Where To Find a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center?

Learn about the details of dual diagnosis and the various types of treatment options available.

What Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

The term dual diagnosis came around in the 70s and gained rising popularity during the 80s in the medical community. It is used to describe co-occurring substance use and mental illness. It’s a comorbidity that impacts approximately 50% of people with mental illness. Without proper treatment of both illnesses, individuals have an increased risk of relapse and a higher chance of succumbing to their negative thoughts.¹ 

History of Dual Diagnosis

At some point in the late 70s and early 80s, there was a shift in how western medicine treated psychological illnesses. Prior to this shift, most patients were either sent to psychiatric facilities for an excessive amount of time or were given extreme and ineffective therapy to manage their symptoms.² 

The result was that even if a patient was released from long-term psychiatric care, they still lacked the knowledge and resources to adjust to normal societal expectations. The end of this era is most commonly referred to as deinstitutionalization.² 

Today, a modern dual diagnosis treatment facility combines the benefits of mental health and rehab centers so that both disorders can be treated.

Free dual diagnosis treatment centers are an option for those who are experiencing any of the above symptoms or are worried about dependency.

Why Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers are Necessary for Addiction Recovery

Without proper dual treatment, patients have a higher chance of falling back into substance abuse and negative thought patterns. In addiction recovery, patients are taught healthy coping mechanisms that help them deal with both conditions.

Overcoming Stigma to Find a Dual Diagnosis Rehab Center

People tend to avoid rehab due to feelings of shame and fear that they will embarrass their family by seeking help. Despite what anyone may think, overcoming the stigma of dual diagnoses and seeking help is a testament to one’s determination and commitment to sober living. Dual treatment centers are judgment-free environments where individuals’ care is the only focus.

Inpatient and Outpatient Programs for Co-Occurring Disorders

Dual diagnosis inpatient treatment allows patients the time and space to recover in a medical facility.³ 

Inpatient Care

Constant medical monitoring and therapy are available during inpatient care. It’s a perfect place to start recovery for those that can’t detox in their home environment. It also provides emergency medical services for individuals who may have overdosed and need immediate rehab.

Outpatient Care

A dual diagnosis treatment facility for outpatient care works a little differently. With outpatient care, a person is free to continue with their day-to-day life but must return for scheduled checkups to ensure they’re maintaining sobriety.³ 

Both forms of care come with long-term treatment plans, medicine, and various forms of therapy to help combat addiction and mental disorders.

What Are the Signs That Someone Needs a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center?

The symptoms of a dual diagnosis aren’t easy to spot without medical training. Nonetheless, there are certain signs to watch for if comorbid substance use and mental illness are in question.³ 

Mental Illness

Mental illnesses are typically caused by stress, genetics, substance use, or trauma. People with mental disorders that developed genetically may show signs starting in childhood, whereas the other causes will gradually become known.

Signs of mental illness include a persistent negative outlook on life coupled with severe tiredness, emotional instability, increased heart rate in social situations, and an inability to overcome day-to-day challenges. Any dual diagnosis treatment facility will provide the resources needed to manage mental disorders.

Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorder

Substance use disorders cause severe personality changes. For example, a person may no longer find interest in their hobbies, career, and social life. This is because substance use rewires the brain’s reward center to prioritize drug use over almost everything else.

A person will begin to structure their day around obtaining their high. In addition to this mental shift, other changes include weight loss, thinning hair and nails, becoming increasingly irresponsible, and being prone to angry outbursts. When these symptoms become apparent, drug rehab dual diagnosis is required for long-term recovery.

Benefits of Choosing a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center

There are dozens of benefits to an outpatient or inpatient dual diagnosis treatment center. Here are the two most significant advantages:

Reduces Risk for Relapse in The Future

Getting the right treatment improves a person’s resiliency against drug cravings.⁴  For example, treatment will help a person become aware of the triggers that lead to drug abuse.

It can be something as simple as not drinking because drinking can lead to substance abuse or something more complex like avoiding certain people because of their influence. Whatever the case, a person aware of their triggers has more control over their mental and physical well-being.⁴ 

Heal and Recover from Behavioral Health Problems

Much like drug use, behavioral health problems impact physical and mental health, relationships, and career mobility. Without proper treatment, they can also lead to death. One of the longest-lasting repercussions of mental illness is its effect on immediate family and friends. For example, a parent with severe mental illness can create an unstable home environment for their child.⁵ 

Treatment Location Options

Treatment options aren’t far off. The best dual diagnosis treatment centers will have options for recovery. Here are a few of ours at Alta Centers to get you started:

Specialty Community Behavioral Health Centers

Alta Centers offers various specialized treatment services in your community. These clinics excel in dual diagnosis and comorbid conditions. Not everyone fits into an easily diagnosable box due to a variety of factors, which is why there are different treatment options to best suit the patient.

Substance Use Disorder Rehab Programs

Substance use disorder programs come with in-depth therapy. Therapy is used to teach positive coping mechanisms to deal with cravings and negative thoughts. A dual diagnosis treatment center is available with a majority of substance rehab programs.

Community Health Centers

Community health centers are a great place to find general dual diagnosis treatment facility information. In addition, for those that don’t have insurance, it’s a good place to find out about payments and alternatives.

Mutual Support Groups and Peer-Run Organizations

Group therapy, similar to alcoholics anonymous, gives a person the chance to speak in a judgment-free environment surrounded by people who are also on their recovery journey.

Inpatient Service Providers

We at Alta Centers have inpatient dual diagnosis treatment care options to fit any form of addiction and dependency. If you or a loved one need more information or are seeking to compare programs, reach out and learn more.