Dual Diagnosis in Nacogdoches, TX
Dual diagnosis refers to having some kind of addiction and mental illness at the same time. The situation is actually very common, with the National Alliance on Mental Illness stating that about a third of the people with mental illness abuse substances. For people with severe mental illness, the rate of co-occurrence jumps to half. Many facilities for drug and alcohol treatment still don't treat mental health and addition at the same time, typically because many professionals still don't specialize in both areas. But a growing number of addiction centers recognize these statistics and are happy to provide services that accommodate dual diagnosis in Nacogdoches.
Types of Mental Health Disorders
Professionals are more aware of and educated about mental illnesses than ever before. Professionals who handle dual diagnosis in Nacogdoches now recognize hundreds of different mental health conditions. These include but are not limited to personality, psychotic, mood, anxiety, sexual/gender, somatic symptom, tic and dissociative disorders. Some examples of conditions often seen include
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Eating disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar
- Phobias
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Symptoms of mental health conditions can vary considerably, but it is common to experience issues such as mood changes, social withdrawal, confusion, trouble concentrating and an uptick in risky behaviors.
Many mental health conditions, such as bipolar, are known to have biological components, but the environment and biochemical stresses can come into play, too.
Most mental health conditions addressed at a dual diagnosis treatment facility can be effectively improved or controlled through medication, various therapies (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy) or a combination of both. So there is good reason to have hope, regardless of what condition you have.
Why Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment Necessary? What Are the Benefits?
Mental health issues and addictions can directly affect each other. For instance, some people use drugs or alcohol because they are struggling with their mental health symptoms and want to escape the negative feelings those symptoms cause. Continued substance abuse also affects brain chemistry and function. So some people actually see changes in their mental health symptoms, often for the worse, when they continue to abuse chemicals.
By getting treatment with a focus on dual diagnosis in Nacogdoches, professionals can figure out what issues are rooted in the abuse and which are the result of the mental health condition, ultimately keeping you safer. Many facilities are not set up to deal with both issues at the same time, so this heightened safety should be a major factor in your decision about which facility to use.
Dual diagnosis in Nacogdoches directly influences how a professional works with you. For example, if professionals have to give you medication to manage withdrawal symptoms, they need to make sure that whatever they give you doesn't negatively react with medications you might be on for your mental health issue.
Similarly, if you exhibit specific behaviors, a professional who understands you have both addiction and mental health concerns might recommend specific types of therapy that otherwise wouldn't be recommended if only the mental health condition or addiction were present alone.
Something else to consider with dual diagnosis in Nacogdoches is that, because professionals who offer treatment for dual diagnosis can focus your program more effectively, your progress might be more efficient overall. This can save you money, as you might get out of rehab faster and need fewer sessions, but the biggest benefit is that you are able to get back into society sooner.
You can enjoy time with friends and family, get back to work or get a fresh start with education or training. With good, continued support through aftercare, this return can mean much more stability, higher self-esteem and a better overall sense of normalcy.
Lastly, both mental health conditions and substance abuse and addiction still carry a certain degree of stigma, although understanding of these issues is improving. Professionals at a dual diagnosis treatment facility, however, want to see you succeed. They do a fantastic job of helping you understand that elements of these conditions are out of your control, even as they help you learn to take responsibility for what you can.
Subsequently, treatment for dual diagnosis can help you overcome the shame of addiction or mental illness and show you that people genuinely care. Group and family therapies in particular can help you strengthen relationships, breaking the isolation that often worsens addiction and mental health symptoms.
If you're ready to make the step to get help, don't wait. Make the call and speak with a professional to arrange treatment today and learn more about our drug and alcohol rehab in Nacogdoches. (877) 804-1531.