Dual Diagnosis

A dual diagnosis occurs when you experience both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition at the same time. Approximately 45% of Americans have a dual diagnosis, prompting the need for dual diagnosis treatment in South 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 prior to 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 do you know if you have a dual diagnosis? The key to identifying your dual diagnosis is education. The more educated you are, the more likely it is that you will be able to catch the red flags in yourself or in others and seek the appropriate 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:

Continuing to abuse drugs or alcohol despite the known risks of doing so
Experiencing consequences of substance abuse but continuing to use
Developing unexplained mood swings
Experiencing financial problems due to substance abuse
Participating in risky behaviors
Developing confused thinking
Having problems concentrating
Being unable to communicate well with others
Changes in appearance
Being easily overwhelmed
Becoming irritated easily
Having problems controlling emotions

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Risks Of Untreated Dual Diagnosis

The good news is that dual diagnosis can be treated. With the right care and approach, you can learn how to stay in control of your symptoms rather than allowing your symptoms to control you. However, not getting treated for dual diagnosis isn’t only dangerous, but potentially fatal. Some of the risks associated with not receiving proper treatment include:

Worsening symptoms – Both the symptoms of your substance use disorder and your mental health condition can worsen the longer you put off treatment. For example, symptoms such as irritability can cause you 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 illnesses like generalized anxiety disorders can develop into more serious disorders, such as panic disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder. The sooner treatment is obtained, the less likely these issues are to develop.

Physical and psychological damage – Continued substance abuse impacts all areas of your body, including your brain and your vital organs. Depending on what substance you are abusing, you can suffer vital organ failure, seizures, brain damage, physical injuries like broken bones, and so on. 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 dual diagnosis treatment you deserve; the most important of these being, regaining control of your life. Other benefits of dual diagnosis treatment include:

Medications Are Prescribed With Knowledge Of Your History Of Addiction

If you are in dual diagnosis treatment, there is a good chance that you will be prescribed some type of medication to help address either your substance use disorder or your mental health condition. You may even receive medications for both. The greatest benefit here is that your healthcare providers know the extent of your history of substance abuse, allowing them to choose medications that are non-habit forming and will work best with the goals you are attempting to achieve.

You Will Develop Specific Coping Skills

With every dual diagnosis comes symptoms that can be difficult to manage. When you are receiving professional dual diagnosis treatment, your team of experts can help identify what types of skills you can benefit most from having in your arsenal.

You Can Identify And Address Triggers

You will spend time in dual diagnosis treatment figuring out what triggers your desire to abuse drugs or alcohol and what triggers your mental health condition to flare up. Identifying triggers is a priceless benefit, as it can allow you the ability to make plans for what to do when triggered rather than adopt negative self-medicating behaviors.

Both Conditions Will Be Treated At The Same Time

It is absolutely vital that both your substance use disorder and your mental health condition are treated at the same time. A dual diagnosis treatment program will employ medical and mental health professionals who will work cohesively to develop and maintain a treatment plan that is right for you. Only treating one part of your dual diagnosis is ineffective and will only lead to further challenges.

How To Choose a Treatment Center

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

Residential treatment requires you to reside at our facility for the duration of your treatment. That way, you will have as much time and opportunity as possible to work on your recovery, free of distraction. You will be able to develop a relationship with your therapists, as well as connect with our clinical team. You also have the opportunity to establish a strong peer support system that will help encourage you throughout recovery. Depending on your level of need, you 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 you to continue to live at home while you are being treated. You will spend a large portion of your 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?

Dual diagnosis treatment offers a comprehensive approach, ensuring we meet all of your needs. Both your substance use disorder and your mental health condition are always at the forefront of your treatment plan. Dual diagnosis treatment in South Florida uses a modality known as integrated intervention.

Integrated intervention is an all-encompassing form of treatment that pays attention to your mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs as you work to overcome your challenges. For example, if you are struggling with an opioid use disorder and depression, part of your treatment may include the use of medications that can help curb withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Additionally, you may obtain medications that can help treat your symptoms of depression at the same time. Our team of professionals can work to ensure that any and all medications you consume do not negatively interact with one another and are not high-risk for being abused. Your depression treatment may also require you to engage in several motivational interviewing sessions with your therapist to help encourage you to continue working towards your recovery.

Both medical and mental health professionals conduct integrated interventions, which allows you to reap the greatest benefits of their work. They work collectively to continue to alter your treatment plan if needed so that you can keep working towards your recovery goals.

How Neuroscience Treats Dual Diagnosis

When you’re ready to get treatment for dual diagnosis, Neuroscience Institute is here for you. We’ve developed a streamlined process so you can get the dual diagnosis treatment you need with minimal delay. Here is a quick overview of your 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 for you
Admissions process, which a member of our team will guide you through
Scheduling your intake date and arriving at our campus
Meeting the members of your dual diagnosis treatment team and other residents
Becoming familiar with our treatment environment
Completing physical and psychological evaluations
Receiving your individualized dual diagnosis treatment plan
Starting dual diagnosis treatment

Dual Diagnosis Treatment 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 works hard to ensure 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 right now to learn more about how we can help or visit our admissions page to get started.

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