Co-occurring/Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Holistic Treatment for Mental Health & Addiction Recovery

Oftentimes, families struggle to find meaningful treatment for a loved one suffering from addiction, as well as a mental disorder. In many cases, a family can only find treatment in the form of a short hospital stay. Desert Cove Recovery clinical treatment teams believe that shorts stays are insufficient for successful treatment. The environment is too impersonal, and patients find themselves back in the hospital over and over again with the same issues.

With this in mind, our clinical staff has developed a program intended to help clients recover fully before re-entering the community. Upon admissions they will be interviewed by admissions specialists who will get to know them, their illness, and medical history. This initial assessment will help us determine if the Desert Cove Recovery programs are right for that person. During the admission and assessment process, mental health issues will be identified and incorporated into their treatment plan.

A Custom Mental Health Treatment Program

Desert Cove Recovery Center focuses on treating chemical dependencies as well as other addictive and mental health disorders. We focus on the specific needs of each individual to develop a custom program that is specifically tailored to that person.

Many mental illnesses have no “cure,” but there is hope through proper treatment. There are no quick fixes, but mental health issues are treatable. Research has shown that with the proper course of treatment, an individual can be taught to address symptoms of their disorder in a healthy way. Similar to chemical addiction treatment, treatment for mental illness involves treating the whole person – body, mind and spirit.

Client’s addressing the complex needs of co-occurring disorders will have their needs addressed in their treatment plan. In addition to the primary addiction, those who struggle with additional mental health needs will experience the following:

  • Support Groups: We have found that peer support groups help individuals learn from others who suffer from the same illness and also hear firsthand how others cope with their illness.
  • Carefully Prescribed Medicines: Per the client’s psychiatrists and/or the Desert Cove Medical Director, medications may be recommended to stabilize symptoms.
  • Individual, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Beyond group sessions, we find it important for the client to participate in individual therapy, providing the opportunity to explore emotional needs and to learn new skills for living with the illness.
  • Treatment also includes: Education about diagnosis and symptoms, social skills training, relapse prevention, medication compliance counseling, dealing with legal problems, social skills training and coping skills for managing mood and anxiety.

If you have any questions regarding our mental health treatment program, please contact us anytime.

Dual diagnosis, also called comorbid or co-occurring disorders, refers to having both a behavioral or mental health condition and a substance abuse disorder. Before dual diagnosis treatment was developed in the 1990s, symptoms of a mental health condition, such as OCD, mood swings, panic disorder, anxiety, delusional behavior and depression had separate treatments for problems with drug or alcohol abuse.

When a mental health condition and substance abuse overlap, patients were not allowed to be treated for a mental disorder until after they are sober and clean. However, since substance abuse may be driven by an underlying mental illness, many people who were both mentally ill and suffering from addiction never received the necessary help.

There is no exact explanation why mental illness and drug or alcohol addiction co-occur often. People with dual diagnosis often experience symptoms that are more severe, persistent, and resistant to treatment than those who only have one disorder.

The History of Dual Diagnosis

Every system of treatment for dual diagnosis has existed in isolation, so it has been really difficult for individuals suffering from a dual diagnosis to receive the necessary care in either conventional addiction treatment or mental health programs. In general, they had to undergo separate treatment programs that did not focus on their unique needs.

People who have dual diagnosis disorders should receive a treatment program with a foundation in expertise in both fields. Fortunately, more and more addiction treatment programs are becoming capable of treating co-occurring disorders, including the programs that we offer here at Desert Cove Recovery.

Development of Dual Diagnosis Treatment

At present time, dual diagnosis treatment combines the most successful qualities of substance abuse treatment and mental health care.

Rather than drawing a line between addiction and mental health, we treat both areas as part of a continuum. Our medical specialists who work in substance abuse treatment can now obtain training and credentials to treat co-occurring mental health illnesses. There are also other rehab centers in arizona that provide personalized services for people with dual diagnosis.

