Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Why It’s Necessary

Drug abuse is not a simple issue. For most of those suffering from an addiction, simply going through detox and deciding not to use again is not enough to actually curb the problem. Instead, increasing research shows that the key to long-term recovery from addiction is a combination of behavioral and mental health approaches. 

If you or a loved one are currently suffering from addiction and a mental health disorder(s), here’s what you need to know. 

What Is a Dual Diagnosis Program? 

Drug addiction and mental health issues are often referred to as Co-occurring Disorders, the two have a direct effect on each other. If the mental health aspect is left untreated, for example, affected individuals may turn back to drug abuse (either the same substance or a different one from before) in order to ease their symptoms.

Modern dual-diagnosis treatment works to prevent this by treating addiction and mental health disorders at the same time. While working on curbing addictive behavior, individuals are able to confront the mental aspect that causes the behavior in the first place.

Now, every case is different and the details of each person’s addiction treatment program will vary as a result. This is why at Grace Recovery, we take the time to diagnose patients upfront and lay out a detailed plan for recovery. Many patients will need to go through detox before intensive treatment can begin, but this stage will only be the beginning. The goal is to achieve long-term addiction recovery by getting to the root of the problem and treating it accordingly. What follows is often a combination of group and individual therapy, mental health counseling (and as needed, medical care), and behavioral therapy.

What Are the Benefits?

The primary benefit of dual-diagnosis treatment is the increased likelihood of long-term addiction recovery. That said, there are other benefits to consider as well:

  • Individualized care – A dual-diagnosis program acknowledges that there are many different root causes of addiction and works to treat them on a more personal level than other kinds of addiction treatment programs. 
  • Better understanding of your condition – Many people abuse substances without fully being able to explain why. A dual-diagnosis program can bring peace of mind by helping you better understand your behavior and how you can regain control.
  • Steady progress – Because the treatment goes beyond just detox, patients are able to take the time to really change. Each day is a new opportunity to learn new skills and make progress. 
  • Improve health – Health is both in the body and the mind. A dual-diagnosis program covers both and helps patients become healthier in every aspect. 

Why Is It Necessary?

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, nearly 10 million American adults suffer from both a mental illness and drug abuse problem every year. And that’s just including those who were officially diagnosed with both kinds of disorders. Many of those suffering from addiction do not even have the opportunity for their mental health to be examined, allowing the lead cause to go ignored. And because dual-diagnosis programs are still relatively new, many other people still do not have the opportunity to treat both areas, thus letting the vicious cycle of addiction continue.

But while many of today’s addiction treatment programs are based on older research and focus on addiction’s physical aspects, the dual-diagnosis programs that are rising up provide a source of hope. As mentioned earlier, it is imperative to treat the root cause of drug abuse in order to successfully end it. Research also shows that individuals who focus on changing their behavior while identifying their mental urge to abuse drugs and alcohol at the same time have higher long-term success rates. This focused treatment then flows into aftercare, which often include mental health counseling for months or even years following the initial treatment program. Dual-diagnosis treatment is therefore necessary, and without it, relapse rates remain all too high. 

Let Us Help

We pride ourselves on going far beyond basic addiction treatment at Grace Recovery. Our approach diagnoses both addiction and the mental health disorders (anxiety, depression, etc.) that go in conjunction. Patients are then able to undergo intensive treatment in both areas at our state-of-the-art facility in Hollywood, CA. We believe that dual-diagnosis treatment is not just beneficial — it is necessary for long-term recovery. We invite you to get in touch to learn more about how we can help you. 

 

How to Choose the Best Program for You

First, thinking about choosing a program for yourself proves that you are taking steps to improve your life. Congratulations for taking the time to learn about the addiction treatment and rehab program options available at Grace Recovery in Los Angeles. From residential and outpatient programs to medication-assisted options, we are confident that we can help you find the help that you need to be free from your addiction. With all the different choices, how can you choose the right program for you? Read below to learn more about our programs, and which one would best suit your life.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

At Grace Recovery, there are a couple of options for medication-assisted addiction treatment. The first is Suboxone. This works as a replacement for the opioids you may have used. This substitute is only used during detox and can help reduce cravings and withdrawal. You will gradually taper off of the medication until you no longer crave the substance. Another medication used here is Vivitrol. This is more of a long-term option, which is a monthly injection that blocks the effects of opioids and reduces cravings. This drug cannot be started until a period of sobriety.

The professionals at Grace Recovery can best determine what option will work for your situation.

Drug & Alcohol Detox Program

This is a multi-step program. Starting with evaluation, a professional at Grace Recovery can do a thorough examination of your needs. They will gather a lot of background information and determine the proper treatment plan. This plan often starts with stabilization, medication-assisted treatment to remove the traces of opioids or alcohol from your body. The next step is preparing you for recovery and other treatments. This can include a residential inpatient drug rehab, a support group, an intensive outpatient program, or all of the above. It all depends on your needs.

Residential Inpatient Drug Rehab

This type of program offers an environment with the highest level of support. By living at the facility, you will have 24-hour access to treatment and therapy options. You can take the time away from your daily life to focus only on recovery. This is best for people with moderate to severe cases of addiction, or those who may have less support at home. It provides fewer distractions and takes you away from your vices.

From 30-day programs to 90-day programs, Grace Recovery has the residential inpatient drug rehab program for you.

Intensive Outpatient Program

An intensive outpatient program is great for people who need to stick to their work or school schedules while getting treatment. You have the same treatment options as you would in a residential program, without having to live at the facility. This could be a follow-up treatment to a residential program, or it can work by itself. Again, it all depends on your needs.

This type of program is especially good for those who have a support system at home who can be involved in the recovery process. From having people to take you to and from therapy or people who can attend group therapy with you, an intensive outpatient rehab program can be beneficial to both you and your friends and family.

Another perk of an intensive outpatient program is that it is much less expensive than a residential rehab program. This type of addiction treatment may or may not be covered by insurance, so it is important to have options.

So what program should you choose?

Overall, you will have to weigh your options. Can you take time away from work or school to complete your recovery? Then maybe a residential rehab program will work for you. Do you have friends or family who can help you juggle treatment and your daily responsibilities? An intensive outpatient program could be a great addiction treatment option for your needs. Medication-assisted treatment and detox options can work into either of your choices. For further information, give us a call or visit at Grace Recovery. Your new beginning is waiting.