If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you may have heard the term “dual diagnosis” and wondered what it means. A dual diagnosis occurs when a person simultaneously has a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder. It is important to understand how these two conditions interact to get effective treatment for both. At The Willows at Red Oak Recovery®, we specialize in dual diagnosis services for young women.
If you or a loved one want to know more about dual diagnosis services, our dual diagnosis treatment program can help. Contact us at 855.773.0614 today to learn more about our dual diagnosis services for women ages 18 to 30.
What Is Dual Diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis is often referred to as co-occurring disorders because two distinct illnesses exist simultaneously in one person. If not properly treated, these disorders can cause extreme stress, anxiety, and depression, leading to relapse into addiction or other negative behaviors. To be diagnosed with dual diagnosis, an individual must meet certain criteria, including:
- A current or past history of substance misuse
- The presence of one or more mental health disorders
- Evidence that the symptoms of both disorders are related to each other
- A significant impact on daily functioning due to either disorder (or both)
When left untreated, dual diagnosis can have serious consequences like increased risk of suicide or self-harm, difficulty maintaining relationships, financial instability, and legal problems. That’s why getting help from an experienced team of professionals specializing in dual diagnosis services is critical for those suffering from this complex disorder.
What Are the Most Common Dual Diagnoses?
The most common dual diagnoses include:
Depression and Substance Use Disorder
Many people who suffer from depression also struggle with drug or alcohol misuse to self-medicate their condition. This puts them at risk of developing an addiction as well as worsening their depression symptoms over time.
Bipolar Disorder and Substance Use Disorder
Bipolar disorder is characterized by intense mood swings between periods of mania and depression, which can lead some individuals to turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with their emotions. This can quickly spiral into full-blown addiction if left untreated.
Anxiety Disorders and Substance Use Disorder
People with anxiety may use drugs or alcohol as a way to reduce their anxious feelings, but this actually makes them more prone to developing an addiction over time since it does nothing to address the underlying causes of their anxiety symptoms.
PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and Substance Use Disorder
People who experience trauma may try to numb themselves by abusing drugs or alcohol, but this only further complicates their condition by leading them down a path towards addiction if not appropriately addressed through therapy and counseling sessions focused on trauma recovery techniques like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing).
Discover the Benefits of Dual Diagnosis Services at The Willows at Red Oak Recovery®
Knowing what type of dual diagnosis you are dealing with is key in order for you or your loved one to get the right kind of help needed for treatment success. At The Willows at Red Oak Recovery®, we offer specialized dual diagnosis treatment programs designed specifically for women that include evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), trauma resolution therapies such as EMDR, holistic healing modalities like yoga therapy, mindfulness meditation practices, nutrition counseling, art therapy sessions, 12 step group meetings, experiential activities such as equine assisted learning (EAL) courses, aftercare planning services for longterm recovery success.
Contact The Willows at Red Oak Recovery® today by calling 855.773.0614 or filling out our online form if you want more information about our services. We are here for you every step of the way.
