5 Benefits of Dual Diagnosis Treatment in New Jersey

Many people with substance use disorder don’t just have a problem with drugs and alcohol. Oftentimes, addiction is the result of unresolved issues such as trauma or mental illness.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 17 million U.S. adults struggled with both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder in 2020.[1] Overall, researchers have found that nearly half of individuals who struggle with addiction also have a mental illness and vice versa.[2]

Mental illness and addiction not only co-exist at staggering rates, but each condition can worsen symptoms of the other. However, since both conditions have similar symptoms and risk factors, they can both be treated effectively at the same time using a dual diagnosis treatment approach.

Dual diagnosis treatment is an integrated approach that aims to treat mental illness and substance use disorder at the same time. By treating both conditions simultaneously, patients can achieve whole-person healing and long-term sobriety.

Here are the top 5 benefits of attending a dual diagnosis treatment program in New Jersey.

1. Dual Diagnosis Treatment Beings With a Full Psychiatric Health Assessment

The first step of dual diagnosis rehab is a complete psychiatric health assessment. Patients meet with a licensed psychiatrist who conducts a comprehensive exam and gathers a detailed life and family history of the patient. This exam helps diagnose any mental health conditions patients may be suffering from.

Throughout treatment, patients continue meeting with doctors and psychiatrists so they can monitor their progress during treatment. Mental health and addiction experts remain involved in patients’ treatment plans so they can actively monitor patients’ progress and adjust treatments, as needed.

Complete medical and psychiatric services can improve treatment outcomes in individuals struggling with co-occurring disorders.

2. Patients Can Reveal and Begin to Understand the Root Causes of Their Addictions

One of the most important benefits of dual diagnosis treatment is that patients have the opportunity to uncover, examine, and treat the underlying causes of their addictions. In many situations, untreated mental illness fuels substance abuse. People begin self-medicating to find relief for their mental health, but find themselves stuck in the grips of addiction, instead.

Whether a patients’ underlying cause is trauma, depression, bipolar disorder, or any other mental health concern, dual diagnosis treatment can help by:

• Providing patients with an accurate mental health diagnosis
• Matching treatments and services to the patient’s mental health needs
• Facilitating therapies that are clinically proven to be effective in treating a mental health diagnosis
• Educating patients about their diagnosis
• Helping patients learn how to cope without using drugs or alcohol

When the root cause of addiction is treated, a person can truly begin to heal and recover.

3. Dual Diagnosis Programs Connect Like-Minded Individuals For Peer Support

A major component of dual diagnosis rehab is group therapy and peer support. The majority of therapy sessions are held in small groups that bring together like-minded individuals who share their experiences, struggles, and goals for the future. Group members act as sounding boards, giving feedback, advice, and encouragement.

Struggling with a co-occurring mental health condition and substance use disorder can be terribly lonely. It can lead individuals to isolate and feel disconnected from their peers. Fortunately, dual diagnosis treatment provides a safe, structured, and supportive environment for individuals to come together and get support.

4. Highly Individualized Treatment Programs

Addiction recovery is not a one-size-fits-all venture. The most effective treatment programs are those that customize each and every service to patients’ unique needs.[3]

Through a comprehensive psychiatric exam and one-to-one treatments, dual diagnosis rehab centers are able to match treatments and therapies to each patients’ needs. This highly individualized approach can pave the way for improved treatment outcomes and long-term sobriety.

5. Get The Opportunity to Make a Practical Plan for the Future

Dual diagnosis treatment helps address and treat the root causes of addiction, but it also helps patients plan for the future.

When someone is affected by co-occurring disorders, they may feel hopeless about the future. They may feel as though there is no way to stay sober outside the walls of an addiction treatment center. Normal everyday tasks that are easy for the average person are much more complicated for someone with co-occurring disorders, but dual diagnosis treatment helps prepare individuals for whatever obstacles come their way.

Dual diagnosis rehab centers work closely with each patient to help them develop an aftercare plan that works for them. Aftercare may consist of sober living, outpatient rehab, mental health counseling, recovery fellowships, and more.

Experience The Benefits of Dual Diagnosis Treatment in New Jersey For Yourself

If you or a loved one struggles with mental health and addiction, it’s important to know that you are not alone. There are entire communities of people just like you who have improved their mental health, stayed sober, and continue to live healthy, productive lives. All you have to do to get started is pick up the phone and ask for help.

Here at New Jersey Addiction Intervention, our team of dedicated admissions coordinators is available 24-hours a day to take your call, assess your needs, and help you find the right dual diagnosis program for you. Call now for a confidential, risk-free consultation.

References:

1. https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Common-with-Mental-Illness/Substance-Use-Disorders
2. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/substance-use-and-mental-health