About Dual Diagnosis Treatment Programs
Dual diagnosis treatment programs are designed for people who are battling mental health disorders and substance abuse problems at the same time.
Treatment centers that offer these programs recognize that these two issues often go hand in hand and need to be treated together for effective recovery.
At Mark Behavioral Health, a reputable facility located in Florida, we understand the importance of specialized care for people with a dual diagnosis.
Our comprehensive mental health treatment programs are specifically designed to address the unique needs of each person.
These residential treatment programs take into account your mental health condition and your alcohol/drug abuse issues to help you achieve lasting recovery.
Why Dual Diagnosis Treatment Matters
Dual diagnosis treatment is necessary because co-occurring disorders (mental and behavioral health disorders that occur at the same time) are complex.
Mental health disorders and drug or alcohol addiction can interact with each other, making the recovery process more challenging. Dual diagnosis treatment programs are equipped to handle these challenges
By integrating mental health and alcohol/drug use services, dual diagnosis treatment programs provide a holistic approach that addresses both aspects of your well-being.
Common Disorders in a Dual Diagnosis
A dual diagnosis happens when someone has both a mental health disorder and a substance abuse issue.
Treating this combination requires specialized treatment to help people manage the unique challenges of both conditions at the same time.
Many mental health disorders frequently co-occur with substance abuse issues.
Here are some common examples of disorders that may happen alongside addiction:
- Depression: Characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and fatigue.
- Anxiety disorders: includes generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Symptoms include excessive fear or worry.
- Bipolar disorder: involves extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression).
- Borderline personality disorder: features intense emotions, impulsive behaviors, and unstable relationships.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, leading to flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety.
The Link Between Addiction and Mental Illness
The relationship between addiction and mental illness is intricate, and known as comorbidity.
Substance abuse can worsen symptoms of mental health disorders, while mental illness can cause people to use drugs such as opioids or alcohol as a way to self-medicate.
This cycle often makes it difficult for those affected to break free, which is why comprehensive treatment at a dual diagnosis treatment center is typically necessary.
How Many People Have a Dual Diagnosis in Florida?
Thousands of Floridians struggle with both mental health issues and substance abuse. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in 2022 that about 18% of Floridian adults may have a dual diagnosis.
Of those who reported both mental health problems and drug or alcohol use disorders, more than half did not receive treatment. This was usually due to high costs.
In addition, suicide rates and hospitalization for mental health issues are higher in Florida than the national average, as of 2019.
Why Is Integrated Treatment Important for Dual Diagnosis?
Integrated treatment programs combine mental health and substance abuse treatments into a single, cohesive approach.
Here are the top reasons to use an integrated approach for dual diagnosis:
- Treating mental health issues and substance abuse together increases the chance of successful recovery.
- Patients receive comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of their condition.
- Reduces the risk of relapse by providing continuous support for both disorders.
Key components of integrated treatment programs include:
- Therapy: such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based therapies.
- Medication management: proper use of medications like antidepressants and antipsychotics to stabilize mental health conditions.
- Holistic approaches: activities such as yoga, meditation, and nutritional counseling that support overall well-being.
Mark Behavioral Health provides these integrated treatment services, offering Florida residents the care they need to manage their dual diagnosis effectively.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment Options in Florida
If you need co-occurring disorder treatment, you may be able to find it in a few different formats in Florida, including the following.
Residential Dual Diagnosis Programs
Residential dual diagnosis programs offer a structured environment, hours of therapy every week, and ongoing monitoring.
These programs provide around-the-clock care, ensuring you receive the support you need at any time of day.
Here’s what you’ll find in the Mark Behavioral Health residential program:
- 24/7 medical supervision: constant monitoring helps you manage mental health symptoms and substance abuse, and quickly look for warning signs of relapse.
- Integrated therapy: which combines individual therapy, group sessions, and specialized treatments for co-occurring disorders.
- Safe environment: a drug-free setting in a homey atmosphere that minimizes triggers and temptations.
