It is common for some individuals to find it challenging to manage both addiction and poor mental health without support. In some cases, a dual diagnosis can be challenging to treat. Nonetheless, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can help. Combining prescription medications with psychotherapy can be an effective treatment approach. Considering holistic services can also be beneficial to one’s treatment plan. Some individuals may not understand the value of MAT as they may not be familiar with this type of care. Although this may be true, breaking down complementary services and discussing the process with a specialist can ease the transition into care.
According to Psychiatry (Edgmont), a dual diagnosis was first identified in the 1980s. It can be defined as having a co-occurring disorder. For example, one may face challenges with severe substance use disorder (SUD) and a coexisting mental health disorder. A wide body of research has discovered that approximately 2.7 million adults in the past year have reported having alcohol use disorder (AUD) and co-occurring major depression. Individuals with a dual diagnosis commonly require more intense treatment due to the complexity of their case. However, it was estimated that 40.7% of those individuals refused treatment for their dual diagnosis.
When individuals first start using drugs and alcohol, their urge to engage in harmful substances increases over time. As this occurs, the individual may begin to present more addictive behaviors. At this point, it can be challenging for one to recognize they need help. If an individual uses drugs or alcohol for a prolonged period, they may be at an increased risk of developing SUD.
SUD negatively impacts an individual’s reward system and greatly interferes with one’s ability to function on a day-to-day basis. This is where one loses complete control over their addictive behaviors. As this occurs, one may be prone to developing co-occurring depression or anxiety. SUD can leave one feeling incredibly lonely and isolated from society.
Consequently, individuals facing challenges with SUD typically experience various challenges in their daily lives. For example, an individual with unmanaged SUD may experience impaired work performance, academic struggles, financial strife, problems with law enforcement, or poor relationships with friends and family.
If an individual’s SUD is left unmanaged, they may be faced with unemployment, homelessness, academic expulsion, financial burden, divorce, or imprisonment. As one’s life gradually spirals out of control, one may be more prone to developing co-occurring depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders. An untreated dual diagnosis can increase one’s probability of enduring suicidal ideation, overdose, coma, disability, or tragic death.
Whether poor mental health has led one to engage in substance use or one develops a psychiatric disorder as a result of prolonged drug or alcohol abuse, receiving professional treatment is essential to living a greater quality of life. Equally important, early intervention drives the best results. Surrendering to care soon after recognizing the warning signs of their condition can prevent a tragic overdose or even death. Some co-occurring mental health conditions that South Shore Recovery Center effectively treats include:
Although some prescription medications have been proven to ease uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, they do not provide a cure for addiction. They are also not effective on their own for treating a dual diagnosis. However, prescription medications can be a helpful tool in the healing process.
According to the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AZ), MAT can be defined as a treatment option that combines both prescription medications and behavioral therapy for an enhanced approach. This treatment option is best suited for those with severe SUD. MAT can help reestablish mental stability and aid in relapse prevention. If one remains in treatment for an extended period, they will be more likely to manage their addiction and effectively move forward in recovery.
Although there is no direct cause of SUD, trauma is also a common environmental factor associated with SUD. If left unaddressed, one may be more apt to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol in hopes of finding relief. Depending on the severity of one’s addiction, it can be difficult for one to manage intense cravings that stem from unhealthy triggers, unwanted substance exposure, and peer pressure.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), prescription medications are often the first line of choice to provide relief for both mental and physical health problems. Fortunately, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved many different medications to help manage SUD and co-occurring mental health conditions. Withdrawal symptoms can either be severe or life-threatening. Depending on the substance chosen or the intensity of substance use, the severity of withdrawal varies.
The effects of unmanaged withdrawal can often leave one feeling trapped in the vicious cycle of addiction. Nonetheless, certain medications can help relieve withdrawal symptoms and reduce psychological cravings. Prescription medications can help treat chemical imbalances that occur in one’s body due to excessive drug and alcohol usage.
Uncomfortable side effects from prescription drugs are a common concern for individuals with addiction or co-occurring mental health conditions. Nevertheless, South Shore Recovery Center’s expert team of professionals understands the fears behind prescription use. Our clinical team recommends that our patients take their medications as advised and report symptoms if necessary. If medications are part of treatment, it is imperative for one to keep up with doctor’s appointments, which is a vital responsibility. Evidence-based prescription medications that are proven to treat SUD include but are not limited to:
Taking prescription medications can help, but combining psychotherapy with certain medications can further improve one’s treatment progress. For example, prescription medications can help manage symptoms. Behavioral therapy can teach one new skills and strategies to cope with addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. An individual may further benefit from either one-on-one therapy or group therapy.
Individual therapy can provide a more personable approach, delivering pure confidentiality. Group therapy can provide peer support to increase one’s sense of belonging. A multitude of individuals share new coping mechanisms to overcome addiction and focus on mental health. Family group therapy can also help repair relationships that may have been negatively impacted by one’s active addiction. MAT has also been proven to:
For those who require more flexibility but less intense care, residential care, intensive outpatient treatment, or a half-day treatment program may be too intense. Nonetheless, a MAT program may provide the perfect balance for those who need assistance but still desire to live an independent lifestyle. Rather than leaving family behind for treatment or juggling an intense care plan with daily priorities, many individuals still find hope and healing for their dual diagnosis with the MAT program at South Shore Recovery Center.
