’t have an underlying mental health condition. In fact, it is estimated that of the more than 23 million Americans who are addicted to drugs and alcohol, 9 million have an undiagnosed mental health disorder. Sadly, only about seven percent of them receive treatment.
Meeting The DUAL DIAGNOSIS Challenge
Dual diagnosis can be difficult to identify due to the fact that many of the symptoms of addiction mirror mental health disorders. JourneyPure is a first-class rehabilitation facility that provides integrated, holistic care to clients with co-occurring disorders, through our dual diagnosis treatment in Tennessee. We understand the importance of treating the totality of the individual, and we understand that in order to give our clients the best possible chance at meaningful and long-term recovery, we must address any and all underlying mental health concerns.
For instance, let’s say that an individual comes to JourneyPure that is suffering from alcoholism. They have for years never been able to quit drinking for more than a short period of time because after a week or so their anxiety got so bad, or their depression got so deep, that they had to go back to the alcohol in order to cope. For an individual like this, they more than likely equate alcohol with stability and in a very real sense view alcohol as the solution to their problems. If they are unaware of their underlying condition they will probably believe that life is just unbearable without drinking, and so they have resigned themselves to live a life of alcoholism. However, what they do not know is that their underlying condition is actually driving their alcoholism and that if they are given a solution to both, they will be able to live a drug and alcohol-free life and be able to cope with their underlying mental health concerns.
When to Get Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Many people who struggle with dual diagnosis in Tennessee are well aware of their conditions, however, have been unable to commit to the care that they need. Others might not even know that in addition to their substance use disorder, that they are also affected by a mental illness. It is extremely important to get dual diagnosis treatment in Tennessee when experiencing these symptoms, which is why it is imperative to know what to look for.
If you are struggling with addiction and are experiencing any of the following symptoms you may benefit from our integrated dual diagnosis treatment in TN:
- Diagnosed with anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, PTSD or other psychological condition
- Persistent anxiety or suicidal thoughts
- Feelings of helplessness, guilt, or worthlessness
- Loss of pleasure in activities you once enjoyed
- Indecisiveness
- Chronic fatigue
- Problems with sleeping
- Unusual weight loss or weight gain
- Restlessness, tension, or irritability
- Headaches or digestive issues that won’t respond to treatment
In general, someone who is abusing substances and who is experiencing an overall sense of discontent, significant changes in mood, and fluctuations in his or her eating or sleeping habits should take into account that they might have a dual diagnosis. Reaching out for help is the very best thing that an individual who is experiencing these types of things can do in order to be as healthy as possible.
Types of Dual Diagnosis Treatment Programs
Individuals who have a dual diagnosis are automatically considered high-risk patients, simply because they have more on their plate to manage than those who are focusing solely on treating a substance use disorder. As a result, the majority of clients with dual diagnoses in Tennessee will attend residential treatment programs, intensive outpatient programs, or partial hospitalizations. In some cases, patients will enroll in all three types of dual diagnosis treatment in order to receive the complete care that they need.
Residential/Inpatient Treatment
Residential treatment, which requires the client to live on campus, is often a highly recommended type of dual diagnosis treatment. This is because clients can receive consistent, around-the-clock care that addresses the many different aspects of their dual diagnosis. The client is safe and secure in the treatment environment, allowing for him or her to feel comfortable sharing his or her story. Doing so will allow clients to get the most out of their therapy sessions, leading to a stronger understanding of their dual diagnosis.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
An intensive outpatient program, or an IOP, is similar to residential treatment in that it offers a strong focus on therapy, however, does not require clients to live at the facility. Instead, clients will spend the majority of their day in the intensive outpatient program and then return home or to a sober living house. Those with dual diagnosis in Nashville, Tennessee can benefit from this type of care, as not only does an IOP offer treatment for both the substance use disorder and the mental illness, but also encourages clients to have a safe, drug-free residence to return home to.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Partial hospitalization programming requires clients to go to the facility to receive their integrated treatment for both conditions, however, does not have them stay on campus as long as if he or she were partaking in an intensive outpatient program. While at the facility, clients will engage in therapy, but will also be able to receive medical services if necessary. This type of treatment for those with dual diagnosis in Tennessee is best suited for someone who has a secure place to go home to, structure in his or her daily life, and who still needs therapy and medical attention in his or her recovery journey.
Get Professional Help at JourneyPure
If you think that you have a dual diagnosis, do not waste any time ignoring your instincts. The sooner that you receive treatment, the easier it will be to overcome the many challenges that your dual diagnosis has likely caused you.
Believe it or not, dual diagnosis is actually quite common. By some estimates, more than half of the people who go to treatment for a substance use disorder, also have a co-occurring disorder. If you expect to stay sober for the long term, it is essential to get any co-occurring condition you may have properly diagnosed and treatment. Undiagnosed or under-treated secondary mental health disorders are one of the major causes of relapse. But they don’t have to be.
By reaching out for professional dual diagnosis treatment in Nashville and Murfreesboro, Tennessee, you can get the treatment and support you need to build lasting recovery that stands the test of time. That’s what we do best at JourneyPure by the River. We’re ready to take your call and answer your questions. Dial (615) 410-9260 anytime 24-hours a day,7-days a week and we will be here to help. Don’t waste another minute before getting help for yourself or the one you love.