- Comprehensive care: includes access to medical detoxification (detox), psychotherapy, psychiatric assessments as needed, and medication management.
Mark Behavioral Health in Florida specializes in these residential programs. Here’s how our programs can benefit you:
- Providing structure and routine: helps you establish healthy habits and routines, which are crucial for recovery.
- Connecting you with peer support: interacting with others facing similar challenges can be therapeutic and encouraging.
- Professional guidance: you’ll receive only expert care with access to experienced therapists, doctors, and counselors.
Outpatient Dual Diagnosis Treatment
In an outpatient treatment facility, you can take part in dual diagnosis treatment while still maintaining your daily routines and responsibilities.
An outpatient program may be more flexible and convenient for those who cannot commit to a residential program.
Types of outpatient dual diagnosis treatment:
- Therapy: regular sessions with a therapist can help you learn coping skills for both disorders and work through triggers, past trauma, and more.
- Support groups: peer support groups provide a sense of community and shared experiences.
- Relapse prevention training: helps teach you how to recognize symptoms and triggers and address them before they lead to a relapse.
This approach lets you continue working, attending school, or taking care of family obligations while receiving the necessary support for your recovery.
Aftercare for Dual Diagnosis
Aftercare for a dual diagnosis can help you maintain your recovery progress long after your treatment program ends.
Some aftercare options may include:
- Continued therapy
- Continued use of mental health medications
- Participation in group therapy
- Sober living houses
Long-term care for a dual diagnosis often involves ongoing symptom and medication monitoring and support. This way, you can prevent relapse and address any new challenges that may arise.
Services in Dual Diagnosis Programs
Dual diagnosis programs offer a range of services for mental health disorders and addiction issues.
Some treatment services you may find in a dual diagnosis treatment program in Florida include:
- Psychiatric evaluations: You may undergo an initial evaluation to help mental health professionals understand your mental health status and substance use history.
- Medication management: This involves ongoing monitoring and adjustment of medications to best treat mental health disorders.
- Detoxification: People in recovery from alcohol or opioids may need to safely withdraw from these substances.
- Individual therapy: You can take part in one-on-one sessions with a therapist to address your personal challenges and develop coping strategies.
- Group therapy: Peer support groups provide a sense of community and shared understanding.
- Family therapy: Involving your family members in treatment can improve communication and relationships.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This structured approach helps you identify and change negative thought patterns.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): You can learn skills for emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.
- Grief therapy: Many people have unresolved grief that affects their mental health. Specialized support can help you deal with loss.
- Sexual trauma therapy: Victims of sexual assault or abuse can find targeted therapy. This helps them overcome barriers to mental health wellness.
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): People with severe addictions may need medications, counseling, and behavioral therapies to treat them.
- Case management: Coordination of care services will ensure all aspects of your needs are met.
- Skill building: After treatment, you may need to find a job and/or housing. These programs/services offer support for gaining employment skills and job placement.
Medications in Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Medications play a crucial role in dual diagnosis treatment by calming some of the most troublesome symptoms of many disorders.
Common medications in dual diagnosis care include:
- Antidepressants: Used to treat depression by balancing chemicals in the brain.
- Antipsychotics: Help manage symptoms of severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
- Mood stabilizers: Used for conditions like bipolar disorder to prevent mood swings.
- Medications for withdrawal symptoms: Such as Suboxone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone or methadone. These ease physical symptoms during detox.
Healthcare providers need to closely monitor use of these medications to make sure they work well and have minimal side effects.
Effects of Untreated Co-Occurring Disorders
Untreated dual diagnosis can lead to worsening symptoms of both the mental health disorder and the drug or alcohol use.
People with untreated co-occurring disorders often face:
- Frequent relapses: Without proper treatment, people may experience setbacks in their recovery.
- Increased risk of self-harm: Failure to address both conditions can heighten the risk of self-harm, suicide, or overdose.
- Life effects: Over time, untreated mental health issues can contribute to job loss, housing issues, financial troubles, and criminal activity.
