The misconceptions regarding addiction run abundant. From the notion that an addict should be able to simply stop using to the idea that substance addiction is a personal choice, the misinformation and misunderstandings associated with the disease of addiction permeate our entire society.
They distort the manner in which someone views a person struggling with addiction and can impact how quickly that person feels empowered enough to seek clinical assistance and rehabilitative stabilization.
The plain and simple fact of addiction is that it is a diagnosable disease, and in a number of cases, the disease is part of a dual diagnosis disorder.
This means that if you are struggling with a substance addiction, there is a strong likelihood that you are also dealing with mental health issues severe enough to be diagnosed and require clinical interventions in order to improve.
For those on the outside looking in, addiction may seem like a voluntary condition. But in reality, the existence of substance addiction indicates a deeper and more complicated diagnosable issue.
What is Dual Diagnosis?
The term dual diagnosis directly references to a co-occurring disorder, or, in layman’s terms, the existence of both mental illness and a substance use disorder within a person. There is no definitive answer as to which disorder emerges first or which is more prevalent. They both exist simultaneously and are mutually impacting the individual seeking aid.
You may be experiencing severe bouts of depression or anxiety that cause you to turn to substances in order to address your excessive emotionality. Or, perhaps your substance addiction is leaving you empty and depressed, forcing you to self-medicate in order to deal with the pain.
At the end of the day, it really doesn’t matter which impacted you first, or which seems to be the predecessor. When dealing with a dual diagnosis, it is imperative to address the issues together to maximize the potential for personal improvement and sustained sobriety.
This requires a facility trained in handling co-occurring disorders, which means proper research is imperative to locating a viable option before committing to the process of rehab and recovery.
How to Treat Dual Diagnosis
When considering how best to treat a co-occurring disorder, you have to first understand what your mental health symptoms are and which substances you are addicted to. This enables the clinicians you are contacting to proceed appropriately with a comprehensive diagnostic assessment and accurately construct an individuated treatment plan aimed at addressing your specific symptomatology.
Whichever direction you decide to begin your recovery journey, the therapeutic approach should be fundamentally rooted in an integrative approach: A clinical game plan addressing both your mental illness and substance use disorder simultaneously.
You and your treatment provider need to understand how each disease is affecting the other and how the proposed treatment interventions can be most effective in nature. Treatment planning will vary from person to person, so working with qualified and licensed clinical staff is essential to establishing a solid foundation at the onset of treatment.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment Approach at Covenant Hills
Understanding that the most effective approach to dual diagnosis treatment begins with a comprehensive and thorough diagnostic assessment is at the forefront of Covenant Hills’ intake process and clinical directive.
Our licensed clinical staff take the time necessary to identify elements of your co-occurring disorder to formulate and construct an individualized treatment plan aimed at addressing all your clinical needs. This serves as the foundation of your recovery process and provides you with a blueprint to follow throughout the initial phases of your recovery journey.
The true beauty of the therapeutic process at Covenant Hills is our ability to not only address those clinical needs impacting your personal addiction, but also your spiritual needs, as well. This dynamic approach enables your healing to begin on multiple levels and ensures that your experience throughout treatment will be driven and guided by a strength deeper than your own.
After the diagnostic assessment is completed, your ongoing therapeutic needs are met through individualized treatment sessions. These psychotherapy sessions focus on both your mental health and substance abuse issues, providing clinical interventions aimed at supporting your recovery journey and guiding you clinically and spiritually throughout the entire recovery process.
Above all, Covenant Hills is committed to addressing all elements of your co-occurring disorder to keep you motivated and focused on your established treatment plan and individual behavioral goals. This integrative approach enables you to address obstacles impacting your recovery and ensures that you are fully prepared to assimilate back into your everyday life once your rehabilitation program is completed.
Dual Diagnosis Drug & Alcohol Addiction Treatment at Covenant Hills
Co-occurring disorders do not have to rule your life forever. There is powerful, life-changing
help and support available to you whenever you’re ready to transform the trajectory of your life.
At Covenant Hills, it is our mission to help you get back to being the person you know is still inside you. Through our Christian-based alcohol and drug treatment programs, your whole-body health is our top priority.
We will guide you through the recovery process and help heal your mind, body and soul.
Learn more about our Christian Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center, or contact us for a free and confidential assessment.
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