Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Chicago

What Is Dual Diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis, also known as a co-occurring disorder, is the term used to describe an individual who is suffering from a substance abuse disorder as well as a mental health disorder simultaneously. Dual-diagnosis disorders are often difficult to diagnose or may be misdiagnosed due to the complexity of the symptoms. It can also sometimes be difficult to determine which problem came first. Many people struggling with mental health problems will turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate and will develop a substance abuse problem as a result.

Others may develop a mental health disorder after they already have an addiction. According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over 9 million Americans struggled with both a mental illness and a substance abuse problem that past year.¹ If you or someone you know has been experiencing these issues, a dual-diagnosis treatment program could make all of the difference.

What Is the Dual Diagnosis Model of Treatment?

The Dual Diagnosis Model of Treatment, also known as co-occurring disorders or comorbidity treatment, addresses the simultaneous presence of both substance use disorders (SUD) and mental health disorders. In addiction treatment centers, implementing a dual diagnosis model is crucial for providing comprehensive and effective care. Here's an overview of the key aspects:

• Integrated Approach:
  • Recognizes the interplay between substance use and mental health disorders.
  • Provides a seamless integration of treatment for both conditions within the same therapeutic framework.
• Simultaneous Treatment:
  • Addresses both substance use and mental health issues concurrently rather than treating them in isolation.
  • Aims to achieve a holistic understanding of the individual's unique challenges and needs.
• Comprehensive Assessment:
  • Conducts a thorough assessment to identify and evaluate both substance use and mental health disorders.
  • Considers the impact of one condition on the other to inform a tailored treatment plan.
• Customized Treatment Plans:
  • Develops individualized treatment plans that address the specific needs and challenges of each person.
  • Combines evidence-based interventions for substance use and mental health disorders.
• Collaborative Care:
  • Involves a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including addiction specialists and mental health professionals.
  • Promotes collaboration between treatment providers to ensure cohesive and coordinated care.
• Psychoeducation:
  • Provides education about the relationship between substance use and mental health disorders.
  • Helps individuals understand how one condition may influence or exacerbate the other.
• Dual-Focused Therapies:
  • Utilizes therapeutic modalities that are effective for both substance use and mental health issues.
  • Includes cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based approaches.
• Relapse Prevention:
  • Integrates relapse prevention strategies that address both substance use triggers and mental health challenges.
  • Empowers individuals with coping skills to navigate stressors without resorting to substance use.
• Ongoing Monitoring:
  • Continuously monitors progress in both substance use and mental health treatment.
  • Adjusts the treatment plan as needed to address evolving needs.

The Dual Diagnosis Model of Treatment acknowledges the complex interrelation between substance use and mental health, aiming to break the cycle of recurrent issues by providing comprehensive, integrated, and individualized care. This approach enhances the likelihood of sustained recovery and improved mental health outcomes for individuals with co-occurring disorders.

The Co-occurring Disorders We Treat

At Banyan Chicago, we understand that addiction often isn’t just about the body’s dependence on a drug. There are frequently underlying mental health issues at play. Because every person’s problems are unique, treatment for a co-occurring disorder needs to be tailored to the patient for a comprehensive approach. We work to create a personalized treatment plan so that patients can not only overcome their addictions but also improve their mental health in the process. During their time with us, patients will participate in numerous different treatment programs and therapies designed to meet their specific needs.

 Our dual-diagnosis treatment centers can handle a variety of co-occurring disorders, including:

• Depression and Substance Use Disorder
• Anxiety/Panic Attacks and Substance Use Disorder
• Bipolar Disorder and Substance Use Disorder
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Substance Use Disorder
• OCD and Substance Use Disorder

With individual and group therapy sessions, patients will have the opportunity to explore the relationship between their addiction and their mental health problems with both a licensed therapist and peers struggling with similar issues. Patients will also be able to partake in SMART recovery, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectic behavioral therapy, biofeedback therapy, art therapy, nutrition education, and more.

Because every person’s problems are unique, treatment for a co-occurring disorder needs to be tailored to the patient for a comprehensive approach. We work to create a personalized treatment plan so that patients can not only overcome their addictions but also improve their mental health in the process. During their time with us, patients will participate in numerous different treatment programs and therapies designed to meet their specific needs.

The Importance of a Relapse Prevention Plan

In the realm of dual diagnosis treatment, relapse prevention is a crucial aspect of recovery. This is something our Chicago drug rehab takes very seriously, ensuring we equip our patients with every tool possible to maintain their success. An individual's relapse prevention plan acts as a road map for navigating the obstacles and triggers that may appear along the way to recovery. It offers a structured framework that enables people to recognize potential threats, create coping mechanisms, and maintain their advancement through time.

The ability of a relapse prevention plan to address the intricate interactions between mental health and substance addiction is one of the primary reasons why it is essential for people with co-occurring illnesses. The symptoms of one illness frequently worsen the symptoms of the other in co-occurring disorders. Individuals can establish individualized strategies to manage both elements of their substance use and mental health by developing a thorough relapse prevention plan. By doing so, they can obtain a greater awareness of the complex relationships that exist between their mental health symptoms and substance use.

Relapse prevention strategies also give people a sense of empowerment and self-efficacy. It enables individuals to reclaim control over their lives and gives them the skills they need to overcome obstacles. People can increase their resilience and improve their capacity to fend off relapse by recognizing possible triggers, putting healthy coping strategies into practice, and putting in place a support network. Relapse prevention plans are proactive measures that enable people to take control of their recovery and make decisions that are in line with their long-term objectives and general well-being.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health disorder and substance abuse, help is just a phone call away. Our Illinois drug rehab could lead you or a loved one to a life free from drugs or alcohol and with improved mental health. Reach out to our Chicago addiction treatment center today.

Source

1. SAMHSA - Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health

Related Reading

The Relationship Between Housing First and Substance Abuse

How to Recognize Emotional Abuse vs. Mental Abuse