Managing Co-Occurring Disorders at Restoration Recovery

Co-occurring disorders are one of the most important issues in the realm of addiction treatment. Dual diagnosis is another term used to describe comorbidity when an individual has substance use disorder (SUD) and a coexisting mental health disorder. At Restoration Recovery, we understand how such two conditions are related and how they have to be treated at the same time. Read on to learn more about the approach used at Restoration Recovery to treat co-occurring disorders and how we care for your individualized needs through recovery. 

Understanding Dual Diagnosis

Dual diagnosis is a condition in which an individual struggles with both SUD and a mental health disorder at the same time. It is estimated that 40-50% of clients with SUD also have a coexisting mental disorder. They can include depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and schizophrenia, among others.

Substance use and mental health disorders often play off of one another. Mental health disorders are known to result in substance use as the affected individuals may turn to using substances to treat the symptoms. On the other hand, substance use can worsen or even cause mental health disorders, creating a cycle that affects the treatment and recovery process. 

Effects of Mental Health on Addiction

Mental health has a strong connection with addiction. It affects the onset and progression of substance use disorders. Clients suffering from depression might use things like alcohol or opioids to alleviate their feelings of sadness. Anxiety disorders may make an individual take benzodiazepines or marijuana to help in the management of the symptoms. In the long run, this practice will culminate in the development of dependence and/or addiction. 

Mental health disorders can also interfere with an individual’s capacity to participate in addiction treatment as well as derive benefits from it. Common side effects, such as mood swings, cognitive difficulties, and low motivation, can pose a problem with compliance to treatment regimens, participating in therapy, or even maintaining sobriety. Again, this illustrates the importance of treating both disorders at the same time and in an integrated manner. 

The Major Elements of Dual Diagnosis Treatment

There are various aspects involved in treating co-occurring disorders. Utilizing these elements helps to ensure that a client is set up for a successful recovery and treatment journey that meets all of their needs. 

Comprehensive Assessment and Diagnosis

The first process in the treatment of co-occurring disorders is the identification and diagnosis of the disorders. This process includes an assessment of the client’s health status, substance use, mental status, and social situation. To diagnose SUD and mental health disorders at Restoration Recovery, we employ standardized screening instruments and DSM-5 criteria. This extensive examination is the basis of the treatment that will be given to the client so that no aspect is overlooked. 

Integrated Therapy and Counseling

Psychotherapy is the main component of dual diagnosis treatment. At Restoration Recovery, we have diverse therapeutic approaches that are available to individuals with dual diagnoses. These include:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a common type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping clients to alter their way of thinking and behaving. It is useful in the treatment of SUD and a wide range of mental illnesses, including depressive and anxiety disorders. 
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT is mostly used with clients who have issues with emotional dysregulation. It provides methods of how to handle stress, how to be aware of the present moment, and how to manage emotions. 
• Trauma-Informed Care: It is common for clients with co-occurring disorders to have experienced some form of trauma in their lives. The principles of trauma-informed care take into consideration that trauma affects the well-being of an individual’s mental health and can lead to substance use.
• Motivational Interviewing (MI): MI is a client/motivator-focused technique that assists people in identifying their reasons for change. It is especially helpful for clients who may have some doubts about embracing or persisting in the treatment process. 
• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Some people may require medication to help them treat both their mental health and substance use disorders. The approach used in MAT is the administration of FDA-approved drugs to help curb the cravings and manage the withdrawal symptoms and mood swings.

We make sure that aftercare planning is a very important part of our program. Our team is here to assist our clients in identifying the most appropriate aftercare plan for them, which may include counseling, support groups, and measures to prevent relapse. This plan assists our clients in sustaining their progress in recovery when they are discharged from our facility. By creating a unique treatment plan that caters to the individual needs of our clients, we can ensure that they are set up for success in working through co-occurring disorders. 

Co-morbidity is a phenomenon that is not very easy to handle when it comes to treatment. One set of disorders can worsen the other and affect the diagnosis as well as the treatment process. The fact that mental illnesses and substance use disorders are widely stigmatized can make individuals hesitant to seek care. However, it is important to note that the outcomes of proper management of dual diagnosis are great. Managing both conditions at the same time will help in attaining better treatment results, enhancing one’s quality of life, and decreasing the chances of relapse. To learn more about the effects of co-occurring disorders and the effects that this can have on recovery, contact Restoration Recovery at (888) 290-0925.