Many people who visit drug counseling centers have more than just a substance use disorder. They have other mental illnesses, which experts refer to as co-occurring disorders. Because of that, their treatment must be more comprehensive in nature. Fortunately, Arizona dual diagnosis treatment centers can meet this need.
Common Co-occurring Disorders
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health conducts surveys about drug abuse across the country. It reports that people with mental illnesses are more likely than those without to have substance use problems. Also, those who abuse alcohol and drugs often are more likely to develop co-occurring disorders.
Scientists have found that many factors lead to the development of mental conditions. Basically, the brain becomes more susceptible to mental illness when it has already developed one. In addition, early exposure to substances, environmental triggers and genetics can lead to co-occurring conditions. For these reasons, Arizona dual diagnosis treatment centers must adjust their services based on people’s needs.
However, a few mental disorders are more likely than others to occur alongside substance use disorder. Since they can be the cause of drug abuse, it’s important for people to never ignore the symptoms. Some of them include:
- Bipolar disorder
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- Borderline personality disorder
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Posttraumatic stress disorder
Services at an Arizona Behavioral Health Center
An integrated intervention is the best approach to treating co-occurring disorders. As the name suggests, it involves treating both the substance use and mental illness at the same time. In fact, addressing one problem but not the other only leaves people vulnerable to relapse. The reason is that each condition is a trigger for the other.
Arizona dual diagnosis treatment centers understand how the conditions affect each other. As a result, they can design people’s treatment plans according to their unique needs. In general, though, everyone in treatment goes through the same recovery steps.
As the first step, detox is a major obstacle for people with co-occurring disorders. The reason is that withdrawal symptoms make the road to recovery unbearable. Luckily, treatment centers can provide medications that reduce these symptoms. Since they improve comfort, the medications give people a chance to focus on healing.
Addiction counseling Scottsdale is the second step of dual diagnosis treatment. Counselors use various techniques in one-on-one, group and family sessions. While cognitive behavioral therapy is the most common, other methods include:
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Motivational interviewing
- Trauma counseling
- Acceptance and commitment therapy
- Emotion regulation
In addition to these evidence-based strategies, drug rehab Peoria AZ should include holistic care. These services address the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual damage that co-occurring disorders cause. Some examples include arts and crafts, equine therapy, yoga and massage, mindfulness meditation and outdoor activities.
Get Help for Co-occurring Disorders Today
Don’t ignore the symptoms of mental health or substance use disorders. Find the care that you need at Arizona dual diagnosis treatment centers. Call a facility near you to learn more about dual diagnosis and treatment.