Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Excessive use of substances is quite common among the mentally ill. By some estimates, as many as half of the people who suffer from mental disorders are also addicted to drugs or alcohol. When it comes to people who suffer from substance use disorders, more than a third of alcoholics and more than half of drug abusers will receive an additional diagnosis. This is not to say that addiction necessarily causes other mental disorders or that people who suffer from mental illnesses necessarily become addicted. However, there is a correlation between the two.

What comes first – addiction or mental illness?

Because the link between addiction and mental health is not a causal one, there is no set way for symptoms to appear. You may be diagnosed with a mental illness first and then start using substances or the use of substances may cause your mental health to deteriorate. Everyone’s experience will be different. The good news is that for dual diagnosis treatment West Virginia, what comes first does not matter. What matters is that addiction and mental illness are both present and both need to be treated.

Alcohol and drugs used to self-medicate the symptoms of mental health problems

The symptoms of mental illness vary greatly and can range from mildly uncomfortable to life-altering. Unfortunately, due to the stigma that still surrounds mental health, many people are not aware that they are exhibiting symptoms, don’t realize they should seek professional help, or are not taken seriously when they do talk about their problems. This may leave them feeling alone and helpless, which causes them to turn to drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication.

If you have used substances to cope with your mental health in the past, know that there is no shame in finding comfort where you can. However, professional treatment for mental health in the form of prescription medication and therapy will give much better results. Harmony Ridge Recovery Center can help you learn more about your condition and find healthier ways of coping.

Can addiction increase the underlying risk for mental disorders?

The question of what causes any given mental illness to develop is a complex and still under researched one. Oftentimes, there is not just one single cause behind your condition. Instead, a combination of genetic, environmental, and other factors all contribute to mental health issues. However, substance abuse can increase the risk of a mental break or exacerbate symptoms of mental illness. Furthermore, addiction can complicate your everyday life, damage your relationships, and make you feel lonely and alienated. All of this can lead to depression. Dual diagnosis treatment in WV is a way to address these issues and leave addiction behind, thus lowering the risk of reoccurring serious mental health problems in the future.

Although some types of addiction are more common among the mentally ill and some mental illnesses are more frequently diagnosed in conjunction with substance use disorder, there are no hard and fast rules. As long as you have a substance problem of some kind and have been diagnosed with another disorder, you can benefit from dual diagnosis treatment in West Virginia at Harmony Ridge. We are qualified to provide:

• alcohol rehab WV
• cocaine addiction rehab
• fentanyl detox treatment
• Ambien rehab
• barbiturates rehab
• benzo rehab
• marijuana rehab West Virginia

Severe mental illness often goes hand in hand with serious addiction as well. The use of highly addictive substances like heroin and meth is not uncommon in people who suffer from illnesses like schizophrenia, PTSD, and DID. Harmony Ridge aims to provide treatment for all types of drug and alcohol addiction, which is why our facilities also include:

• heroin rehab centers
• stimulants addiction rehab center
• opiate rehab center
• meth rehab center West Virginia

Treatment is not always straightforward for either addiction or any of the co-occurring mental disorders. Recovery is further complicated by the fact that addiction and mental illness have an effect on each other. Treating addiction only, for example, can be futile if addiction is a consequence of an underlying condition that is left unaddressed. Similarly, treating only the mental health problem will still leave the individual addicted to substances. To be successful, dual diagnosis treatment in WV must, therefore, address both diagnoses simultaneously while acknowledging the ways in which they are mutually dependent.

The importance of therapy in rehab

Drug and alcohol treatment at Harmony Ridge always includes regular sessions of addiction therapy WV. While medication can help with the physical symptoms of detox and even diminish cravings, therapy is there to address the mental and emotional aspects of recovery. It is, therefore, even more important for dual diagnosis treatment West Virginia when another mental illness is at play. Therapy can look different for everyone. Depending on your condition, personality, and even sheer preference, you may benefit more from:

• group therapy for addiction – discussing your addiction and mental health in a group setting is a great way to practice communication, connect with others in a similar situation, build a support network, and combat feelings of loneliness or isolation
• individual therapy for addiction – one-on-one sessions with a mental health specialist will give you the expert perspective on your condition and teach you how best to cope with your symptoms

Both individual and group therapy are available at Harmony Ridge. A combination of both typically gives the best results for co-occurring disorders.

Does alternative therapy help?

