Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Many individuals who are diagnosed with a substance use disorder also have a mental illness like depression, anxiety, or PTSD. This is known as a dual diagnosis, or co-occurring disorders.
Here’s more about how our dual diagnosis treatment, and the quality of care that we offer.
Why Do Addiction and Mental Illness Co-Occur?
Substance abuse and addiction have the ability to trigger a mental illness, while the opposite is also true. Using drugs and alcohol regularly in high amounts can lead to changes in the brain that make people more susceptible to mental illness. For instance, alcohol interferes with the brain’s production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood and behavior. Over time, a person who drinks high amounts of alcohol on a regular basis can develop a mental health disorder such as depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Mental illness can also lead to substance abuse and addiction. Some people with mental illnesses may use drugs and alcohol in an effort to escape or relieve their symptoms and feel better. For example, people with PTSD are more likely to suffer from alcohol abuse, since alcohol may temporarily relieve PTSD symptoms such as anxiety, fear, and guilt. Substance abuse can often worsen symptoms of mental illness and contribute to more serious problems.
In our care, you will have access to a strong support team comprising nurses, doctor, counselors, therapists, and peers in recovery. You will discover new interests and hobbies to replace the time you spent using and recovering from drugs, as well as learn healthier ways to manage stress that do not involve drugs and alcohol.
How Do You Know if You Have a Dual Diagnosis?
People who decide to seek treatment for either mental illness or addiction are often screened for both disorders at the same time. This is because mental illnesses and substance use disorders share many of the same symptoms. For example, insomnia, anxiety, and general discontent are all symptoms of both depression and opioid withdrawal.
Many drug rehab centers will perform an assessment and evaluation when you or your loved one first arrives at the treatment center. These evaluations are often performed by medical staff comprised of clinicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, and licensed counselors. Together, these professionals will properly diagnose your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan. If you have a dual diagnosis, you will receive integrated treatment for both the substance use disorder and mental illness.
How Is a Dual Diagnosis Treated at Indiana Inpatient Rehab?
A dual diagnosis is commonly treated using a range of behavioral therapies. Evidence-based therapies commonly used to treat a dual diagnosis may include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy: helps to change negative and harmful thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that may be contributing to addiction and mental illness.
- Dialectical behavioral therapy: helps to reduce self-harm behaviors such as self-mutilation, drug or alcohol abuse, and suicidal thoughts, urges, or attempts.
- Contingency management: involves the use of vouchers or rewards that are given to patients who practice and demonstrate healthy behaviors such as staying abstinent from drugs and alcohol.
- Family therapy: helps patients strengthen and rebuild relationships with loved ones that were damaged on behalf of addiction and untreated mental health symptoms.
- Support groups: helps patients overcome isolation and learn to cope with symptoms of addiction and mental illness alongside peers who are facing similar problems.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment at
Indiana Inpatient Rehab
Integrated dual diagnosis treatment is available through our inpatient residential rehab program. Patients who are experiencing or on the verge of experiencing a psychiatric crisis may benefit the most from inpatient residential rehab where they can receive 24-hour support, treatment, and monitoring.
Indiana Inpatient Rehab offers dual diagnosis treatment for those who need help recovering from mental illness and substance abuse. Contact us today at to learn more about dual diagnosis treatment and our other levels of care.