Dual Diagnosis

A dual diagnosis occurs when you experience both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition at the same time. The National Survey on Drug Use and Helath notes that approximately 45% of Americans have a dual diagnosis. This addresses the need for dual diagnosis treatment centers in Florida.

In the past, those struggling with both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition were often directed by their healthcare providers to get sober first before attempting to address any mental health issues.

While at the time, that was a valid request based on the research available, today it is much different. Studies have shown just how connected substance use disorders and mental health conditions are, prompting healthcare providers to now address both conditions simultaneously.

Signs & Symptoms

So, how does someone know if they have a dual diagnosis? The key to identifying a dual diagnosis is education. The more educated they are, the more likely it is they will be able to catch the red flags in themselves or in others and seek the best care.

The signs and symptoms of dual diagnosis depend on a number of factors. For instance, not all people with a dual diagnosis have the same type of substance use disorder or mental health condition.

However, though these disorders present themselves differently, there are many signs and symptoms that are common amongst those with a dual diagnosis.

They include the following:

Abusing drugs or alcohol despite known risks
Continuing drug use despite consequences
Unexplained mood swings
Financial problems due to substance abuse
Risky behaviors
Confused thinking
Problems concentrating
Can’t communicate well with others
Changes in appearance
Easily overwhelmed
Being agitated or irritated
Can’t control emotions

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Risks Of Untreated Dual Diagnosis

The good news is that dual diagnosis is treatable. At our dual diagnosis treatment center in South Florida, we are experts at identifying and treating dual diagnoses. With the right care and approach, one can learn how to stay in control of their symptoms. However, left untreated, dual diagnosis isn’t only dangerous, but also fatal.

Some of the risks associated with not receiving proper treatment include:

Worsening symptoms– Both the symptoms of a substance use disorder and mental health condition can worsen the longer one puts off treatment. For example, symptoms such as irritability can cause someone to become aggressive and violent. Additionally, continuing to abuse drugs or alcohol can lead to an overdose.

Increased risk for additional mental health problems– It is not uncommon for substance abuse to induce an additional mental health condition, which can complicate an already complex situation. Continued substance abuse, regardless of the kind of substance, can lead to the development of depression and/or anxiety disorders. Additionally, untreated mental disorders like generalized anxiety disorders can develop into more serious disorders, such as panic disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder. The sooner someone gets treatment, the less likely these issues can develop.

Physical and psychological damage– Continued substance abuse impacts all areas of the body, including the brain and vital organs. Depending on what substance someone is abusing, they can suffer vital organ failure, seizures, brain damage, and physical injuries like broken bones, for example. Despite this, finding treatment as quickly as possible can greatly reduce the risk of experiencing physical and psychological damage.

Benefits Of Dual Diagnosis Treatment

There are countless benefits associated with getting the best dual diagnosis treatment available; the most important of these being, regaining control of one’s life. Other benefits of dual diagnosis treatment centers in Florida include:

Prescribed Medications With Knowledge Of The Addiction History

If someone is in dual diagnosis treatment, they will be prescribed some type of medication to help address either their substance use disorder or their mental health condition. Someone may even receive medications for both. The greatest benefit here is healthcare providers know the extent of the history of substance abuse. This allows them to choose medications that are non-habit forming and will work best with the goals somone is attempting to achieve.

Developing Specific Coping Skills

With every dual diagnosis comes symptoms that can be difficult to manage. When a person is receiving professional dual diagnosis treatment, a team of experts can help identify what types of skillsthey can benefit most from having in their arsenal.

Identifying And Addressing Triggers

Someone will spend time in dual diagnosis treatment figuring out what triggers their desire to abuse drugs or alcohol. Secondly, someone will learn what triggers their mental health condition to flare up. Identifying triggers is a priceless benefit. In fact, it can allow one to plans for what to do when triggered rather than adopt negative self-medicating behaviors.

Treating Both Conditions At Once

It is absolutely vital that both the substance use disorder and mental health condition are treated at the same time. A dual diagnosis treatment program will use medical and mental health professionals who will work to develop and maintain a customized treatment plan. This results in treating one part of their dual diagnosis is ineffective and will only lead to further challenges.

How To Choose a Treatment Center

When looking for a dual diagnosis treatment centers in Florida, it is important to assess what services and programs are available. At Neuroscience Institute, we provide quality dual diagnosis treatment in residential treatment programs or partial hospitalization programs.

Residential treatment requires someone to reside at our facility for the duration of their treatment. That way, they will have as much time and opportunity as possible to work on their recovery, free of distraction. Additionally, one will be able to develop a relationship with their therapists, as well as connect with our clinical team.

They will also have the opportunity to establish a strong peer support system that will help encourage them throughout recovery. Depending on the level of need, they can remain in our residential program for 30, 60, or 90 days.

Another option for dual diagnosis treatment is through our partial hospitalization program, or PHP. Partial hospitalization at our facility allows someone to continue to live at home while theyare being treated.

To add, they will spend a large portion of the week at the facility obtaining care, which is why this type of program is most ideal for those with a substance use disorder who do not require detox services or 24/7 supervision.

A member of the Neuroscience Institute team can provide you with as much information as you need to get moving towards the road to recovery.

How Is Dual Diagnosis Treated?

Our dual-diagnosis treatment center in South Florida offers a comprehensive approach, ensuring we meet all of our client’s needs. Both their substance use disorder and mental health condition are always at the forefront of their treatment plan.

Dual diagnosis treatment uses a modality known as an integrated intervention. Integrated intervention is an all-encompassing form of treatment that addresses the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs as clients work to overcome their challenges. For example, if someone are struggling with an opioid use disorder and depression, part of the treatment may include the use of medications that can help curb withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

Additionally, someone may obtain medications that can help treat symptoms of depression at the same time. Fortunately, our team of professionals can work to ensure that any and all medications they consume do not negatively interact with one another and are not high-risk for being abused. Their depression treatment may also require them to engage in several motivational interviewing sessions with a therapist. In sum, this helps encourage them to continue working toward recovery.

Both medical and mental health professionals conduct integrated interventions, which allows someone to reap the greatest benefits of treatment. As a result, they work collectively to continue to alter the treatment plan if needed so they can keep working towards their recovery goals.

How Neuroscience Treats Dual Diagnosis

When someone is ready to get treatment for dual diagnosis, Neuroscience Institute is here to help. In fact, we’ve developed a streamlined process so someone can quickly get the dual diagnosis treatment needed.

Here is a quick overview of the path to dual diagnosis treatment:

Phone conversation with a member of our admissions team (available 24/7)
Initial over-the-phone screening to make sure our dual diagnosis treatment center is the ideal place
Admissions process, which a member of our team will guide clients through
Scheduling the intake date and arriving at our campus
Meeting the members of someone’s dual diagnosis treatment team and other residents
Becoming familiar with our treatment environment
Completing physical and psychological evaluations
Receiving an individualized dual diagnosis treatment plan
Starting dual diagnosis treatment

Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center in South Florida

It is time to get you back on your feet. If you are struggling with a dual diagnosis, know that we are here to help. Our talented team of professionals is committed to ensuring that you are getting everything you need, and then some so that you can live a happy, healthy life. Do not wait any longer to reach out for the help you deserve.

Call us to learn more about how we can help or visit our admissions page to get started.

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