Drug and alcohol abuse can affect every part of your life. Living with addiction often means harm to your physical health, emotional well-being, relationships, and more.
People who live with addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders face even more challenges.
Mental health professionals refer to people who have a mental health disorder and addiction as having a “dual diagnosis.”
People who have bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, and other mental health conditions and addiction need comprehensive treatment and ongoing support. They require specialized substance use and mental health treatment programs.
This article will explore what to expect during treatment for addiction and mental health disorders. You will also learn the benefits of specialized dual diagnosis treatment and how to find the care you need.
Contact The Living Room at Princeton to learn more about our dual diagnosis and addiction treatment programs. You may also schedule an intake assessment or ask questions about other programs.
What to Expect in Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment
People with substance use disorder and addiction can face many barriers when seeking treatment. One of these barriers is simply not understanding what treatment will be like. People may be anxious about what will happen.
Not knowing what to expect can keep many people from getting the help they need. Here is an outline of what to expect from co-occurring disorder treatment in Princeton, NJ.
Assessment
Your treatment team will assess your needs by asking questions about your substance use, physical health, and mental health. They may also do lab testing and a physical exam.
This information allows the treatment specialists to recommend the level of care to meet your needs. It will also help them identify issues that could affect detox or treatment.
Detox
A medication-assisted treatment program typically includes supervised detox services. During detox, medical and emotional support specialists will monitor your withdrawal symptoms. They will provide supervision, support, and treatment to reduce withdrawal symptoms and keep you safe.
Detox programs may also include mental health treatment when appropriate.
Treatment
After completing detox, people with co-occurring disorders must continue to receive treatment in a comprehensive rehab program. You will receive a personalized treatment plan that may include:
- Individual counseling
- Behavioral therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Group therapy
- Family counseling
- Mental health treatment
- Medical care
- Nutrition support, exercise, yoga, massage, acupuncture, and other holistic therapies
- Aftercare planning
During therapy sessions, you and your counselor will work to identify new issues or needs as they come up. Your treatment team will adjust your plan to meet your changing needs throughout rehab.
Addiction treatment is not a one-size-fits-all process. There are several levels of care in dual-diagnosis treatment, including:
- Inpatient/residential treatment
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
- Outpatient alcohol or drug rehab programs
Contact the team at The Living Room at Princeton to learn more about our evidence-based treatment programs.
The Benefits of Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment Programs
Specialized dual diagnosis treatment program provides comprehensive treatment for people living with mental illness and addiction. Here are some of the benefits of co-occurring disorder treatment programs.
Individualized treatment
Dual-diagnosis treatment programs begin with a thorough mental health evaluation and substance use assessment. Mental health and medical experts re-evaluate people as time goes on, adjusting treatment plans as needed.
Evidence-based treatment
Dual diagnosis treatment programs use evidence-based therapies, including:
- Psychotherapy
- Group support
- Education
- Medications
- Family therapy
- Coping skills
These therapies are safe and effective at treating the roots of substance use disorders and helping people manage the symptoms of mental illness.
Aftercare planning
Addiction and mental illness are not curable conditions. Instead, people with co-occurring disorders must learn how to manage the symptoms of these conditions. Evidence-based dual diagnosis treatment programs include helping people create effective aftercare plans.
Aftercare plans may include:
- 12-step meetings
- Regular mental health treatment
- Medical care
- Support groups
- Alum groups
- Sober living
- Additional addiction treatment
An aftercare plan can help people stay on track during recovery. It also provides valuable support and resources people can use to avoid or recover from relapse.
Do I Need Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
The first step toward getting the treatment you need to manage co-occurring disorders is to receive a diagnosis. Some signs that you may need dual diagnosis treatment include:
Having a diagnosed mental health condition
- Using drugs or alcohol after a traumatic event
- Having a history of bipolar disorder, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, or another mental health condition
- Increase isolation
- Spending a lot of time and energy getting and using drugs
- Continuing to use drugs and alcohol even though it causes problems in your health, relationships, work, or other areas
If you live with a mental health condition and substance abuse, reach out to the team at The Living Room at Princeton to schedule an evaluation.
Find Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment in Princeton
If you or someone you love lives with co-occurring disorders, you are not alone. Contact the team at The Living Room at Princeton to learn about our dual-diagnosis treatment programs or to schedule an intake assessment.