Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Massachusetts

A person with dual diagnosis has an alcohol or drug use disorder and a mental health issue that also needs to be treated. These conditions frequently occur together. In fact, half of those suffering from a mental health disorder have battled, or are currently battling, substance abuse at some point in their lives. A dual diagnosis treatment is one way to address the co-occurring issues concurrently. To learn how rehab programs can help you begin the path to recovery, contact Greater Boston Addiction Centers online or by calling 877.920.6583 today to discover how our dual diagnosis treatment program may help.

The Benefits of a Dual Diagnosis Program

Mental health issues and a drug or alcohol addiction each have their own unique set of causes and effects that may impact your life at home, at work, and in social situations. Unfortunately, many of these disorders work in concert to amplify the negativity in your life. When a mental health problem is left untreated, the substance abuse problem will likely worsen, and as substance use intensifies, your underlying mental health struggles usually get more treacherous. If you or a loved one is battling life on multiple fronts, learn how a Greater Boston Addiction Centers dual diagnosis program can help.

Co-Occurring Disorders Are More Common Than You Think

The mental health problems commonly co-occurring with an addiction to drugs and alcohol include:

• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Anxiety

A dual diagnosis shows that millions of Americans are impacted daily because substance abuse is intrinsically tied to mental health. The number of people suffering and in need of professional care in a dual diagnosis treatment center is staggering:

• Almost half of all adults suffering from severe mental health disorders are also affected by substance use disorder
• Over one-third of those addicted to alcohol and more than half who abuse drugs have at least one mental illness that must also be treated with dual diagnosis in order to enjoy a full recovery
• Approximately 30-percent of adults who have been diagnosed as mentally ill also have an alcohol or drug abuse issue

In the battle against your body’s dependency, while your mind wants to escape the pain it feels, it seems like the odds are stacked against you. It is unfair, and you may begin to think that your future is bleak. But in a dual diagnosis program, there is hope. With an understanding, patient, and supportive group of family and friends, a desire to help yourself, and professional treatment in a dual diagnosis treatment center, you can start down the path toward a happier, healthier life in recovery.

What Happens in a Dual Diagnosis Program?

A dual diagnosis program can dig deep and get at the root of your problems with mental health and addiction. Signs and symptoms of these issues can vary depending on your specific mental health struggles and the type of drugs being used, but dual diagnosis from a trained professional staff can make all the difference. The way depression, anxiety, and drug addiction look varies from person to person, but there are numerous commonalities, including:

• Relying on alcohol to cope with trauma or ‘heavy’ feelings
• Using drugs to manage pain
• Needing a drink to stay focused
• Getting more depressed when you drink alcohol
• Feeling depressed or anxious when you are sober
• Drinking because you feel anxious
• Having a family history of mental health disorders or substance abuse
• Relapsing because mental health issues were not addressed in a dual diagnosis program

Addiction and Mental Health Treatment Therapies Used in Dual Diagnosis

Dual diagnosis treatment must be comprehensive to be successful. A variety of therapies are used in this type of treatment, which is also called “integrated care.” The goal is to help the individual heal physically, mentally, and emotionally. Some of the standard therapies used in dual diagnosis treatment include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This type of therapy helps the individual change negative thinking and behaviors.
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): This type of therapy helps the individual develop coping mechanisms for stress and other negative emotions.
• Motivational interviewing: This type of therapy helps the individual increase their intrinsic motivation to change.
• Trauma therapy: This type of therapy helps get at the root of trauma, promote the processing of that trauma, and ultimately move towards healing.
• Family therapy: This type of therapy helps the individual repair and rebuild relationships with family members.

Learn More at Greater Boston Addiction Centers

If you are struggling with mental health and addiction, learn how dual diagnosis in our Massachusetts facility can help to start rebuilding your life. Contact us using our secure online form or call us at 877.920.6583 today.