For those who are struggling with addiction and mental health challenges, life can seem hard in every aspect. Sometimes, a person who starts using drugs and alcohol may develop mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety as well. Other times, a person may use drugs or alcohol to fully handle the symptoms of their mental health disorders. In either situation, there is help. A dual diagnosis treatment center can provide you with the resources and support you need to heal from both conditions.
Why Addiction and Mental Health Need Treatment Together
A dual diagnosis treatment program addresses both addiction and mental health at the same time using a variety of treatment programs and methods. In every situation, a person needs to find a way to recover from both aspects of this condition simultaneously. Failure to do that can result in a lack of long-term success.
For example, a person with addiction who also struggles from depression needs to treat both conditions at once. If they fail to address their depression, those symptoms will likely come back to them once they are sober to create an increased risk of relapse. In some cases, this can even lead to a higher risk of overdose. Treating both together ensures the best outcome.
What Happens in a Mental Health Program?
A mental health treatment program is designed to address what is happening to you right now. This may include:
- Treating addiction and dependency with detox
- Starting psychotherapy services
- Using medications to treat withdrawal
- Using medications to treat mental health challenges
- Implementing evidence-based therapies to help you develop strategies for success
When it comes to overcoming the challenges you feel, your therapist will create a plan that addresses your physical needs but also your mental and emotional needs. Therapies like this can be very effective at helping to reduce your symptoms. Treating addiction and mental health can be a very successful path forward.
Here is one example of what you may experience. It’s important for those who have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to explore what’s happened to you. A PTSD treatment program will work with you first to help you to stop using drugs and alcohol. This may include using medications to make detox a bit easier. It may also include using medical support if you need it.
From there, your therapist and doctors will work to address your mental health disorder. This may include using therapies to help you overcome the past trauma you’ve experienced. This doesn’t mean you’ll have to relive them, but you will learn to overcome them and live with the results. By treating the trauma, your mental health conditions improve. That, in turn, helps to ensure you don’t face relapse from addiction as well.
Treatment for Addiction and Mental Health Is Ongoing
While dual diagnosis treatment can be very effective for you, addiction and mental health disorders go on long term. That means you need to continue to work towards the healing process each day, week, and month. Over time, you’ll gain more confidence, especially as you learn to deal with the symptoms of your addiction and mental health challenges. For many people, there is ample help available to allow you to rebuild success and health. The key is to keep on top of your needs.
Recognize Your Need for Help for Addiction and Reach Out for Support
With addiction and mental health, you’re facing a number of challenges at one time. While this can seem overwhelming and even impossible to overcome, there are solutions to help you. Find a treatment center capable of helping with dual diagnosis treatment, embrace the care they provide, and create a plan for your future. All it takes is one phone call to get started.