JUMP TO A SECTION...
ToggleAddiction and mental health conditions often go hand in hand. Many people begin abusing drugs and alcohol to cope with the untreated symptoms of their mental illness. When you have a mental health condition and an addiction at the same time, that is known as having co-occurring disorders.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 21.5 million people in the United States suffer from co-occurring disorders.[1]
When you have co-occurring conditions, both disorders need to be treated at the same time. Thankfully, dual-diagnosis rehab centers make this possible. These treatment facilities combine mental health care with addiction treatment in a comprehensive program.
If you are considering seeking treatment for your co-occurring conditions, you want to choose the right program for you. When looking for dual diagnosis rehab in South Florida, you should pick a facility that offers individualized treatment, and medical detox services, specializes in your mental illness, uses evidence-based therapies, and provides an adequate treatment length.
In this article, you will learn:
- What is dual diagnosis rehab or co-occurring disorder treatment?
- Why is it important to treat mental health and addiction at the same time?
- What should you look for when choosing a treatment center for co-occurring disorders in South Florida?
What is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
Dual diagnosis rehab is another term for co-occurring disorder treatment. These are treatment centers that offer support for mental health and addiction at the same time.
During dual diagnosis treatment, you will engage in a comprehensive rehab program that includes services like medical detox, evidence-based behavioral therapies, medication management, relapse prevention planning, and aftercare services.
While there are outpatient dual diagnosis programs, most of them are inpatient. Residential settings make it easier for clients to fully immerse themselves in a recovery environment, increasing treatment retention and lessening the chance of relapse. These programs can last anywhere from 30 to 90 days on average.
Dual diagnosis programs exist because co-occurring disorders must be treated at the same time. If only one condition is treated, the unaddressed condition will cause a relapse in the other. For example, if you only treat addiction, the underlying mental health symptoms will eventually cause you to begin abusing drugs and alcohol once again.
How to Choose a Co-Occurring Disorder Rehab Program in South Florida
If you suffer from addiction and a co-occurring mental health disorder, you should seek professional help. While there are many co-occurring disorder treatment programs in South Florida, you want to make sure you pick one that is right for you.
When choosing a dual diagnosis rehab program, look for the following qualities:
Individualized Treatment Plans
Addiction can co-occur with a wide variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more. Because you could have any one of these conditions, treatment must be individualized and based on your specific needs.
Pick a program that offers individualized treatment planning. This is usually achieved through in-depth assessments that ask questions about your physical and mental health as well as your history of substance abuse. The information gathered is used to create a treatment plan based on the specifics of your needs.
Agape Behavioral Accepts Private Insurance Plans
Medical Detox Services
When you suffer from addiction, your brain and body become dependent on drugs and alcohol. As a result, you will experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop abusing drugs. Because withdrawal can be severe and even life-threatening in some cases, you need medical assistance to help you overcome it safely and comfortably.
Pick a co-occurring disorder treatment program that includes medical detox services. This means you will be provided with medications and treatments to lessen your withdrawal symptoms and cravings while keeping you medically stable.
Specialty Type
While most dual-diagnosis rehab centers are equipped to deal with common conditions like anxiety or depression, some disorders require professionals who specialize in specific types of treatment.
For example, eating disorders can be more complex, often needing a combination of behavioral therapy, medication, and nutritional counseling. Another example would be post-traumatic stress disorder, which requires trauma-informed care.
If you have one of these mental health disorders, you should look for a co-occurring disorder rehab center in Florida that specializes in your illness.
Evidence-Based Therapies
Mental health and substance abuse are both treated with behavioral therapy. At a dual diagnosis rehab center, you will engage in group therapy and individual counseling to learn coping skills, overcome triggers, and develop emotional regulation techniques.
You should choose a program that uses evidence-based therapies. This means that the therapeutic interventions they use are clinically proven through research to improve the condition being treated.
Length of Program
Lastly, you want to pick a program that offers you enough time to recover from your mental health condition and substance use disorder. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “participation for less than 90 days is of limited effectiveness, and treatment lasting significantly longer is recommended for maintaining positive outcomes.”[2]
In other words, it is best to choose a facility that offers at least 90 days of treatment, especially if you have a more complex mental illness or a severe substance use disorder.
Get Connected to Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders in Florida
If you or a loved one suffers from co-occurring disorders, it’s time to seek professional help. Dual diagnosis programs in South Florida can help you gain the tools and support you need to recover from both of your conditions at the same time.
Contact Agape Behavioral Healthcare today for more information on our co-occurring disorder treatment center in Florida.
References:
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Co-Occurring Disorders and Other Health Conditions
- The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment