A dual diagnosis treatment center is a rehab specializing in the identification of a co-occurring disorder along with an individual’s substance abuse disorder, and this additional disorder is almost always a mental health disorder. Co-occurring disorders are common along with substance use diagnoses. This is important as they can be catalysts of an individual’s substance use or the product of it. On-going substance use can raise previously dormant mental health problems.

The necessity to seek treatment for both disorders may seem daunting. Most comprehensive and qualified rehab programs offer clients many resources designed to help them deal with this confluence of concerns. Dual diagnosis treatment programs give clients the resources and support to face these problems directly. They enable clients to heal and provide them with many strategies and practices for their long-term recovery and wellbeing.

What is a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center?

A substance abuse disorder is a complex problem which often has many drivers. These include genetic factors, past trauma or currently stressful problems. A primary driver of substance use disorders is mental health illness. Individuals may use drugs or alcohol as a way to treat their troubling or painful symptoms. Of course, on-going use of substances inevitably leads to additional problems. For some individuals, underlying mental health issues begin to present issues as a result of substance use.

Mental health issues can have many traumatic symptoms. These include sadness, despair, hallucinations, mood swings, and suicidal ideation. The diagnosis of a co-occurring disorder itself can be the cause of significant stress and concern. However, the diagnosis of a co-occurring disorder is not a reason for the loss of hope. Clients who have one or both illnesses can have treatment, end their dependency, manage their symptoms and regain long-term health and wellbeing. To achieve this positive outcome, clients with these needs must have a course of treatment that includes drug rehab and clinical therapy by counselors qualified in the treatment of addiction with a co-occurring disorder, as Bayview Recovery offers.

What is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

Dual diagnosis treatment became a recognized form of helping individuals heal from substance abuse and mental health disorders in the 1990s. Previously, medical professionals would treat these disorders separately and often require clients to achieve sobriety before seeking other forms of treatment. Because of this requirement, many individuals did not get the treatment they needed for their mental health concerns, and any treatment they received for their substance abuse problems would often become undermined by their untreated co-occurring disorder. However, once the medical community began to acknowledge the impact that one disorder could have on another, doctors began to recognize the value to patients of treating both illnesses together. This has given hope to countless individuals as well as the opportunity to overcome both issues with long-term success.

The Types of Dual Diagnosis Treatment Programs

Dual diagnosis treatment is individualized to address the individual mental health needs of the client and the personal circumstances of their substance use. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to dual diagnosis treatment nor should there be. The core facets of all dual diagnosis treatment centers, however, are an emphasis on ending chemical and psychological dependency and managing the mental health issues which can sustain or result from those dependencies.

The level of care each client will receive is primarily dictated by the length and severity of the issues they’re facing, how much support they will need and how long they will need to recover. Bayview Recovery’s qualified addiction specialists estimate these needs as best as they can during a client’s intake process, but it is not uncommon for people to need more or less time depending on how well they respond to treatment.

Also, medications can help control specific mental health symptoms. They can significantly improve the quality of an individual’s recovery. They also affect the length of their stay by increasing the effectiveness of the other treatments they will receive. Medications may be an on-going part of their recovery. However, the primary value of a dual diagnosis treatment center derives from the strategies and techniques individuals will learn to manage their mental health and sobriety on an on-going basis.

The Importance of Finding a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center

Mental health and substance abuse disorders are illnesses which can be treated and managed. Untreated mental health issues can have a substantial, negative impact on substance abuse. It is imperative that any individual who has a dual diagnosis seek immediate professional medical and therapeutic treatment. Mental health issues are also a prime risk factor for relapse. Even if an individual seeks help for a substance abuse problem. Treating both disorders in a single, comprehensive course of treatment during rehab can provide individuals with significant relief from their symptoms. It also improves mental and physical health and strategies to maintain their sobriety and wellbeing long-term.

The Value of the Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center at Bayview Recovery

Bayview Recovery, located in Tacoma, Washington, offers comprehensive and proven treatment. Even for individuals who have been diagnosed with a co-occurring disorder. We rely on evidence-based techniques for all types of substance abuse issues, and our treatment modalities include:

• Individual therapy
• Group therapy
• Trauma and somatic therapy

• Holistic treatments
• Meditation, mindfulness and yoga

In addition, our facility offers a safe and comfortable environment designed wholly around the recovery needs of our clients.

Mental illness and addiction no longer have to control your life or the lives of the ones you love. You can regain control by beginning your addiction treatment at Bayview Recovery today. Contact us by calling 855.478.3650 and speaking to one of our qualified and compassionate addiction recovery specialists now.