/Of those struggling with substance use disorders, many also face mental health challenges. When these two conditions affect an individual simultaneously, it is referred to as a dual diagnosis or as co-occurring disorders. At San Antonio Recovery Center, we offer a specialized treatment program for those with a dual diagnosis. In our treatment center, patients receive care that is tailored to their needs. That might include medication, behavioral therapy, trauma therapy, or activities like yoga or meditation. No matter where you are on your journey to recovery, we can help.

Dual diagnosis treatment gives our patients the opportunity for long-lasting recovery. We’ll help you heal from the effects of addiction and help you develop the healthy coping skills you need to take back control of your life. If you’re ready to begin a treatment program that will help you become your healthiest self, reach out to San Antonio Recovery Center at 866.957.7885 or connect with us online today to learn more.

What Is Dual Diagnosis?

/Dual diagnosis refers to the condition of having both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder. Dual diagnosis is not rare–rather, these disorders occur together frequently. As many as half of those who struggle with a mental health condition will also face substance use issues at some point in their lives.

However, only a small minority of those with substance use issues go through a treatment program, and even fewer receive treatment designed to address both conditions. Our dual diagnosis program is uniquely designed to help those with co-occurring disorders. Some of the conditions that we treat include:

  • Opioid use disorder
  • Alcohol use disorder
  • Depression
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder

Why is it so important to treat both conditions simultaneously? Treating only one at a time can increase the risk of relapse. For example, someone struggling with depression alongside alcohol addiction who only receives treatment for the addiction might be tempted to relapse during their next depressive episode. However, a treatment that addresses both conditions can help patients manage their mental health as they develop healthy coping skills to avoid relapse.

At San Antonio Recovery Center, our dual diagnosis treatment program takes the whole patient into account. We help our patients heal in body, mind, and spirit, which means we address the mental and emotional factors that can make recovery challenging.

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The Connection Between Mental Health Issues
and Addiction

Why are substance use issues so common in those who struggle with their mental health? There are a few factors that contribute to this phenomenon.

While these conditions occur together frequently, they are not always the cause of each other. Some risk factors, like genetics, trauma, and environmental issues like stress, can play a role in developing both addiction and mental health issues.

However, substance use issues can contribute to the development of mental health issues and vice versa. Someone who struggles with their mental health might turn to drugs or alcohol for relief. While these substances might ease symptoms in the short term, long-term, they can actually exacerbate mental health issues. Over time, substance abuse causes changes in the brain, leading to tolerance, dependence, and addiction.

COMMON CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS

There are several mental health disorders that are commonly seen alongside substance use issues.

Major Depressive Disorder

Also referred to as clinical depression, major depressive disorder is characterized by feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed, physical exhaustion, and thoughts of suicide. Drug and alcohol use can make the symptoms of depression more severe.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

This mental health condition is incredibly common, affecting millions of adults in the United States. Those with anxiety disorders experience persistent feelings of worry that can be difficult to control.

Bipolar Disorder

Those with bipolar disorder experience periods of depression as well as periods of mania. These can be rapid-cycling or can last for as long as several months. Some individuals might turn to drugs and alcohol to feel relief from the depressive episodes, while others might use substances to cope with the symptoms of mania.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Individuals who have experienced trauma in the past can develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Traumatic experiences might include:

  • Childhood abuse
  • Domestic abuse
  • Sexual assault
  • Natural disasters
  • Car accidents
  • Illness
  • Loss of a loved one

The symptoms of PTSD can include anxiety, flashbacks, and trouble sleeping.

Are You a Candidate for Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

It can be difficult to know if you need dual diagnosis treatment. At San Antonio Recovery Center, we complete a thorough assessment during the admissions process to determine the best approach to treatment for each patient. We also adjust treatment plans frequently to help our patients reach their goals.

While symptoms can vary, there are some symptoms to look out for that can indicate that you or a loved one might be struggling with co-occurring disorders:

  • Using prescription drugs in ways other than as prescribed
  • Going to more than one doctor for a prescription
  • Feeling the need to drink or use drugs to get through the day
  • Withdrawal symptoms like nausea, headaches, or insomnia
  • Problems concentrating
  • Extreme mood swings
  • Sudden changes in behavior
  • Risky behaviors like driving under the influence or unsafe sex
  • Legal or financial issues stemming from drug or alcohol use

Any combination of mental illness and addiction is enough to qualify for dual diagnosis treatment. This treatment is important for long-lasting rehabilitation. Those who struggle with addiction face both physical and psychological challenges on the road to recovery. Severe withdrawal symptoms and cravings can make sobriety difficult. And for many, mental health issues act as triggers for addictive behaviors, particularly when both disorders go untreated. To overcome addiction, it’s necessary to develop healthy coping skills.

Our Approach to Dual Diagnosis Treatment

/Our dual diagnosis treatment program combines the most effective aspects of mental health care and substance use disorder treatment. Some of the services and therapeutic modalities we incorporate into our dual diagnosis treatment programs include:

  • Trauma therapy – Work through past trauma with the help of an experienced therapist
  • Medication-assisted treatment – Some medications can ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings and help manage the symptoms of mental health issues
  • Family therapy – Resolve family conflicts and form healthier relationships in sessions with a therapist
  • Yoga and Meditation – These practices can be healthy outlets for stress
  • 12-step meetings – Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings promote long-term sobriety
  • Behavioral therapy – Patients examine the thoughts and actions that have led to destructive behaviors in the past and make healthy changes for the future

We help our patients identify their triggers for relapse and develop lifelong coping skills. Through every step of the recovery process, we offer support. In our treatment center, you’ll find a community of recovery-focused individuals who will help you maintain your newfound sobriety.

Help for Co-Occurring Disorders in San Antonio

At San Antonio Recovery Center, we take a personal and individualized approach to treatment. We strive to give each guest the best chance to successfully recover. Our team of medical professionals are leaders in their field and remain dedicated to changing lives. Instead of focusing on one particular area, we see our patients as complex people in need of individualized care.

Some of the addiction treatment programs we offer include:

  • Detox program – Medical support, medication, and counseling can help you begin recovery with a strong foundation
  • Residential drug and alcohol program – Focus on your journey to recovery away from the stresses of everyday life
  • Intensive outpatient program – Consistent support and intensive therapy can help you develop healthy coping skills and a relapse prevention plan
  • Sober living – Our recovery residences serve as a transition between inpatient programs and fully independent living
  • Aftercare program – Ongoing therapy and 12-step meetings can promote long-term recovery
  • 90-day treatment program – This length of time in treatment allows patients to changes habits and thought patterns that might have contributed to substance use issues

At San Antonio Recovery Center, we use accurate diagnosis, advanced treatment, and emotional support to provide the best treatment. Additionally, we are proud to say that we offer a safe and comfortable facility for guests to recover. If you choose us for your recovery, we will work tirelessly until you achieve the successful results you desire.

Help for Co-Occurring Disorders Is a Phone Call Away

If you or a loved one is ready to overcome an addiction to drugs or alcohol, our rehab specialists at San Antonio Recovery Center are ready to help. Through our full continuum of care, our patients develop the healthy coping skills they need for lifelong recovery with consistent support, accountability, and structure. We offer customized treatment plans for every individual in our care and can help you take your life back from addiction and co-occurring mental health issues.

Take the first step towards recovery today. To speak to a member of our team about dual diagnosis treatment in San Antonio, reach out to us at 866.957.7885 or connect with us online. We’ll help you on the journey to recovery.