Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders

reatment for co-occurring disorders, also termed Dual Diagnosis, is a recommended course of action when an individual is struggling with substance abuse alongside mental health issues. Substance abuse is often a result of mental health disorders, as evidenced by the fact that many people suffering from addiction also present a mental health issue.

Sometimes the dependence on drugs or alcohol is a result of a mental health issue; other times, the mental health issue is fully exposed because of the substance abuse. Dual Diagnosis treatment is available to clients inside our Residential Treatment program at Retreat at Sky Ridge.What is Dual Diagnosis?

Simply put, dual diagnosis is when an individual presents two separate medical conditions. In addiction treatment, dual diagnosis is when an individual who is addicted to or abusing a substance is also identified as having an underlying mental condition. That secondary condition is referred to as a co-occurring disorder. Relevant to note, some individuals that do not show any signs of a mental illness before abusing drugs or alcohol later show symptoms of a mental disorder.

To accurately diagnose and begin helping a dual diagnosis client, we must first eliminate the substance abuse for a period of time. To achieve that, many dual diagnosis clients start their time at Retreat at Sky Ridge with a medically supervised detox. This reprieve from substance abuse allows mental symptoms, untainted by drugs or alcohol, to surface.

It is critical to understand that both the addiction and mental health disorder require treatment. Treating only one of these disorders will result in inadequate treatment and potentially worsen the other condition.

Approximately one-half of the people in the U.S. who have a substance abuse problem also have a mental disorder. There is a huge variety of co-occurring disorders, but our focus is on the following conditions:

• Anxiety-related disorders
• Trauma
• Bi-polar Disorder
• Depression
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Upon admission into our inpatient treatment program for drug and alcohol addiction, our team of addiction professionals conduct a detailed evaluation of the client. After undergoing that evaluation, if it is determined that a mental disorder is present, that client will move forward with our dual diagnosis rehab.

When clients arrive at Retreat at Sky Ridge, they immediately feel a sense of calmness and peace. Located in the heart of the Ozark mountains, our 130-acre campus and the surrounding area showcase the beauty of mother nature. While surrounded by nature, our facility also provides clients with access to all of the comforts of modern amenities. Personal electronics, including phones and laptops, are welcome and encouraged alongside the responsibilities of our programs. Secure, fast WIFI and satellite TV are available throughout the property.

We recommend that all clients stay involved with on-going support after treatment for co-occurring disorders to maintain their recovery. Aftercare treatment plans begin to take shape when a client arrives at Retreat at Sky Ridge and are refined as they navigate through our inpatient treatment program.