benefits of dual diagnosis treatment

6 Benefits of a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program

Many people who struggle with addiction also have a mental health condition or co-occurring disorders. In fact, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), about 9.2 million adults struggle with co-occurring disorders.[1]

Having co-occurring disorders can make it much more difficult to achieve recovery on your own, but dual-diagnosis rehab centers can provide people with the support they need to recover from co-occurring disorders. 

Here are six benefits of attending a dual-diagnosis addiction treatment program:

1. Individualized Treatment 

Dual diagnosis treatment begins with an initial assessment to gather information about your mental and physical health as well as your substance abuse history. This information is then used to create an individualized treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs.

Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, dual diagnosis treatment centers understand that everyone is different, so each person might require different methods of support. One of the many benefits of dual diagnosis treatment is that you can rest assured that the services you receive will be specific to your needs, addressing both your addiction and your mental health condition(s) at the same time.

2. Evidence-Based Treatment 

Another benefit of dual diagnosis rehab is having access to evidence-based treatment. These treatment centers rely on evidence-based services, which means they are proven effective in managing co-occurring disorders.

Examples of evidence-based treatment used during dual diagnosis rehab include:

  • Addiction and mental health education 
  • Medication-assisted treatment 
  • Pharmacological treatment for mental health conditions 
  • Behavioral therapies and group counseling 
  • Learning healthy coping skills
  • Family therapy or couples counseling 
  • Aftercare services 

3. Medical Detox Services 

If you arrive at a dual-diagnosis treatment program while experiencing withdrawal symptoms, you may be able to receive medical detox services. 

The type of medical detox treatment you participate in will depend on what substance you are addicted to. For example, opioid addiction is treated with FDA-approved medications like Suboxone or methadone while detoxing from substances like methamphetamine relies on symptom-specific medications. 

In addition to receiving medications to limit your withdrawal symptoms, you will be monitored on a 24/7 basis to ensure you are physically and mentally healthy. Psychiatric services may also be available as well as support groups.

4. Access to a Supportive Community 

One benefit of dual diagnosis treatment centers is the community they provide. You will be surrounded by peers who are all going through similar situations, offering you the ability to connect with others who understand you, creating lasting relationships that can give you the support you need during tough times.

Additionally, many dual-diagnosis treatment centers offer an alumni program. Typically, alumni have meetings and monthly outings with other people who have completed treatment at your facility.

5. Medication Management 

While not everyone needs medication, some people struggle with mental health conditions that need a little extra help besides just therapy and lifestyle changes. In many situations, prescription medications can be the difference you need to manage therapy-resistant symptoms. Thankfully, all of the medications prescribed during your treatment program will be non-habit forming, meaning you will not have to worry about developing an addiction to them. 

6. Relapse Prevention Planning 

Another huge benefit of attending a dual-diagnosis treatment program is the relapse prevention planning they provide. Oftentimes, the transition from facility life to independent living introduces you to new triggers, making it difficult to stay sober without support. The addiction relapse rate is between 40 to 60%, making relapse prevention planning a vital part of recovery from co-occurring disorders.[2]

Relapse prevention plans include tools and supportive services that are necessary to maintaining sobriety in the outside world, such as:

  • Continued therapy and medication management 
  • A list of triggers and coping mechanisms to use 
  • People you can call for support in times of need
  • Recommendations on local support groups to attend 
  • Referrals to outpatient rehab and sober living housing programs 
  • Access to alumni support groups 
  • Case management services like vocational, legal, or medical assistance 
  • A plan of action in case you do relapse 

By taking advantage of your relapse prevention plan, you can ensure that you will maintain your sobriety even during the most challenging times.

Find a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program in New Jersey Today

If you or a loved one suffers from co-occurring disorders, it’s time to seek help. At Living Room NJ, our compassionate and cutting-edge outpatient dual-diagnosis treatment services are designed to help you remain sober and healthy for the rest of your life.

To learn more about our New Jersey dual diagnosis treatment center, contact us today.

References:

  1. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Co-Occurring Disorders and Other Health Conditions, Retrieved November 2023 From https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/medications-counseling-related-conditions/co-occurring-disorders
  2. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): The Science of Addiction Treatment and Recovery, Retrieved November 2023 From https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recovery

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