Living with a mental health disorder and addiction can make many aspects of life more challenging. People with a dual diagnosis must receive treatment to address both conditions. Dual diagnosis treatment typically consists of evidence-based therapies to treat mental health disorders and substance use disorders, including therapy, medical care, and education.
This article will explore what to expect in dual diagnosis treatment in New Jersey. You will learn:
- What to expect from a dual diagnosis treatment program
- The benefits of dual diagnosis treatment in long-term recovery
- How to determine if dual diagnosis treatment is right for you
- Where to find comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment and support
If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the intake specialists at New Jersey Behavioral Health to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
What Happens in Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
Dual-diagnosis treatment programs provide care in progressive stages. Here is a general idea of what to expect from a dual-diagnosis treatment program.
Assessment
Before you begin treatment, a doctor will assess your needs. This assessment will gather information about your mental and physical health, family history, and more. This information will help your treatment team recommend the right level of care and develop an effective treatment plan.
Medically-supported detoxification
During a medically-supported detox program, people receive the supervision and treatment they need to have a safe, complete detox.
Detox treatment plans typically include:
- Medications to manage withdrawal symptoms
- Emotional support, including individual and group therapy
- Round-the-clock supervision and access to treatment
- Holistic treatments to soothe the mind and body
People may spend a few days, a week, or longer in detox, depending on their needs.
Dual diagnosis treatment
Treatment facilities for co-occurring disorders may offer multiple levels of dual diagnosis treatment, including inpatient and outpatient programs. In all levels of care, people receive individual therapies, treatment, and education. This personalized treatment can help people navigate the early stages of recovery and sustain recovery for life.
Dual-diagnosis treatment plans may include:
- Medications
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other specialized talk therapies
- Group and family therapy
- Mental health and medical care
- Relapse prevention education
- Aftercare planning
- Holistic therapies, including nutrition support, creative therapies, and mindfulness
This combination of evidence-based therapies can help people manage their mental health symptoms and work toward lifelong addiction recovery.
Aftercare
During treatment, people begin to create an aftercare plan. This plan includes activities that support recovery after rehab. It may consist of sober living, support groups, mental health treatment, 12-step meetings, and more.
What are the Benefits of Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
Dual-diagnosis treatment programs provide high-quality treatment for mental health conditions and substance use disorder (SUD). This type of care can help people overcome addiction and manage the symptoms of their mental health condition.
Here are some of the most significant benefits of attending a dual-diagnosis treatment program.
Assessment
Mental health and medical professionals assess and re-assess people in dual-diagnosis treatment programs. This allows people to get the most tailored, effective treatment possible at every stage of recovery.
Medically assisted treatment (MAT)
Dual-diagnosis treatment programs provide tailored care, including medication management. Medications can help people remain safe during detox, manage mental health symptoms, and improve daily functioning.
Personalized care
Addiction recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process. Mental health and medical experts get to know each person individually during dual diagnosis treatment, ensuring thoughtful care at every stage of detox, treatment, and aftercare.
Holistic treatment
Dual-diagnosis treatment programs provide therapies for the body, mind, and spirit. They can address the physical, psychological, and behavioral components of addiction and mental health conditions. Instead of treating only the physical aspects of SUD, dual diagnosis programs offer therapies to improve a person’s overall health and well-being at each stage of recovery.
Aftercare planning
People with mental health issues and SUD must manage these conditions for life. A dual-diagnosis treatment program helps people create an effective aftercare plan to keep them on track in recovery after rehab.
Dual-diagnosis treatment centers provide tailored, holistic care that can help people with mental health conditions and SUD live the healthier, more fulfilling lives they choose.
Do I Need Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
People with a dual diagnosis meet the criteria for a mental illness and a substance use disorder (SUD). Some signs of a dual diagnosis include:
- Having a diagnosed mental health condition
- Using drugs or alcohol to manage stress or cope with trauma
- Significant changes in your behaviors, mood, sleep, or appetite
- Increased isolation
- New or worsening relationship problems
- Substance abuse that worsens the symptoms of an existing mental health condition
Seek treatment right away if you or a loved one lives with untreated mental health issues and substance abuse. Getting treatment and support can help you overcome SUD and manage your mental health symptoms.
Find Dual Diagnosis Treatment in New Jersey Today
If you or someone you love needs dual diagnosis treatment, you can find the care you need at New Jersey Behavioral Health. Learn more about our programs or schedule an intake appointment by contacting our specialists now.