What is a Co-Occurring Disorder?: A Comprehensive Overview
Individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) may experience co-occurring mental health issues. In some cases, substance abuse may contribute to the development of mental health conditions or vice versa. However, substance abuse and mental health disorders can also develop independently. South Shore Recovery Center specializes in providing personalized treatment to individuals struggling with co-occurring disorders. Our experts use compassionate care and evidence-based modalities to address the root cause of dual diagnosis.
Find Hope and Healing for Co-Occurring Disorders at South Shore Recovery
Co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders, also called dual diagnosis, affect millions of people. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “7.7 million adults have co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.” We provide hope to individuals living with dual diagnosis.
Some of the most common mental health disorders co-occurring alongside substance abuse include:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Major depressive disorder (MDD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Personality disorders
- Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
Individuals have access to multiple levels of care and comprehensive aftercare planning to ensure they have access to the level of support they need to heal and manage the signs and symptoms of co-occurring disorders.
Transform Your Life With Specialized Dual Diagnosis Care
Dual diagnosis care ensures individuals learn practical coping skills and healthy behaviors. We also provide family support services and help clients repair relationships with loved ones. Individuals have better outcomes when treatment addresses all areas of their lives affected by comorbidity of substance dependence and mental health disorders. We help individuals transform their lives by providing professional therapy services that address each person’s unique needs.
Begin Your Journey With a Comprehensive Assessment
The symptoms of mental health disorders may overlap with substance use disorder. During the intake process, we use comprehensive assessments and screenings, including biopsychosocial evaluations, suicide screening, trauma assessment, and other tools to accurately diagnose individuals. We provide patients and their loved ones with a detailed explanation of the diagnosis and multiple treatment options to ensure they make educated decisions about their care.
Clinicians continue to assess patient needs throughout treatment. Some mental health disorders may have symptoms similar to those of withdrawal. After completing detox treatment, patients undergo additional mental health assessments. The clinical team monitors changes and progress throughout treatment and may adjust the care plan to address any new mental health symptoms or side effects.
Tailored Treatment Plans for Unique Challenges
Individuals with dual diagnoses benefit from tailored therapy plans. At South Shore Recovery Center, our rehabilitation programs address the complex connections between substance abuse and mental health disorders by providing comprehensive care. Our clinicians consider the unique challenges faced by individuals with dual diagnoses. We effectively address underlying issues impacting mental health while using a whole-person approach to address SUD.
Identifying the Root Causes of Co-Occurring Disorders
Co-occurring mental health disorders may develop independently or as a side effect of substance abuse. Many factors have the potential to cause mental health issues, including:
- A family history of substance use and mental health disorders
- Chemical or hormonal changes in the brain
- Psychological trauma
- Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
- Significant life changes
- Lack of social support
- Chronic stress
- Persistent or chronic medical conditions
- Social pressure, stigmas, or discrimination
We use extensive assessments and screening tools to identify potential underlying factors impacting each individual’s quality of life and mental health. Individuals in treatment receive the support they need to address those underlying issues, preparing them for long-term sobriety.
Integrative Therapy Sessions for Deeper Healing
We combine individual and group therapy sessions in our treatment for co occurring disorders with other addiction recovery services to provide deeper healing. Our team uses psychiatry, psychotherapy, and other evidence-based approaches to assess patients. We incorporate integrative techniques, including mindfulness-based practices, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and other holistic therapies. South Shore Recovery Center addresses dual diagnosis using various therapeutic approaches. Treatment programs combine individual and group therapy sessions with other therapy modalities to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Medication Management for a Balanced Recovery
Many individuals with dual diagnosis require prescription medication to successfully manage their symptoms during treatment and ongoing recovery. We offer various support services, including medication management, for individuals struggling with mental health disorders. South Shore Recovery Center provides referrals for individuals who may need to continue taking medication after completing treatment.
Strategies to Manage Cravings and Emotional Triggers
Patients in treatment for substance use disorder use various strategies to manage cravings and triggers during early recovery. Our clinical team helps patients learn effective strategies for managing emotional triggers and other side effects of substance abuse. Co-occurring mental health disorders may increase the severity of cravings for some individuals. We offer prescription medications to help patients manage cravings for certain conditions, including drug withdrawal from opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder (AUD).
Build Resilience Through Personalized Coping Techniques
Treating dual diagnosis using evidence-based therapies facilitates skill development and relapse prevention. Patients learn to build resilience using tailored coping techniques. A personalized treatment plan reduces stress, improves self-awareness, and increases emotional stability. Resilience helps patients actively participate in their recovery and engage more fully in treatment services.
Ongoing Aftercare Groups Keep You Engaged and Motivated
Continuing support is essential for ensuring lasting recovery and providing patients with the resources they need to navigate challenges in treatment. We encourage patients to attend aftercare groups in the community to stay motivated and engaged in recovery. According to Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation, “Historically, peer support has been shown to be a key component of many existing addiction treatment and recovery approaches such as the community reinforcement approach, therapeutic communities, and 12-step programs.” We provide referrals to private and community-based therapy services, including self-help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
Evidence-Based Treatments Tailored to Your Needs
Everyone has different needs and preferences that impact how they react during treatment for substance use and mental health disorders. South Shore Recovery Center tailors addiction treatment plans based on self-reported symptoms, assessment results, and progress monitoring. Patients play an active role in creating their own treatment and aftercare plans. Clinicians collaborate closely with patients and their families to ensure they have proper education and feel confident in their ability to maintain sobriety and positive mental health after completing treatment.
Individuals struggling with chronic substance abuse may experience co-occurring mental health disorders. We use comprehensive assessments to accurately diagnose patients and provide appropriate treatment options. To learn more about the treatment programs at South Shore Recovery Center, call our office today at (774) 515-2878.
