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What Is Dual Diagnosis?

black and white image of a woman whose face is bisected by a piece of shattered mirror as an example of what is dual diagnosis

Poor mental health and addiction often go hand in hand. Those struggling with addiction are more likely to experience low mental health. In addition, mentally unwell individuals have a higher chance of grappling with addiction. This is because it is not uncommon for someone with an undiagnosed mental health condition to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. While they may experience temporary relief, over time, they may need more of the substance to achieve the desired effect, which can lead to addiction.

At Northpoint Nebraska, we understand how addiction and mental illness often co-occur and how to best treat patients. Our dual diagnosis treatment program treats addiction and the co-occurring mental condition simultaneously to ensure individuals heal physically, mentally, and emotionally. If you or someone you know are struggling with addiction and poor mental health, our team can help. Contact Northpoint Nebraska at 888.351.3834 to learn more.

What Is Dual Diagnosis?

You may be asking yourself, “What is dual diagnosis?” Many suffer from a mental health disorder and substance use disorder at the same time, which is known as dual diagnosis. It is common for individuals to develop an addiction because of an undiagnosed mental illness. In other instances, people may develop a mental health disorder because of prolonged substance abuse. Getting diagnosed with a dual diagnosis can be challenging because many of the symptoms of addiction and mental illnesses are similar. Because of this, an individual’s mental health problems can go undetected. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of dual diagnosis can help someone get the proper care they need.

Below are some of the common signs of dual diagnosis:

  • Sudden changes in behavior
  • Withdrawing from friends and family
  • Neglecting personal health and hygiene
  • Erratic or impulsive behavior
  • Delusional thinking or cognitive impairments
  • Having trouble managing daily tasks and fulfilling responsibilities
  • Changes in sleeping pattern
  • Refusing to seek or comply with treatment
  • The disorders that commonly co-occur with addiction are depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. If you or someone in your life displays a combination of these signs, do not wait to reach out for help. A medical professional can help individuals get an accurate diagnosis of their substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health condition.

What Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

So, what is dual diagnosis treatment? Our dual diagnosis treatment program at Northpoint Nebraska treats addiction and mental health conditions. It is critical to treat both disorders simultaneously. Only focusing on addiction recovery and neglecting mental illness can cause issues during treatment or lead to future struggles with relapse.

The benefits of a dual diagnosis treatment program are:

  • Receiving education about addiction and your mental health condition
  • Access to evidence-based treatments and therapy programs
  • A safe environment to go through detox and withdrawal
  • Individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs
  • Learning healthy coping skills and techniques to manage triggers and other stressors

When someone struggles with a dual diagnosis, the two conditions can negatively enhance each other. This can make treatment more complex and present new types of challenges. Our dual diagnosis treatment program helps individuals reach sobriety safely and works with them to significantly improve their mental well-being. There is no universal cure for dual diagnosis, but with the right combination of treatments and counseling, individuals can learn to manage their condition and live a healthier and happier life.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Northpoint Nebraska

At Northpoint Nebraska, we take an integrated approach to addiction and mental health treatment. We provide various treatments and therapies to help patients heal their mind, body, and spirit. Some of the additional programs and services we offer are:

  • Alcohol detox and rehab
  • Drug detox and rehab
  • Medical detox program
  • Relapse prevention program
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy
  • Family therapy program
  • Group therapy program

Call Northpoint Nebraska at 888.351.3834 or reach out online to learn more about dual diagnosis and get started on your recovery journey.