At one time, people affected by addiction in combination with another serious mental health issue rarely received appropriate treatment. Instead, this overlapping condition – known as dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders – typically wasn’t fully addressed. Treatment was only provided for one condition, not both. However, today, the situation has changed dramatically in Boise and throughout the U.S. Modern dual diagnosis rehab addresses all aspects of your mental health. In this way, it supports an effective recovery from co-occurring disorders.
What Creates the Need for Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment in Boise?
Why do co-occurring disorders arise? The truth is that there is no one right answer to this question. Some people first start to experience mental health issues during childhood or adolescence. Only later do they start to experiment with substance use and develop problems with addiction. Often, the motivation for substance use is the desire to self-medicate a separate mental illness.
Addiction may also occur before any other mental health issues. This doesn’t necessarily mean that addiction causes those issues, per se. However, a psychiatric condition that would have remained dormant may surface with substance abuse. Addiction and other mental health conditions may share key risk factors to complicate the picture. This means that something else may be the true underlying cause of either problem.
What Forms of Addiction Are Most Common in Dual Diagnosis Rehab?
Some addictive substances are more likely than others to play a role in dual diagnosis. Examples of these substances include:
- Alcohol
- Heroin and other opioid drugs or medications
- Benzodiazepines and other tranquilizers or sedatives
- Marijuana and other cannabis products
However, a substance doesn’t have to be addictive to contribute to your risks. For example, non-addictive hallucinogens like LSD are also associated with dual diagnosis cases.
Common Additional Mental Health Issues in Dual Diagnosis Rehab
In dual diagnosis cases, some psychiatric conditions tend to occur more often than others. Examples of the conditions include depressive disorders and bipolar disorders. They also include PTSD and various types of anxiety disorders. Eating disorders are also common
The Importance of Effective Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment in Boise
The key to freedom for people with co-occurring disorders lies in treatment. However, history has shown that treating one condition at a time is not an effective way of bringing about recovery. The relapse rate is quite high for affected people who only get treatment for their separate psychiatric disorders. The same is true for those who only go to drug treatment but never get help for their other mental health issues.
Experienced addiction specialists understand that recovery is unlikely to happen unless treatment for dual diagnosis is integrated. On the other hand, you’re more likely to recover when proper dual diagnosis treatment is executed. That’s true because both addiction and other mental illnesses have been addressed and treated accordingly.
Specific Benefits of Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment
There are many potential benefits to integrated dual diagnosis rehab. For example:
- Mental health disorders have a lot of negative side effects. These effects include trouble paying attention, lack of motivation, and problems socializing with others. Dual diagnosis treatment is designed to help you overcome these effects.
- Certain psychiatric medications can contribute to your continued struggles with addiction. In contrast, others may help control conditions that increase your addiction risks. However, it can be difficult to discern what’s happening when treatment methods are kept separate. During co-occurring disorder treatment, any medication decisions are made with both diagnoses in mind.
- Any medication recommendations can be made confidently because the tendency toward addiction is known.
- The group therapy available in dual diagnosis treatment is beneficial in addiction treatment and mental health treatment.
- Receiving treatment for addiction and mental health issues simultaneously alerts patients regarding their relapse triggers.
Above all, treatment staff in these settings are aware of the need for specialized treatment. They also have a unique understanding of how addictions and mental illnesses are linked. This gives them the ability to provide the type of treatment that is so desperately needed.
Recovery Methods in a Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment Program in Boise
As a rule, therapy is the main recovery option in Boise’s co-occurring disorder treatment program. Two kinds of therapy are widely used. The first is dialectical behavior therapy or DBT. The second is cognitive-behavioral therapy or CBT.
Some forms of DBT are specifically intended for people affected by dual diagnosis. In the first phase of this therapy, you learn how to accept the reality of your situation fully. In the second phase, you learn how to change your current reality in ways that support your recovery.
CBT focuses on making practical changes in your everyday thoughts, emotional responses, and behaviors. First, with guidance from your therapist, you undo habits that don’t support your well-being. You then develop new, healthier replacement habits.
Medication use is also common in dual diagnosis recovery. The meds you receive may help you recover from addiction-related issues. However, generally speaking, medications for other mental health issues are more widely used.
Turn to Northpoint Recovery for Quality Dual Diagnosis Rehab
Are you or your loved one affected by a co-occurring disorder? At Northpoint Recovery, we provide the expert care you need to recover. Our many treatment options include DBT, CBT, and other therapies. They also include as-needed use of medication.
Northpoint’s dual diagnosis rehab is always customized and fully coordinated for your specific situation. We’re dedicated to making the restoration of your function and well-being an achievable goal. For more information on how we can help, call us today at 208.486.0130.