DUal Diagnosis in Austin, TX

It’s estimated that one-third of the population receives a mental disorder diagnosis, and about half of those diagnosed also grapple with a substance use disorder at the same time. It’s called a dual diagnosis (or co-occurring disorder) when this happens.

Dual diagnosis significantly impacts one’s life, relationships, and physical well-being. However, relief is available for those experiencing dual diagnosis in Texas through safe and effective dual diagnosis treatment in Austin.

Our specialized team of mental health professionals, healthcare providers, and treatment specialists can successfully treat dual diagnosis.

What is dual diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis is when someone has a mental health and substance abuse disorder (drug or alcohol addiction) at once. Dual diagnosis is common among those addicted to drugs or alcohol.

According to statistics from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 45 percent of Americans suffer from a dual diagnosis. Either the addiction or the mental illness sets in first. From there, either condition can make the other worse.

Identifying dual diagnosis can be tricky since addiction and mental health affect one another. The key to solid recovery is simultaneously getting treatment for both conditions.

Individuals with dual diagnosis suffer from both a mental health condition and substance abuse, which presents a complex situation that intertwines these two issues.

It’s a vicious cycle of seeking relief from the symptoms of a mental health disorder. Using drugs or alcohol only offers a temporary fix. Then, substance use disorder symptoms escalate significant mental health symptoms until the situation is out of control, and there is never any relief. Finally, a crisis ensues, and an opportunity for treatment becomes a realistic possibility.

Recognizing the complex dynamics between substance use disorders and mental health is crucial for those seeking effective treatment.

Mental health conditions that frequently coincide with substance use disorders at treatment centers include:

Depression and bipolar disorder
Anxiety disorders
Panic disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Eating disorders
Borderline personality disorder (BPD)

The severity of the symptoms of the mental health disorder diagnosed with substance use disorder can vary in intensity. In addition, the physical ramifications of the substance use disorder can also affect mental health.

Understanding that these disorders do not stand alone but rather feed into and off each other is the first step to proper recovery.

Signs and Symptoms of Dual Diagnosis

Those with a substance use disorder have individual key factors that determine the intensity of the symptoms they will experience. For example, the type of drug or alcohol in use, the length of addiction, and the individual’s physical well-being all contribute to their unique experience.

Dual diagnosis treatment in Austin employs professionals to sort out through assessments, examinations, and testing what the correct diagnosis is and what the treatment plan should be.

The most common signs and symptoms of dual diagnosis include:

Depression and anxiety
Extreme weight gain or loss
Sweating and overheating
Thoughts of suicide
Tremors and stress
Difficulty with focus and concentration

The typical behavioral signs and symptoms of dual diagnosis can include any of the following:

Isolating and withdrawing from people
Irritability
Selfishness
Sleep disturbances
Rapid mood swings
Increased substance use

The signs and symptoms of both disorders can be similar. The following is a list of symptoms of a substance use disorder:

Withdrawal from family and friends
Sudden significant changes in behaviors
Use of substance regardless of danger or risk
Loss of control over the substance
Development of tolerance and withdrawal symptoms
Needing the drug to function

Dual Diagnosis Treatment In Austin

Our dual diagnosis treatment center in Austin puts substance use disorder as the top priority in every phase of treatment, starting with detox. The detox program rids the body of all drugs, alcohol, or other harmful substances.

The patient needs to begin therapy once detox is over immediately. There is always a danger of relapse, and therapy offers new, healthy, positive coping mechanisms to fight cravings and urges.

Individual and group therapy addresses both the mental health disorder and the underlying causes of the addiction. Group therapy has been considered an essential component of twelve-step programs for addiction.

Building a considerable peer support system is advantageous for those with dual diagnosis. Therefore, group sessions offer the foundation for building trust, new relationships, and being vulnerable. For these reasons, we offer group therapy and peer support at our dual diagnosis treatment centers in Texas.

The following therapies are evidence-based, proven methods of changing behavior while developing a unique personal awareness.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) identifies negative behaviors from mental health disorders and addiction. CBT explores thoughts, actions, and how to change old behaviors to new productive and healthy behaviors to maintain sobriety.
Dialectical-behavioral therapy (DBT) provides self-regulation methods to manage symptoms in the best possible way. DBT also presents healthy, positive coping mechanisms and techniques to stay in the present moment.
Medication-assisted therapy (MAT) is an effective method for safely using medications to aid in withdrawal symptoms and treat mental health disorder symptoms.
Holistic Therapies provide opportunities for self-expression through art and music. Rediscovering the new sober person through gaining self-confidence in learning new skills.

Benefits of dual diagnosis treatment in Austin

Dual diagnosis rehab in Austin offers many benefits, starting with the confidence and trust in our professional staff. Our team is experienced with dual diagnosis.

The purpose of dual diagnosis treatment in Austin is to treat the patient as a whole person and consider the mind-body connection. With dual diagnosis treatment in Austin, aftercare, sober living opportunities, and alum support are important considerations.

Family therapy is an additional option. We recommend family and friends learn how to support their loved ones. Finally, our professional staff shares the patient’s healthy, sober lifestyle goal.

Dual diagnosis drug rehab in Texas provides holistic therapies to complement the treatment plan with new opportunities for self-expression and self-awareness.

The patient’s well-being is our goal, and continued sobriety for the long term with the tools needed to prevent relapse.

Have additional questions? Learn more about addiction and treatment options on our FAQ page.

Reach out for dual diagnosis treatment in Texas today

By making the courageous decision to seek dual diagnosis rehab, you’re not just treating the symptom; you’re getting to the root causes.

Finding a treatment center with an experienced professional staff familiar with dual diagnosis is essential.

Our mission revolves around whole-person treatment, and we are proud of the holistic and evidence-based therapies we offer.

Take that leap of faith. Contact us today.