Anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and many other mental health conditions can take a big toll on a person’s well-being. It is not uncommon for those who have such conditions to reach for drugs and alcohol to ease their suffering. For others, the onset of drug and alcohol use can trigger symptoms of mental health disorders.
No matter which came first, mental health or substance use disorder, dual diagnosis treatment in Richmond, VA, can help you. At Iron Bridge Recovery Center, we work with people who struggle with both conditions, providing a way forward that restores physical and mental health.
You Are Not Alone in Your Struggle
About 7.7 million adults in the U.S. are suffering from co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, according to data shared by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). What’s especially worrisome is the number of people who do not seek out dual diagnosis treatment. Data from NIDA show that 52.5% of those who have co-occurring disorders do not seek out care, and only 9.1% of those who do receive treatment that addresses both the mental health and the substance use disorder.
What Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
When you choose an alcohol addiction treatment center, you are probably looking for a program that helps people stop drinking. You may not think about possible mental health concerns that drive the alcohol use, like bipolar disorder or anxiety disorder. It may never occur to you that you have a mental health disorder.
On the other hand, some people who need mental health support may turn to a psychiatric center for treatment and not consider that their substance use also needs to be addressed.
When mental health disorder and addiction are both present, they must be treated simultaneously for long-term success. Otherwise, the mental health issue will continue to trigger substance use, and substance use will continue to exacerbate underlying mental health disorders.
So, what is dual diagnosis treatment?
Dual diagnosis treatment is a specialized approach that supports recovery from both mental health and substance use disorders. It is an effective, evidence-based strategy for helping people recover and sustain that recovery over time.
Components of Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Dual diagnosis treatment offers highly customized care based on your specific needs. Some components of the treatment process include:
- Detox: In some situations, individuals need to start with controlled, medically monitored detox to rid the body of the substances present. Detox makes it possible to see and diagnose any underlying mental health disorders.
- Professional treatment: Our residential treatment program, as well as our outpatient programs, can foster a safe place for you to begin to work through your substance use disorder and mental health challenges.
- Behavioral strategies: Our team works with you to create a powerful plan for addressing your symptoms. Numerous treatment options, especially cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy, may be helpful.
- Medication: Many people with underlying mental health disorders need medication to help alleviate symptoms. In a dual diagnosis treatment program, doctors can prescribe and monitor these medications.
- Therapy: Dual diagnosis treatment places a heavy emphasis on both individual and group therapy. Getting support from others who face similar battles is a powerful component of healing.
With dual diagnosis treatment, you’ll work with both your mental health and substance use issues at the same time. This ensures better recovery, with less chance of relapse.
Seek Out the Care You Need with Our Team
Dual diagnosis treatment in Richmond, VA, is just a phone call away. At Iron Bridge Recovery Center, we work with patients from all walks of life who face incredible challenges. Contact us now to set up a consultation.
