Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Austin: Integrated Care for Mental Health & Substance Use
Understanding Co-Occurring Disorders
Addiction is a mental health condition that rarely appears alone. Several mental health disorders can directly contribute to the potential development or result from substance use disorder (SUD) and/or addiction. These conditions are known as co-occurring disorders because they simultaneously occur alongside one or more other mental health disorders. Having two or more mental health disorders simultaneously is diagnosed as a dual diagnosis.
Though it may seem overwhelming, a dual diagnosis is a treatable condition. Anyone can achieve long-term recovery with the right treatment program in an accredited treatment center. It’s not just mental health treatment that must occur, but also an overhaul of habits and coping skills. Alpha Behavioral Health, in particular, specializes in treating individuals struggling with a dual diagnosis. These challenges require a tailored approach to treatment.
Combining education with compassionate, quality drug rehab, Alpha Behavioral Health strives to bring hope to families searching for dual diagnosis treatment in Austin, Texas.
The Intertwined Nature of Mental Health Issues and Substance Abuse
Mental health conditions and drug addiction often share similar causes. Developing either condition is beyond a person’s control. Genetics, family history, environment, gender, and life experiences can heavily influence the development of various mental health conditions. Outside factors, such as peer pressure, traumatic events, or even a serious injury, can increase the likelihood of addiction. An example of this is opioid addiction, which can occur when prescribed opioids as a result of major surgery.
When it comes to a dual diagnosis, there are two well-known methods in which such a diagnosis can develop.
- You self-medicate with an addictive substance to dull, treat, or mask an already existing mental health disorder or other painful condition, which turns into a dependency.
- You developed a mental health disorder due to events or chemical influence surrounding your substance abuse, such as depression or anxiety, and in severe cases, substance-induced psychoses.
The Importance of Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Austin
Though a loved one with a dual diagnosis can recover, the journey to do so takes careful planning and consideration. You cannot treat only one part of a dual diagnosis. Both must receive equal treatment for recovery to be effective. For example, a person with both an alcohol addiction and depression will not recover if only the alcohol addiction is addressed. Doing so allows the depression to worsen, which can pull someone back into self-medicating habits. Instead, such an individual will receive a treatment program that addresses both the alcohol addiction and the depression at the same time.
It’s not just treating the mental health conditions and addiction that are important in an effective treatment plan. Addressing other factors such as healthy coping skills, stress management, and peer-pressure resistance is also important for a successful recovery journey. Alpha Behavioral Health in Austin, Texas, takes their treatment plans further by offering full wellness and complete levels of care. Helping individuals be successful in all aspects of their lives bolsters their mental resistance. In turn, this teaches them that sober living can be full of joy and excitement.
Alpha Behavioral Health: A Supportive Environment for Holistic Healing
The best place to facilitate this change is to seek professional help at a recovery center specializing in dual diagnosis treatment. Alpha Behavioral Health is one such place, offering a holistic and encouraging approach to mental health and addiction recovery. Offering all levels of care, from detoxification to outpatient treatment, individuals in Austin can find comprehensive support and lasting healing.
Alpha Behavioral Health is also here to help you unlock your true potential. You may come alone to treatment at Alpha Behavioral Health, but you will never leave without a robust community ready and willing to help you.
The Prevalence and Impact of Dual Diagnosis
As mentioned before, it’s not uncommon for a person to struggle with a mental health disorder at some point in their life. Unfortunately, not much is discussed when it comes to mental health care compared to physical health care. Times are changing, and now we are more aware of what mental health disorders look like and how they can affect your life. Understanding the commonality of mental health disorders puts into perspective why dual diagnoses are so prevalent.
Common Mental Health Disorders Co-Occurring with Substance Use Disorder
At its core, substance use and abuse are a direct response to pain. When a person is in pain, they will often seek to lessen this pain through self-medicating behaviors. That’s why you tend to see some mental health disorders included in a dual diagnosis. This is especially true for some groups of people, such as teens and young adults. Although anyone at any age can develop a mental health disorder, specific socioeconomic and peer factors will increase the risk in some age groups.
Some examples of commonly co-occurring mental health disorders are:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related disorders
- Personality disorders
- Eating disorders
Untreated co-occurring disorders can worsen the overall health and well-being of an individual. It causes pain and confusion, which can drastically reduce one’s quality of life. In severe cases, the pain of an untreated co-occurring disorder can spill over onto a loved one or even cause great harm to your social, academic, or vocational life. It’s critical to seek treatment, not just because untreated mental health disorders are harmful, but also because nobody deserves to be in such pain.
