Dual diagnosis is one of the most common occurrences in drug addiction statistics in the U.S. Around 37% people with an alcohol use disorder and 53% people with substance abuse struggle with a co-occurring mental illness.1 This highlights the importance of providing professional treatment that caters to both addiction and mental health.
If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health issues that pushed them towards drug addiction, or has an active addiction that is now causing mental health issues, Nurture Nexus Recovery Center can help!
Dual Diagnosis: A Combination Of Addiction And Mental Health Disorder
A dual diagnosis is the official term for two medical conditions presenting comorbidly in a patient. However, in the case of drug addiction, it refers to patients having mental health issues or personality disorders along with an active addiction.2
Mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD can increase the likelihood of substance abuse as people attempt to self-medicate or numb emotional pain. On the other hand, chronic drug use can cause chemical imbalances in the brain that trigger or worsen psychiatric conditions.
Dual diagnosis is a complex phenomenon, as both medical conditions tend to exacerbate one another, and singular approaches may alleviate one but worsen the other.3 That’s why addiction treatment centers focus on a joint approach that treats both conditions with equal priority.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment Options in Texas?
Dual diagnosis treatment is a common choice in Texas and is catered to in the following ways:
Medication Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment is the most common option for dual diagnosis treatment. Addiction treatment centers use FDA-approved medications such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, etc., to reduce mental illness symptoms.4
They also use medication for addictions such as opioid addiction or alcoholism, while making sure there is no clash between the medicines prescribed.
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment is a good choice for patients whose mental health condition and addiction are a threat to their safety and well-being. It includes 24/7 monitoring and on-facility residence to ensure treatment is going as planned.
Inpatient treatment often consists of psychotherapy and behavioral therapy along with medication.
Outpatient Treatment
If you have a mild addiction and are presenting some symptoms of a mental health issue, a medical team will diagnose you and refer you for outpatient treatment. It consists of small sessions of 1-3 hours each with varying intensity.5
This treatment helps you stay on your medication course while giving you space to work through your addiction issues.
Intensive Outpatient Treatment
Intensive outpatient treatment options utilize structured therapy sessions of 3-5 hours daily. They take into account how addiction and mental illnesses impact one another and treat both through behavioral therapy and medication.
This modality of treatment works especially well for patients who have mild-to-severe symptoms in at least one of the presenting cases.
Partial Hospitalization Treatment
PHPs are an in-between option that offers the intensity of inpatient care without overnight stays. Patients attend full-day treatment sessions, including individual and group therapy, then return home in the evening.
It works well for patients who need structure and medical attention but not around-the-clock care.6
Telehealth Options
Once the dual diagnosis has been stabilized through the aforementioned or is low-risk, the patient can be referred for telehealth addiction treatment. This treatment method usually consists of virtual sessions and scheduled medicine delivery right to your doorstep.
The Link Between Addiction & Mental Illness
There is a well-researched link between addiction in mental illness. People suffering from certain conditions, such as Borderline Personality Disorder, are more likely to engage in risky behavior and do drugs to self-soothe. Similarly, people with anxiety or depression may use drugs to elevate their mood and temporarily mitigate symptoms.7
Similarly, some drugs like psychedelics can cause hallucinations and paranoia, which can cause mental health issues with prolonged use. Drugs alter the brain’s chemistry, triggering or worsening symptoms of anxiety, paranoia, and depression.8 Over time, both conditions reinforce each other, making it difficult to identify where one ends and the other begins.
Can There Be More Than Two Illnesses Presenting Comorbidly?
In many cases, there may be multiple addictions or mental health issues that present together in a patient. That’s where professional treatment comes in. A licensed expert would know how to tell the conditions apart, monitor and prescribe treatment for each to control symptoms and discourage addiction.
Expert Opinion on Dual Diagnosis Treatment
“Patients tend to shy away from dual diagnosis treatment because they imagine their psychological symptoms are just an outcome of prolonged use. Ignoring such sensitive and complex cases of addiction can cause both conditions to exacerbate. Therefore, reaching out for professional treatment is essential for a sustainable recovery.”
–Dr. Taiye Poopola
How To Tell If You Need Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Knowing whether your addiction stems from your mental illness or the other way around can be exhausting, but not everyone suffering from psychiatric symptoms has a dual diagnosis. Our medical team will test you thoroughly to diagnose you and shed light on your comorbidities. This helps you understand just how your brain and body are cooperating and will make personalizing addiction treatment easier for you.
Some signs that dual diagnosis might be the ideal treatment for you include:
- You use drugs or alcohol to manage emotions, stress, or trauma.
- You’ve experienced multiple relapses after addiction treatment.
- You have a diagnosed mental illness that worsens with substance use.
- Your mood swings, anxiety, or depression intensify when you stop using substances.
- You struggle to function socially or professionally despite therapy or medication.
It is essential that you do not try and self self-diagnose or self-medicate during this period. Most mental illnesses have many symptoms in common, and only a trained professional is able to make an accurate diagnosis. Our aim is to provide you with the type of treatment that strengthens your chance at recovery.
What to Expect at a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center in Texas
Signing up for a co-occurring disorder treatment the first time can be daunting for anyone, but it doesn’t differ too much from a regular intake at an addiction treatment center. Your first day will typically go like:
1. Intake
The intake process varies depending on the treatment center, but it usually starts with detox and a comprehensive mental health and addiction history. During this time, the medical team will determine how severe and at-risk your addiction is and how to move forward.
2. Treatment Program
Based on the results of your intake, you will be suggested a variety of treatment options to help with your dual diagnosis disorder. These treatment options can vary in price, intensity, and modality to suit your personal preferences and lifestyle.
3. Schedule
Now all that’s left to do is collect your schedule and start paying for the treatment to move forward. You may not feel like it’s improving your condition immediately, but our continued care programs have high success rates for fixing dual diagnosis cases.
Find Texas’s Best Treatment Center for Dual Diagnosis Cases
Having a more complex case of addiction doesn’t mean you don’t deserve a full chance at recovery. At Nurture Nexus Recovery Center, we offer flexible dual diagnosis treatment that caters to your addiction needs. Call us today at (214) 838-7488 or contact us to book an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Common to Relapse During Dual-Diagnosis Treatment in Texas?
Yes. Relapse is common during dual diagnosis treatment in Texas. Our doctors understand the risks associated with long-term recovery and are willing to help as long as you are determined to get better.
Does The State of Texas Recognize Casey’s Law?
Yes, the State of Texas does recognize Casey’s Law, which states that an individual’s friends and family can appeal to the court to order substance abuse treatment for them.
What Are the Signs of Co-Occurring Disorders?
It can be quite challenging to tell the difference between addiction and mental illness, considering that there is significant overlap between their symptoms. However, a mental health diagnosis during abstinence can help figure out the situation with a patient. Here are a few general signs to be on the lookout for if you believe a patient is suffering from a mental illness on top of addiction:
- Changes in eating habits
- Disorderly sleep schedule
- Experiencing extreme emotions
- Having difficulty focusing
- Increased irritability
- Isolation
Additional Resources
- Long-Term Effects of Adderall® Abuse: Seek Immediate Help
- Finding a Suboxone Clinic Near Me: 7 Things to Look For
- Expert’s Guide To Finding the Best Alcohol Addiction Treatment Near You
- Finding the Best Addiction Treatment Programs Near Me: A Comprehensive Guide