Because dual diagnosis treatment in WV is so complex, trying out different types of therapy may be necessary to find the right solution for your unique mental health issues. Sometimes, alternative forms of treatment provide the best results. So don’t shy away from the less common forms of therapy that we offer – you’d be surprised at how effective they can be! If traditional talk therapy is not working for you, you may want to try:

• EMDR therapy for drug addiction – eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy is based on scientific findings that eye movement patterns and impulse decisions are related; it trains the brain out of addiction by severing the connection between certain eye movement patterns and the desire to use substances
• cognitive behavioral therapy for substance use disorders – CBT aims to uncover the thought patterns that lead to undesirable behaviors (such as substance abuse) and then change them
• art therapy rehabilitation – expressing yourself creatively through art can be beneficial for your overall mental health by distracting you from everyday stress and giving you an outlet for your feelings
• holistic therapy for addiction – by addressing your mental, emotional, and physical well-being together through a combination of different types of therapy, physical activity, nutrition, and social activities, the holistic approach to treatment aims to reduce the appeal of substance use and encourage healthier living

The main difference between inpatient and outpatient programs is the environment you spend most of your time in:

1. During inpatient drug rehab in WV, you will stay at our facility. This puts you in a controlled environment and under 24/7 medical supervision. You will have a stricter daily routine than you would at home. The opportunity to use drugs is removed as substances are not allowed on the premises.
2. If you choose an intensive outpatient program West Virginia, you will continue to live in the comfort of your home. This way, you have access to your own support network in the form of family and friends. Meanwhile, you will attend therapy sessions at our facility several times a week.

Dual diagnosis treatment in WV can be done as an inpatient or outpatient program. Each comes with its own benefits and its own drawbacks. What works for you will depend on the severity of your condition – typically, inpatient programs are more suitable for severe mental disorders and serious cases of addiction while the less intense outpatient programs are used to treat milder conditions.

Population-specific considerations for dual diagnosis treatment in WV

Harmony Ridge practices an individualized approach to treatment. This means that rehab is tailored to each person’s specific needs. Your road to recovery will, therefore, greatly depend on who you are as a person and where in life you find yourself to be. This is why we take demographics into consideration when planning your treatment.

Treatment programs for veterans with co-occurring disorders

Both substance use disorder and various commonly co-occurring disorders (like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD) are more prevalent among veterans than the general population. If you are a vet who struggles with addiction, odds are that you could benefit from dual diagnosis treatment West Virginia at Harmony Ridge. We provide rehab for veterans led by specialists who are sensitive to the unique experiences of soldiers and the consequences those experiences can have on mental health.

Dual diagnosis treatment for adolescents and young adults

Teens and young adults are among the populations most at risk to develop mental health problems and substance use disorders. At this age, before the brain is even fully formed, impulse control tends to be lower. Peer pressure, hormonal changes, and intense emotions can make it even harder to resist the temptation to use drugs and alcohol. Unfortunately, this is also an impressionable age. Something that starts out as an experiment may turn into a lifelong habit. To further complicate things, many mental disorders begin to exhibit symptoms during this time as well. This is why rehab for young adults in WV is so important. Timely treatment can turn your life around at this age.

If you are young and worried that you may suffer from co-occurring disorders, seek help now. Our staff won’t dismiss your concerns because of your age. We understand that life can be hard when you are still figuring things out and we won’t judge you for the mistakes you may have made along the way.

Dual diagnosis and denial

There is a reason why we say that realizing you have a problem is the first step to finding a solution. Many people find it hard to admit that they struggle with mental health or addiction. There is too much stigma and misinformation surrounding mental disorders; this causes many people to outright deny they have a problem rather than risk being judged if they admit to it. Denial or a lack of awareness of mental illness is common in those with a dual diagnosis. You may be in denial about the mental disorder, the addiction, or both. But until you recognize you have a problem, you cannot seek treatment for it.

Harmony Ridge fosters a respectful, caring, and non-judgmental atmosphere. No matter what condition you may suffer from, you are welcome at our facility. Don’t be afraid to reach out to us. We are here to help you.