Recognizing the Need for Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Dual diagnosis treatment is a life-saving measure, much like an antibiotic is for a serious infection. Ignoring a dual diagnosis will not make it go away. Instead, it must be addressed with the serious professional help that it deserves.
I’m looking for
Identifying Signs of Substance Abuse Alongside Mental Illness
Substance abuse and mental illnesses can share common symptoms that can tell you or a loved one that something is wrong. Some of these signs include:
- Losing interest in activities you once loved and enjoyed
- Struggling with responsibilities at work, school, or home
- Withdrawing from loved ones
- Sudden changes in health, hygiene, and sleep patterns
- Unexpected weight loss or gain
Substance abuse signs can vary depending on the substance being abused. For example, drugs injected via needles can cause skin sores and lesions, whereas alcohol use is characterized by uncoordinated movement. However, some universal signs of substance abuse are:
- Becoming more secretive and defensive with your loved ones about your substance use
- Being unable to stop thinking about or using substances, even if you want to stop
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using substances
- Spending most of your time recovering from, procuring, and using substances
Like substance abuse, the signs of a mental health disorder can greatly vary depending on the specific disorder. Though there are some common universal signs, such as:
- Unexpected mood changes and swings
- Excessive feelings of worry, fear, sadness, or hopelessness
- Confusion and difficulty concentrating
- Difficulties understanding or relating to other people
- Physical ailments without obvious causes, such as stomach aches and headaches
- Thoughts of death or suicide
It’s vital to be aware of your body and the habits of your loved ones. The quicker a problem is noticed, the faster help can be rendered.
Seeking Specialized Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers in Austin, Texas
Single-focused addiction or mental health treatment is severely limited in how it can help those struggling with a dual diagnosis. In this case, a single-focused approach will only worsen the condition and greatly demoralize the individual seeking help. For any multiple disorder treatment to be effective, you need to take a comprehensive approach.
That’s why those seeking both mental health and addiction treatment find success at Alpha Behavioral Health. Here at their rehab center, clients undergo a holistic and whole-healing treatment approach. This integrated and compassionate philosophy of treatment ensures complete dual diagnosis recovery.
Alpha Behavioral Health’s Integrated Approach to Dual Diagnosis
Taking an integrated treatment approach is essential not just for recovery but also for overall healing. A dual diagnosis causes physical, mental, and spiritual harm. To achieve full recovery, a person must find healing in all aspects of themselves. Treatment at Alpha Behavioral Health is designed to meet these needs and more. The core components rely on a combination of specialized therapies, caring professionals, and respect for your needs as individuals.
Our Philosophy: Holistic, Evidence-Based Therapies, and Individualized Care
Holistic treatment involves total healing of the self. This includes the body, mind, and spirit. Holistic dual diagnosis treatment is designed to address all these needs and repair the damage caused by addiction, substance abuse, and untreated mental health disorders.
Clients at Alpha Behavioral Health will improve their physical health by engaging in therapeutic outdoor activities. The mind finds healing through precise clinical therapies. Healing the spirit by inspiring confidence and building self-esteem is done through self-expression and team-building exercises. All elements of an individualized treatment plan at Alpha Behavioral Health are safe, effective, and backed by scientific evidence.
Experienced Clinicians Specializing in Addiction and Mental Health
Our staff are highly trained to help you or your loved one find the healing they need for total recovery. This includes a wide range of professionals who can give specialized therapies and address serious addiction and mental health disorders. Their compassionate and understanding approach provides unparalleled quality care while also inspiring clients to take charge of their future.
Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment for Stabilization and Healing
Clients and their families choose Alpha Behavioral Health because of their high standards of safety and support. No client has to fear being put in danger or being belittled while seeking treatment. All therapies and wilderness activities are overseen by industry professionals with a high degree of training. Clients are not just safe, they are supported and encouraged. This safe place allows them to prepare for higher education or a career, setting them up for success post-treatment.