- Increased health issues: Left untreated, substance abuse can worsen many health conditions, including existing health issues, heart problems, lung problems, and more.
At Mark Behavioral Health, we aim to set you up for success in recovery by giving you the tools you need to manage your mental health for years to come.
Benefits of Targeted Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Why choose dual diagnosis treatment? Here are some of the most important benefits of this type of mental and behavioral health care:
- Treating both mental health and substance abuse issues together improves recovery rates and reduces relapses.
- An integrated approach, tailored to each person’s needs, results in more effective treatment. That’s because it considers all aspects of well-being, from psychiatric support to substance use counseling.
- Dual diagnosis programs help you and your loved ones understand the complex relationship between mental health and substance abuse. This promotes effective coping strategies and long-term management plans.
Mark Behavioral Health provides compassionate, evidence-based care through targeted dual diagnosis treatment that addresses both symptoms and root causes for lasting recovery.
Support for Long-Term Dual Diagnosis Recovery
Mental health issues and addiction are chronic disorders. That means they never really go away, but require ongoing support.
With the right care, you may be considered recovered or even in remission. Here are some of the most important supportive resources which can help you work toward lasting recovery.
Ongoing Counseling
Continuing counseling or therapy sessions after you leave treatment can help you maintain sobriety and manage mental health symptoms.
Regular therapy sessions provide a safe space for you to work through challenges and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Before leaving treatment, Mark Behavioral Health can help you find local therapy offerings close to home.
Motivational Interventions
A motivational intervention can empower you on your recovery journey. These interventions use positive reinforcement to encourage progress and build confidence.
By focusing on your strengths and achievements, you’ll be motivated to stay committed to your treatment plan.
Community Resources and Peer Support
After you get home, you may need to lean on your community for moral and recovery support. Community-based programs offer various support services, including group therapy, educational workshops, and recreational activities.
Peer support groups can connect you with others who have gone through similar situations. To find a community group near you, try looking for Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous support groups.
You may also be able to find grief support, men’s mental health sharing groups, women’s groups, and much more.
Family Involvement
Through education and therapy sessions, families learn about dual diagnosis and how to support their loved ones. Family involvement helps set the tone for a supportive home environment that will lend to your long-term recovery.
Mark Behavioral Health offers a family treatment component for all who are interested, including family therapy and specialized family events.
Cost of Dual Diagnosis Care Programs
Understanding the cost of dual diagnosis treatment is essential for planning. That way, you won’t face any surprises that can cause undue stress during an already stressful time.
The price of these programs varies based on the services and the length of the program. In Florida, the average cost for a residential rehab program (which would include dual diagnosis care) is $56,640. The average outpatient program in Florida costs $1,705.
Keep in mind that most costs of either treatment program can be covered by insurance plans.
Some facilities also offer financing plans or sliding scale fees to help make treatment more affordable based on income.
Mark Behavioral Health works with our patients and their families to find payment plans that are right for you, because investing in dual diagnosis care is investing in a healthier future.
Dual Diagnosis Programs at Mark Behavioral Health
Our dual diagnosis treatment programs at Mark Behavioral Health are centered around specialized care and integrated, tailor-made treatment.
We believe that one size does not fit all when it comes to treatment. That’s why our programs offer tailored approaches that take into consideration the unique needs and circumstances of each individual.
When you choose Mark Behavioral Health for dual diagnosis treatment, you can expect:
- An expert team of mental health professionals
- Compassionate support
- Evidence-based treatment approaches
- The most intensive care available (residential programs)
Mark Behavioral Health is committed to providing fit-for-you care that supports long-term recovery for people with a dual diagnosis.
Seeking Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Florida: The Road to Recovery
Taking the first step toward healing can be challenging, but it will set you up to make lasting changes for the better. Finding the right dual diagnosis treatment in Florida can make a significant difference.
When choosing a facility, look for comprehensive care programs, like ours at Mark Behavioral Health.
We can offer personalized care for dual diagnosis disorders, ongoing support, family therapy, and much more. Reach out to us today to get started.
