Dual diagnosis occurs when a mental health disorder and addiction are present. One may cause the other. To improve addiction recovery, mental health disorders need treatment as well and at the same time. This type of treatment program can help restore overall wellbeing, health, and quality of life. At Northern Illinois Recovery, we offer this care.
Jump to Section
Do You Have an Addiction and Mental Health Disorder?
Mental health disorders often present with addiction include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. In many of these cases, a person uses drugs or alcohol to help manage their disorder symptoms. This type of self-medicating is dangerous in that it does not work for long and leads to addiction. You may need dual diagnosis if you have symptoms such as:
- Using alcohol or drugs to manage depression or anxiety
- Needing to use drugs or alcohol to “feel normal” or functional
- Turning to drugs or alcohol after a long day to manage stress
- Feeling unable to stop using or control how much you use
- Feeling cravings or withdrawal symptoms when not using
- Experiencing intense emotions when you don’t use
In these situations, getting help for addiction and mental health tends to be critical. Doing so can open the door for improvements in both physical health and mental health.
What Is Treated First? Mental Health or Addiction Recovery?
One of the unique aspects of dual diagnosis treatment is that both are treated at the same time. Most people will embrace therapy that includes support for their addiction and tools for managing their mental health disorders. Some of these include:
- Medications: In both cases, medications may be helpful. For addiction recovery, medications may ward off cravings and withdrawal symptoms, helping you feel good. Medications can also reduce the symptoms of most mental health disorders. It can take time to find a balance.
- Individual Therapy: During individual therapy, you’ll learn about both of your conditions while also developing skills to manage stress, improve communications, and restore relationships that matter to you. Individual therapy’s focus is typically on finding the cause of your addiction.
- Family Therapy: Dual diagnosis may include family therapy, including resolving conflicts and building a strong support system. In some situations, family therapy also focuses on improving a family’s ability to spot triggers or warning signs of the onset of episodes that require treatment.
- Group Therapy: For mental health and addiction recovery benefits, embrace group therapy. Here, clients discuss what they are facing together, learning obstacles, and developing strategies for overcoming their challenges together. This can build confidence while also creating an opportunity to open up to express feelings and concerns.
Finding the Right Type of Dual Diagnosis Treatment Is the Key
Needing dual diagnosis treatment doesn’t mean the recovery process will be harder. It just means you need a specialized program to help you. That may provide you with resources to support healing from past trauma or learning how to cope with anxiety. At the same time, addiction recovery needs are met by providing you with strategies to avoid the onset of relapse.
At Northern Illinois Recovery, we offer comprehensive therapy to help you through dual diagnosis. That includes a range of treatment programs such as:
- Women’s treatment program
- Men’s treatment program
- Intensive outpatient program
- Partial hospitalization program
- Outpatient drug rehab
Choose Treatment at Northern Illinois Recovery
Mental health and addiction recovery takes work and the right treatment program. Our team at Northern Illinois Recovery provides dual diagnosis treatment in a modern, innovative program. If you’re ready to embrace a higher quality of life, call us at 855.786.1978 or connect with our team online.
Licensed Physician and Surgeon
Dr. Beth Dunlap, a board-certified addiction medicine and family medicine physician, and is the medical director at Northern Illinois Recovery Center. She is responsible for overseeing all the integrated medical services at both campuses. Beth completed medical school, residency, and fellowship at Northwestern University, where she continues to serve on the faculty as a member of the Department of Family and Community Medicine. She has extensive experience in addiction medicine at all levels of care, and her clinical interests include integrated primary care and addiction medicine, harm reduction, and medication-assisted treatment.
© 2023 Northern Illinois Recovery.