Behavioral health therapy can be advantageous to one’s path to recovery but may not meet every need. Due to this, other types of holistic therapy can be a complementary service to standard talk therapy and prescription medication. Holistic care is a natural treatment approach with few to no side effects. For example, combining mindfulness-based therapies with medication at South Shore Recovery Center can greatly benefit one’s path to recovery. Engaging in yoga and tai chi or art and music therapy can also benefit one’s subjective well-being.
Mindfulness is a unique ancient practice, much like Buddhist meditation. This practice has been a source of healing for centuries. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) centers on being fully present at the moment. These therapies cultivate an awareness of one’s sensations, thoughts, and feelings without judgment. Patients begin to learn to observe and accept their thoughts and emotions. This may be done to lessen the impact of stress and cravings to achieve lasting recovery. Effective mindfulness and meditative techniques involve body scan meditation and mindful breathing. Benefits that can come from moving forward with mindfulness and meditative practices include:
South Shore Recovery Center’s compassionate team of professionals is deeply committed to providing compassionate and effective treatment through mindfulness-based therapies. Our therapies empower individuals to rewrite their stories and break free from addiction while embarking on a journey of profound healing. By integrating mindfulness into our programs, we provide our patients with a powerful tool to aid in their recovery journey.
With mindfulness as a guiding light, our patients experience a transformative journey of self-discovery and holistic well-being. At South Shore Recovery Center, mindfulness-based therapies rekindle hope, helping individuals move beyond past struggles and embrace the limitless potential within.
Certain symptoms associated with psychiatric disorders commonly overlap with SUD. During the intake process at Shore Recovery Center, a specialist begins to use comprehensive assessments and screenings. Screenings include biopsychosocial evaluations, suicide screening, trauma assessment, and other tools to accurately diagnose each individual. Our clinical health team provides each patient, as well as their loved ones, with a detailed explanation of the diagnosis and multiple treatment options. This may be done to ensure our patients make educated decisions following their treatment plan.
Surrendering to treatment can be an overwhelming process by itself. For some, breaking down different treatment options can seem even more stressful. Not everyone feels comfortable opening up regarding their past addictive behaviors, history with trauma, or uncomfortable symptoms in general. However, doing so can ensure one gains the most benefit from talk therapy. Knowing that psychotherapy is an effective treatment for a dual diagnosis, it can be helpful for one to meet with a specialist at South Shore Recovery Center and discuss available evidence-based treatment options. Not everyone responds effectively to the same type of therapy. Evidence-based therapies at South Shore Recovery Center that are effective in treating a dual diagnosis include:
Although breaking down different therapy options can be beneficial, sometimes it can seem like a lot for just one person. This can be especially so if an individual is not using a medication-assisted treatment as a step down from previous treatment programs. First-time treatment can seem intimidating. Not many individuals know where to start. Some individuals are not familiar with the various treatment options today. Developing an individualized treatment plan with a specialist at South Shore Recovery Center can bring much comfort to those experiencing challenges with their mental health.
To start, one may expect to undergo a thorough evaluation. An individual will then discuss their strengths, weaknesses, interests, and goals with a chosen provider. This may be done so the specialist can best tailor their services to the patient’s needs. The professional may also ask a series of questions regarding their patient’s past medical and trauma history. They may ask questions about the patient’s physical and mental health as well as discuss the individual’s current challenges. At this point, the compassionate staff members at South Shore Recovery Center may recommend various therapy options to combine with the patient’s medicated treatment plan. This may be done to ensure one reaches one’s recovery goals and gains long-term recovery.
Sometimes, after speaking with a specialist at South Shore Recovery Center, some individuals find that MAT is not the right fit, and that is okay. Each individual has a unique history that led to their addiction or a co-occurring condition. However, at South Shore Recovery Center, some patients take great comfort in knowing there are various alternative treatment programs that best suit their needs. Different treatment programs that can help one better manage their dual diagnosis include:
It can be easy for some individuals to forget to take their medications. With how busy life can be, it is not uncommon for one to miss a therapy session or two. Maintaining a MAT program at South Shore Recovery Center can seem overwhelming. This can be especially true for individuals who have families to care for, attend classes, or have a career to focus on.
Knowing that living a poorly structured lifestyle can often worsen one’s mental health and distract one from care, as tough as it may be, practicing self-help strategies is important. With all that life gives, the last thought that may cross one’s mind would be to practice self-care. However, doing so can help one effectively stay on track to long-term recovery with a dual diagnosis. Self-help strategies that can help one balance life’s biggest priorities with treatment include:
Here at South Shore Recovery Center, our compassionate team of professionals understands that treatment for co-occurring disorders involves comprehensive care. We do our best to support our patients with mental health challenges who have problems with misusing substances like drugs or alcohol. Patients learn new skills and coping mechanisms with us to better manage both mental health and substance use. Just like everyone is unique, medication needs are unique to each person. Our doctors figure out which medication will work best for each patient. We believe in building resilience and empowering you to reach your goals. Call South Shore Recovery Center at (774) 515-2878 to learn more about how our medication-assisted treatment program can help you.
DISCLAIMER: South Shore Recovery Center is licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Substance Addiction Services to provide Outpatient Counseling and Day Treatment Services.