Self-help for a dual diagnosis

A part of dual diagnosis treatment West Virginia is learning healthy coping mechanisms. These help you manage the symptoms of your condition without turning to substances. A therapist who specializes in your diagnosis is the best person to help you with this. You will achieve the most improvement through professional treatment. If you are, however, momentarily unable to join one of our programs, there are steps you can take by yourself to make your condition more manageable:

1. Learn how to manage your emotions. You are likely to turn to substances when you are experiencing a lot of high-intensity emotions that you don’t know how to deal with. Try identifying and addressing the emotion instead. Name what you are feeling, out loud if it helps. Then consider what you can channel that feeling into. Here are a few examples: if you are feeling anxious, try showering or practicing self-care; when you are angry, go to the gym to expend energy; let yourself cry when you are upset.
2. Establish meaningful connections. Addiction and mental illness are often isolating. To remind yourself that you are not alone, it can be helpful to surround yourself with people you care about and who care about you. If you feel up to it, talk to them about your struggles.
3. Make changes to your lifestyle. Unhealthy coping mechanisms establish themselves through repetition. So changing things about your routine can make a big difference. Try exercising or finding a new hobby for an easy lifestyle change; consider a new job or relocation for a bigger impact.
4. Find new meaning in life. You need something to drive you forward. This can be a new goal in life, a new relationship, religion, or anything else that motivates you.

Do you suspect that someone you love is suffering from mental illness and substance abuse? If so, broach the subject carefully. Remember that your friend or family member may be in denial about their condition. Or, if they realize they have a problem, they may be afraid of your reaction to knowing about it. It is vital that you be understanding and supportive. Be clear and explicit when you tell your loved one that you care about them and only want to help them.

It is important that you do not force treatment on your loved one before they are ready. This will only make them defensive and may even delay their decision to accept help. Instead, try to casually bring up dual diagnosis treatment in WV. Explain why you think your loved one would benefit from it and suggest some resources they can look into.

When they feel up to it, you can find rehab programs for your loved one at Harmony Ridge. To show your support, help your friend or family member through the admission process, preparation, and check-in. If they agree to it, you can also participate in family therapy with them. Most importantly, accept and support your loved one throughout the process without judgment even if you don’t always understand or agree with their decisions.

Harmony Ridge Recovery Center is one of the leading addiction treatment centers in the state. Our modern facilities come with a wide variety of amenities including fully furnished rooms, spacious common areas, a gym, an outdoor seating area, and more. Thanks to our unique location, we also have access to more than 50 acres of beautiful nature where you can go hiking, biking, fishing, or even camping. The complex for a comfortable recovery in a calming and peaceful environment.

We focus on evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders and other mental illnesses. Our team consists of compassionate and caring mental health professionals who all have personal experiences with addiction. It is our philosophy to treat everyone who walks through our door with respect and dignity as we set them on the path to sobriety. We understand you are a unique individual with unique symptoms, problems, and motivations; that is why we tailor the program to your needs. At Harmony Ridge, you will receive a highly personalized treatment plan designed especially for you to maximize your chances of a permanently successful rehab.

If you need dual diagnosis treatment in West Virginia or you know someone who does, do not hesitate to contact us. We are available 24/7 to help you overcome addiction and set you on a better path. As one of the best rehab centers in the country, Harmony Ridge Recovery Center is the best choice you can make for your mental health and sobriety.

1. What is a dual diagnosis?

If you struggle with addiction and suffer from another mental disorder such as depression or OCD, your condition is referred to as a dual diagnosis. Another name for this condition is co-occurring disorders, because two (or more) mental disorders occur simultaneously in one patient.

2. What are the most common co-occurring disorders in addicts?

Substance use disorder is most frequently diagnosed in conjunction with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and schizophrenia.

3. How will I know if I have a dual diagnosis?

You have co-occurring disorders if you exhibit symptoms of two or more mental illnesses. Since many of the disorders that correlate with addiction have similar symptoms, it is best to discuss your condition with a professional. Make sure to bring up any diagnoses you may have previously received.

4. What is the best approach to treating a dual diagnosis?

When it comes to addiction and mental illness, the two conditions are typically linked. It is, therefore, necessary to treat both together. Different forms of therapy administered during rehab are an effective way to do this.

5. How do I cope with my underlying condition after rehab?

Rehab can help you recover from addiction and learn healthy coping mechanisms, which can, in turn, alleviate the symptoms of other mental illnesses. However, sobriety won’t necessarily cure your mental illness. You may, therefore, still struggle the co-occurring disorders like anxiety, OCD, and bipolar after rehab. These can be treated with medication and continued therapy.