Here in Arizona, depression or anxiety together with substance abuse can now be treated. If you are having a hard time finding the right treatment program, we can discuss your options to receive the proper care.

For higher chances of a successful recovery, the services we provide include:

  • Parallel treatment of your substance abuse and mental health disorders by a highly trained team of professionals.
  • Recognizing the significance of psychotherapeutic medications, like anti-anxiety meds or antidepressants, in treating dual diagnosis disorders.
  • An encouraging approach to therapy that develops self-confidence rather than confronting the patients with unpleasant statements.
  • A comprehensive treatment plan that brings, spouses, partners, children, and other loved ones into therapy for group meetings, individual counseling, or education.

Assessment of Dual Diagnosis

Medical specialists consider several factors in the clinical evaluation for dual diagnosis. In general, we will check if the patient:

  • Meets the criteria for a mental illness.
  • Has a history of drug or alcohol abuse that had an undesirable effect on their work, relationships, leisure activities, and mental health.
  • Has a history of violence, has had suicidal thoughts, or may harm others or themselves.
  • Has available resources and a support system.
  • Is willing to undergo rehab and has sufficient support needed to have a successful treatment.

There is a bigger challenge to recover from mental illness if you are also struggling with addiction, but with the help of our trained, compassionate team, you can get through rehabilitation and set sail to recovery.

Signs of Related Conditions

Substance abuse disorders and mental health disorders often occur at the same time, but a lot of the symptoms are completely different. Symptoms are different based on the certain mental health condition, but some of the common signs of a mental health illness are the following:

  • Trouble concentration and racing thoughts.
  • Feelings of fear, guilt, panic, worthlessness, or hopelessness.
  • Suicidal thoughts.
  • Increased irritability.
  • Lack of interest in day-to-day activities.
  • Lack of energy.
  • Change in sleeping patterns, appetite, or weight.
  • Risky behavior.

The following are some of the signs and symptoms of substance abuse disorders:

  • Cravings for the substance.
  • Lack of ability to control the use of the substance or being inclined to use more than planned.
  • Acquiring a tolerance for the substance.
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms after stopping the use of the substance.
  • Failing to meet work, school, or home responsibilities because of use.
  • Spending a lot of time on the substance – time used to obtain it and use it.
  • Using the substance without regard for regular activities, personal safety, and relationships.

You can consult with our addiction treatment specialist that has a background in psychiatric care. Evaluation specialists and counselors in our center will review your substance use patterns and assess your psychiatric history before developing a personalized treatment plan.

Treatment for Dual Diagnosis

Behavioral interventions play a huge part in dual diagnosis treatment. The common types of behavioral therapy include:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – minimizes problematic behaviors and beliefs and develops healthier thoughts and behavioral patterns to maintain sobriety.
  • Dialectic Behavioral Therapy – aims to lessen self-harming behaviors that frequently come with substance abuse disorders and mental health illnesses.
  • Individual Psychotherapy – treats behaviors associated with substance abuse and/or certain behavioral or mental health issues.
  • Integrated Group Therapy – aims to treat signs and symptoms of both mental health conditions and substance abuse disorders at the same time.

Sometimes, dual diagnosis treatment programs use behavioral therapies together with medications.

Types of Treatment

The type of treatment for dual diagnosis will vary according to the needs and preferences of the patient.

  • Inpatient Dual Diagnosis Treatment – an individual may need inpatient care, especially if the disorder is severe. Residential rehab is a common type of inpatient treatment, wherein patients reside at the rehab facility during treatment.
  • Outpatient Dual Diagnosis Treatment – this is the more flexible option. For some patients, an intensive outpatient treatment is sufficient initial treatment, in which they spend at least 30 hours a week at the rehab facility.

With your trust, we can help you get your life back on track. It may be difficult for you to trust others, but your rehabilitation would be easier when you rely on the members of our dual diagnosis treatment team in Arizona. Depression and other mental health conditions along with substance abuse disorders need the special care and treatment that our team at Desert Cove Recovery can provide.

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