Dual diagnosis may sound like a terrifying prospect. People shudder at the thought of having one diagnosis; having two may seem insurmountable. Fortunately, treatment for mental health issues and substance use disorder (SUD) has come a long way. Treatment centers are embracing the idea that both disorders can be treated at the same time. In the right setting, a dual diagnosis can be a simple matter — twice the diagnosis means twice the healing.
What Is Dual Diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis is, simply put, a combination of mental health disorders and SUDs. It is extremely common in the world of substance abuse. Studies have shown that 75% of people who struggle with a serious mental health disorder also struggle with substance abuse.
This means that someone with untreated post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) could easily have developed a dependency on alcohol. Someone who struggles with extreme depression may use stimulants to try to cope with the feeling of despondency. The combinations of substance abuse and mental health issues are endless.
How Is Dual Diagnosis Treated?
Thankfully, drug and alcohol treatment has come a long way in the practice of treating those with dual diagnoses. Treatment centers are aware that treating both conditions at once is not only possible but also highly recommended. Treating the mental health disorder that contributes to substance abuse can produce a long-term route to recovery. There are a variety of options for treatment, some of which are listed below.
Individual Therapy
Getting to the root of both of your diagnoses is much easier with the guidance of a well-trained professional. A professional therapist can help you understand your mental health disorder. They can also help you understand why substance abuse intrinsically links to your mental health. When you understand why you’re feeling the way you are and what is compelling you to seek solace in substances, a professional therapist can give you some of the tools you need to cope in a more productive way.
Equine Therapy
Horses have been helping us for thousands of years. Not only have they gotten us where we’re going, but they also seem to be inclined to guide us to where we need to go. Equine therapy has been proven to assist us in reducing our stress, coping with our anxiety, and processing our pain. Not only that, but a connection to a horse can help us learn to connect with the world around us positively and without the use of substances.
Meditation and Yoga
These techniques are often suggested for a reason. Learning to center ourselves and be mindful of our thoughts is something we frequently neglect in a life of poor mental health and substance abuse. Just pausing and breathing deeply for a set period of time during our day can make a powerful difference in our lives.
These are just a few of the many treatment options for a dual diagnosis. The most important part of the decision is finding treatment. There are treatment centers that excel at treating co-occurring diagnoses, and they’re more than able to help.
Fighting a mental health disorder can be a daunting task. If substance abuse is present, too, then it may seem impossible to overcome both obstacles. Dual diagnosis is a very real, commonly occurring condition in the realm of substance abuse. Thankfully, this means that treating it is possible. If you struggle with a mental health issue and substance abuse, then there is treatment available for you. You don’t have to go through this alone. Call The Guest House at (855) 483-7800 for treatment options.