A dual diagnosis or a co-occurring disorder is a condition where a person with a substance use disorder also has a mental health condition. It is an increasingly common phenomenon as over 8 million Americans experience two or more disorders at the same time, with the most common dual diagnosis being alcohol/drug addiction accompanied by depression or anxiety. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and mental health issues, reach out to Northpoint Seattle for comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment.
In dual diagnosis therapy, both the physical symptoms of addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders are simultaneously addressed. This increases the chances of a successful recovery and helps the person become self-motivated and self-reliant—ready to tackle any challenge or unexpected setback with a smile. To learn more about the most common dual diagnosis disorders and our personalized dual diagnosis treatment options, call us at 888.483.6031.
What Is the Most Common Dual Diagnosis?
With recent advances in addiction treatment and mental health care, most quality facilities offer dual diagnosis treatment. As part of it, the specialists take a comprehensive look at a patient’s condition and recommend a personalized treatment plan that includes medication, therapy, and other holistic practices.
Those struggling with drinking and/or drug use often have undiagnosed and untreated mental health conditions. These underlying issues might even be the root cause of addiction, and unless the individual’s mental health improves, a full recovery is unlikely.
The most common dual diagnosis disorders are as follows:
- Depression
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Bipolar Disorder
- Anxiety Disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Unable to cope with day-to-day stresses, a person may turn to drugs and/or alcohol as a negative coping mechanism and unwittingly develop a substance use disorder. For example, a person with chronic anxiety may drink alcohol to calm themselves and improve confidence and later struggle with alcoholism and panic attacks. Similarly, following a traumatic accident, an individual may take prescription drugs to cope with chronic pain and develop a chemical dependency on the substance.
In short, those with undiagnosed mental health disorders are already susceptible to substance use. Moreover, as the symptoms worsen, they may feel helpless, trapped, and overwhelmed. Seeking out professional dual diagnosis treatment is the proven way to break the cycle.
What to Expect in Dual Diagnosis Therapy
In dual diagnosis treatment, the patients can expect some or all of the following:
- A thorough psychological and physical evaluation to uncover co-occurring disorders and the key areas to focus on
- One-on-one counseling sessions to discuss their struggles and roadblocks to recovery, and healthy ways to overcome them
- Medication to ease any painful withdrawal symptoms, address health issues, and stabilize one’s condition
- Holistic activities and peer support groups improve one’s emotional well-being, promote a sense of calm, and slowly reconnect with the community
Dual diagnosis treatment can significantly improve your mental health and quality of life, as well as treat addiction and promote long-term recovery.
Get Personalized Dual Diagnosis Therapy at Northpoint Seattle
At Northpoint Seattle, no one is beyond hope. No matter how severe the condition, you can always count on us to help you find sustainable solutions to your issues and gently guide you toward lifelong sobriety and wellness.
We offer many programs and services, from partial hospitalization to intensive outpatient treatment. Our expert and empathetic works closely with each patient, ensuring that they receive intensive medical attention and compassionate care throughout the recovery journey. Using a mixture of evidence-based practices such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, family counseling, and life skills training, we empower our patients to live healthy and successful lives and minimize the risks of a relapse.
It is never too late to seek help. Call us at 888.483.6031 or fill out our online contact form to begin your recovery journey today.