Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Most recent reports state that 7.9 million people in the United States have a dual diagnosis, which is a condition where an individual has both a substance use disorder and a mental illness. Additional statistics surrounding the prevalence of dual diagnosis in the U.S. are as follows:

• Approximately 50% of people who have a mental health condition like depression or anxiety also have a substance use disorder (e.g. an addiction to alcohol, opioids, cocaine, etc.)
• Those who suffer from bipolar disorder are five times more likely to have a substance use disorder, while those with schizophrenia are four times more likely
• Roughly 16% of prison inmates have a mental health condition and 72% of those individuals also have a substance use disorder
• Women are twice as likely than men to experience a mental health condition despite being two times less likely to experience a substance use disorder

Quite possibly the most startling statistics surrounding dual diagnosis is that out of the 7.9 million people who are diagnosed with it, only 7.4% of them get professional treatment.

When someone with a dual diagnosis chooses not to get professional help, he or she can quickly spiral out of control. Not only can his or her symptoms of the mental health condition get much worse, but his or her substance use can increase, adding another layer of complications to an already complex situation.

Professional treatment like the kind we offer here at our dual diagnosis treatment in Knoxville, Tennessee is not only available, but it is accessible. More providers than ever before are utilizing an approach known as integrated intervention, where both conditions are treated simultaneously. When both conditions are being addressed at the same time, individuals can start to recover.

How Is Dual Diagnosis Treated?

As mentioned prior, dual diagnosis is always treated with an integrated intervention lens, meaning that both conditions are actively being observed and treated at the same time. However, in order to start fresh, clients must be free of any and all addictive substances that can alter the functioning of their minds.

Detox

Detox is not always a requirement for all individuals who are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol, however, the majority of those with a dual diagnosis can benefit from participating in detox, even if just for a few days. During this time, clients can clear their systems of their substances of choice so that they can prepare themselves to work on the physical, mental, and emotional needs that they have. Dual diagnosis treatment will offer clients both medical and mental health treatment while in the process of detox so that if any medications or therapeutic services are needed, they can be provided.

Psychotherapy

The majority of one’s time spent in a dual diagnosis treatment will be focused on individual therapy, which is also known as psychotherapy. The client will work one-on-one with a certified therapist who can help guide them towards identifying the issues that impacted and were affected by the substance use disorder and untreated symptoms of the mental illness, as well as find new ways to handle big emotions, stressful events, and triggers. In addition to psychotherapy, each client will also be given the opportunity to participate in other forms of therapy that can help him or her progress in recovery. These might include group therapy, family therapy, behavioral therapy, and so on.

Medications

Dual diagnosis patients are faced with two very complex conditions that can make it difficult for them to function on a regular basis, more so than someone who just has one of these conditions. Part of what makes everyday life more complicated is that individuals with a dual diagnosis are suffering from a mental illness in addition to their substance use disorders. Unless the symptoms of the mental illness fade (due to them being induced by the presence of addictive substances), medication is almost always necessary to help balance out brain chemistry. For instance, clients who have depression and an opioid use disorder might be prescribed an SSRI like Lexapro or Prozac in addition to methadone or buprenorphine, medications that can help curb drug withdrawals and cravings for continued use. All medications supplied at our dual diagnosis treatment in Knoxville are done by a team of professionals who supervise each client’s intake.

Support Groups

Whether someone is receiving dual diagnosis treatment in a residential or outpatient setting, getting connected to local support groups can be a true lifesaver. For starters, support groups like the infamous Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) can help individuals maintain their sobriety by having them work the 12-Steps into their lives. Additionally, other support groups, such as those for people struggling with depression or bipolar disorder, are also locally available and can help individuals continue to develop new, effective ways to manage the symptoms of their mental health condition. When involved in both types of support groups, individuals with a dual diagnosis can obtain a unique type of support that can only be provided by others who have shared in similar experiences.

Get The Right Help Through Our Dual Diagnosis Treatment In Knoxville, TN

As previously stated, less than 8 percent of people with a dual diagnosis get the help that they need in order to properly manage it. If you are one of the millions of people in the United States that is struggling with a dual diagnosis, do not let another day go by without asking for help.

Continuing on with a dual diagnosis will only cause your symptoms of both conditions to get worse, leading to increased personal, professional, and social problems within your life. Plus, abusing drugs and/or alcohol extensively can and will lead to an untimely death if you do not get professional treatment like the kind offered here at JourneyPure’s dual diagnosis treatment in Knoxville, TN.

Do not waste another day. Reach out to our dual diagnosis addiction therapy in Knoxville for help right now. It could save your life.