Mental health and substance use are often deeply connected. In many cases, substance use begins as a way to cope when mental health symptoms become overwhelming, and substance use can worsen pre-existing but not severe mental health disorders. When a person experiences both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder at the same time, this is known as dual diagnosis.
To support lasting recovery, both conditions must be treated together. Dual diagnosis rehabilitation centers are equipped to provide treatment plans that address both diagnoses for holistic healing.
What is Dual Diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis is when a person experiences mental health challenges and addiction at the same time. The conditions interact and can make each other worse. For example, depression and alcoholism are often seen in tandem. One may lead to or worsen the other. This complicates treatment, and traditional therapeutic methods may not be as effective in creating lasting recovery.
Co-occurring vs. Dual Diagnosis: What’s the Difference?
Co-occurring and dual diagnosis are two terms that are oftentimes used interchangeably in recovery. However, there is a subtle difference between the two. Co-occurring is a broader term used to describe two disorders happening simultaneously. This can include mental health, addiction, and physical impairment. Dual diagnosis is when mental health and addiction disorders co-exist.
An example of a co-occurring disorder is chronic pain and depression. An example of dual diagnosis is anxiety and opioid addiction.
How is Dual Diagnosis Rehab Different?
Dual diagnosis treatment centers have clinical staff and resources to support individuals struggling with both their mental health and substance abuse. Rather than treating each condition separately, these programs use an integrated care model that considers how mental, emotional, and physical health intersect.
A key difference between dual diagnosis rehabilitation centers and traditional addiction treatment centers is in the therapeutic methods they use. A dual diagnosis center is more likely to offer trauma-informed therapy, including Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Treating substance use without addressing mental health often leads to ongoing emotional distress and higher relapse risk. Dual diagnosis care reduces gaps in care and avoids treating one issue while unintentionally worsening the other.
Finding the Right Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center for You
Choosing the right dual diagnosis program plays a significant role in recovery. When exploring options, it’s important to understand both the levels of care available and the therapeutic approaches used.
Types of Dual Diagnosis Treatment Programs
Partial Hospitalization for Dual Diagnosis (PHP)
Partial Hospitalization for Dual Diagnosis (PHP) is an outpatient treatment program designed for individuals who need structure but do not require 24/7 residential care. Patients return home or to sober living at the end of each day. PHP is a good fit for people who need more structure than standard outpatient care, are stepping down from inpatient or residential treatment, and have a stable living environment.
Intensive Outpatient for Dual Diagnosis (IOP)
Intensive Outpatient for Dual Diagnosis (IOP) is a flexible treatment program that supports individuals with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders while allowing them to maintain daily responsibilities like work, school, or family life. It provides ongoing clinical care without the time commitment of inpatient or partial hospitalization programs. Most IOP programs meet 3 to 5 days per week for 3 to 4 hours per session.
Types of Dual Diagnosis Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT for addiction and mental health is a form of talk therapy that focuses on identifying unproductive ways of thinking and reframing them. Patients set goals and work toward them in partnership with their therapist. The goal is to equip patients with coping skills to use in triggering moments.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT is another form of talk therapy centered around acceptance and balance. Patients work with a therapist ongoing basis to understand their feelings and create change where they can. Over time, patients feel empowered over their lives. They get better at emotional regulation and increasing their distress tolerance.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a form of psychotherapy that helps people heal from trauma. Through an eight-phase treatment, patients talk through past negative experiences while actively following a light with their eyes or tapping bilaterally. This movement is shown to assist the brain in unlocking and reprocessing experiences in a way that is less distressing for the patient.
Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT)
RRT is another form of psychotherapy. Using a blend of imagery, hypnosis, and storytelling, patients create new neural pathways and “reset” the brain without having the patient relive trauma. This has shown to have quick results in removing negative beliefs and replacing harmful habits with positive change.
Holistic Therapy
The mind and body work together to enact change. Holistic therapies, like yoga, get the body moving and allow patients to unpack feelings in a way that talking alone doesn’t. Mindfulness practices, including meditation and breathwork, can have similar effects. Lastly, creative expression, like art therapy, is another way for patients to express and process emotion without speaking about it.
Healing is Possible with Dual Diagnosis Rehab in North Palm Beach
Recovery is not linear, and having the right support makes a difference. If you or someone you love is struggling with both mental health challenges and substance use, help is available.
At Milton Recovery Center in North Palm Beach, our clinicians work closely with each client to uncover the underlying factors contributing to addiction and emotional distress. We lead with honesty, respect, and compassion to create a safe space where healing can begin and growth feels possible.