Receiving All Levels of Care at Alpha Behavioral Health
Alpha Behavioral Health is a treatment facility that believes in providing all levels of care to each client. This allows clients to stay in a place where they feel safe and familiar, preventing the stress of seeking care at different treatment facilities and recovery centers. Treatment plans vary depending on the severity of the dual diagnosis and specific addiction, but whole-level care typically is as follows.
First is a medical detox, where you spend time under medical supervision as drugs leave your body. Withdrawal symptoms are managed, and special care is taken to make sure the detoxification process is safe and comfortable.
Once detoxed, you move to inpatient treatment, also known as residential treatment. You live on campus during residential treatment to receive intensive care under the supervision of medical and mental health care professionals. Those who complete residential treatment but still struggle with cravings or withdrawal symptoms can move to a partial hospitalization program (PHP).
Once a client is stable enough, they can transition into an intensive outpatient program (IOP) or other forms of outpatient treatment. Outpatient treatment allows clients to transition back into normal life while being flexible enough to continue receiving support. The goal is for clients to eventually only need check-ins, as they would have built a skill base and support network robust enough to ensure continuous recovery.
Promoting Wellness and Well-Being Through Integrated Care
It’s not just important to receive addiction care. Clients must also improve their overall wellness and well-being through integrated care and skill training. This ranges from learning how to plan and cook a balanced meal to household budgeting. A whole wellness approach ensures that clients can learn to care for themselves and become healthier individuals throughout treatment. When clients feel better overall, they are less likely to experience a relapse or fall back into unhealthy coping habits.
dEvidence-Based Therapies for Dual Diagnosis
Alpha Behavioral Health has access to a wide range of evidence-based therapies and modalities designed to treat dual diagnoses. Treatment plans can include everything from typical psychotherapies to more exciting therapies, such as wilderness therapy. The goal is to have enough options available to craft a fully customized and comprehensive treatment plan for each client seeking treatment.
Psychotherapies are the basis of every treatment plan. The most common of which are cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). CBT is used to help clients address unhelpful and harmful thought and behavioral patterns, while DBT helps develop emotional regulation and life skills. These therapies are typically conducted as part of individual therapy as a way to explore underlying issues and build better coping mechanisms.
Alongside individual therapy, clients will also participate in group therapy. Group therapy is vital in giving clients a network of peer support. Sharing experiences helps clients understand that they are not alone in their struggles. Family therapy is also important at Alpha Behavioral Health, as healing relationships and building a supportive environment help clients stay successful during and after treatment.
For those who require it, medication management is also a helpful part of many treatment plans. Addressing the symptoms of mental health disorders with integrated psychiatry brings relief, allowing clients to focus on recovery. Combining clinical approaches, such as medication management, with more holistic modalities offers the best of both worlds, ensuring everyone has access to optimal care.
The Importance of Aftercare and Relapse Prevention in Dual Diagnosis
Aftercare is critical in promoting sober living and lasting recovery. Clients are well aware that they will never be abandoned, and they always have a place of safety at Alpha Behavioral Health. Aftercare and relapse prevention activities vary between workshops, community events, and skill training. For teens, the Alpha Launch program provides a safe place for hangouts and studying. This special clubhouse doubles as a lifeline for teens transitioning into adulthood with career and academic counseling.
For adults, the Transitional Living program is here to help them build the confidence they need to face life proudly. It provides aftercare by giving young men the means to form healthy, lasting bonds and friendships with their peers. Relapses often occur when a person feels alone or lost. With the Transitional Living program, clients will never have to feel alone.
Why Choose Alpha Behavioral Health for Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Austin, Texas?
When searching for dual diagnosis treatment, you need to find a place that offers all levels of care with respect and understanding. Alpha Behavioral Health is staffed by caring professionals who understand what families are going through and strive to make a tangible difference. This can be through helping families conduct their interventions, or teaching a young man that they, by existing, bring intrinsic value to the world.
Yes, families can expect evidence-based treatments and therapies specifically designed for dual diagnosis treatment. However, families can also expect their loved ones to be treated with compassion, understanding, and love. We believe that everyone deserves to break free of the addictions and co-occurring disorders that are holding back their true potential, no matter who they are.
If you’d like to see for yourself how Alpha Behavioral Health can make a difference in your or a loved one’s life, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. The path to recovery can begin today.
Battling addiction and a co-occurring disorder can be difficult, but Alpha Behavioral Health is here to help. To learn more about our dual diagnosis treatment program, call (855) 725-2744 today.