Getting treatment for a substance use disorder alone may not be enough. Integrated co-occurring disorders treatment, which addresses addiction and mental health at the same time, can be more effective. Many underlying mental health conditions go undiagnosed until someone gets help for their substance use, and professional treatment can be an opportunity for accurate diagnosing.
What is a dual diagnosis?
A person who has a dual diagnosis has both a mental illness and a co-occurring substance use disorder. Some people may turn to substances to cope with their mental health symptoms. Others develop a condition after using drugs or alcohol for a while, which has a significant impact on mental health. One thing is clear, though: co-occurring disorders are common. A 2022 SAMHSA study reported that 21.5 million American adults had a dual diagnosis.1
Common dual diagnosis pairings
People struggling with their mental health can use a range of substances to try and help them cope. Any substance abuse, though, is an unhealthy coping mechanism that actually makes mental health symptoms worse. Anyone with a mental health condition can end up abusing substances, but some of the most common include: At Red Oak Recovery®, we know that you might not know what’s causing your cravings for drugs or alcohol. You may have tried to quit before, but unless you’re able to get support and take steps for your mental health, it might feel impossible. Our team of clinicians can provide integrated treatment that helps you quit alcohol or drugs, while also teaching you the skills you need to cope with your mental health.The Red Oak approach to dual diagnosis treatment
Our approach will be personalized to you because you’ll have experiences that no one else does. Treatment at our men’s rehab center may include:
Medication-assisted treatment and management
If you’re struggling with alcohol, opioid, or benzodiazepine addiction, you may benefit from medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT involves FDA-approved medications that curb cravings and make withdrawal symptoms more manageable.
Medication management, on the other hand, involves prescriptions that help control mental health symptoms like depression or anxiety. Some people respond better to therapy when their symptoms are better managed with medication.
Our clinicians will work with you to determine if MAT or medication management would be right for you and will keep you involved in the process if either is.
Therapy
Talk therapy (psychotherapy) in individual, group, and family settings is one of the most valuable parts of the treatment process. It gives you a chance to explore your mental health and process some of the things you’ve masked with drugs or alcohol under the guidance of a professional.
Individual sessions will give you private space to work with a therapist through different methods, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Group sessions allow you to connect with others who are also struggling with addiction and their mental health, giving you a chance to relate to them while learning tips for making progress. Family counseling lets you reconnect with the loved ones you may have harmed during active use and find a better way forward together.
Trauma-informed care
Experiencing trauma changes your mind and body. If you’ve survived a traumatic event or chronic trauma, processing it with a professional can help you truly move forward. Our clinicians use trauma-informed therapies that guard against re-traumatizing our clients, so that they can remain safe and engaged in the treatment process.
We also use a range of specific trauma therapies, like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and trauma-focused CBT (TF-CBT). Processing trauma requires personal guidance, and we have the skill and experience to help you do so.
Whole-person wellness
Your physical health is just as involved in treatment as your mental health. We’ll support you with other services that help you create a strong foundation for recovery, including options like:
- Nutrition therapy
- Acupuncture
- Yoga therapy
- Outdoor experiences in the Blue Ridge Mountains
- Equine therapy
No matter what your path to recovery and wellness is, we can help you find it. Our team will work with you to find the right mix of therapies that help you find a better way forward.
Relapse prevention and aftercare planning
Sustaining recovery means planning ahead. Relapse prevention and aftercare planning are essential parts of your ongoing wellness journey. We’ll help you develop practical strategies and coping mechanisms to handle cravings, stressors, and emotional triggers, empowering you to maintain lasting sobriety and mental health wellness.
Our personalized aftercare planning includes:
- Individualized relapse prevention plans tailored to your unique needs and risk factors.
- Continued therapy sessions to support emotional resilience and personal growth.
- Alumni support groups and community resources for ongoing encouragement and connection.
- Family education and involvement to strengthen your support network.
- Periodic check-ins to ensure you’re staying on track and adjusting to life’s transitions.
Recovery doesn’t end when treatment concludes—it’s a lifelong commitment. Our team is dedicated to giving you the tools, skills, and support you need to thrive long after your treatment program ends.
Signs you may need dual diagnosis care
You may not know if you’re struggling with your mental health, but you probably know if your alcohol or drug use has gotten out of hand. Dual diagnosis treatment might be the right approach if:- Your substance use increases when you’re feeling stressed or anxious.
- You’ve tried repeatedly to stop using substances without success.
- You experience mood swings, anxiety, depression, or irritability when not using.
- You rely on substances to manage emotional pain or traumatic memories.
- Your mental health gets worse alongside your substance use.
- Friends or family express concern about your substance use or mental health.
- You’re neglecting responsibilities or relationships due to your substance use or mental health struggles.
- You’re experiencing feelings of hopelessness or thoughts of harming yourself.
