Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Wisconsin
Individuals, 18 and older, dealing with substance use challenges might also be wrestling with co-occurring mental health conditions that play a role in or intensify alcohol and drug abuse. On the flip side, substance use can also fuel the onset or escalation of mental health issues.
At the Wisconsin Recovery Institute, our dedicated team works diligently to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use, offering high-quality addiction treatment and mental health services at our dual diagnosis treatment center in Wisconsin. In most cases, our clients start with our drug and alcohol detox program and then transition to our residential treatment program.
Situated in Wisconsin, our facility provides comprehensive care for individuals dealing with various substance abuse issues and mental health disorders. If you or a loved one is grappling with substance use challenges or facing mental and emotional difficulties, Wisconsin Recovery Institute is here to assist, empowering you to regain control over your life.
What is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
Dual diagnosis treatment is a program that addresses mental health disorders and substance use disorders that are co-existing. Co-occurring disorders are quite common and dual diagnosis is the most effective treatment for such conditions. This is because substance abuse and mental health conditions have a direct effect on the other and oftentimes, one condition is causing the other. Our dual diagnosis treatment center in Wisconsin treats both substance abuse symptoms and mental health symptoms simultaneously with evidence-based therapies. We can also provide medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders and mental health disorders if needed.
What to Expect During Dual Diagnosis Treatment
While being treated in our dual diagnosis treatment center, individuals can expect to start with a comprehensive assessment, where our clinical team will determine what the co-occurring disorders are and what treatments should follow. Dual-diagnosis treatment programs provide an integrated treatment that includes individual therapy, group therapy, and psychoeducation. Here’s what you can expect from each aspect of our dual diagnosis program for in Wisconsin:
Dual diagnosis treatment begins with a thorough evaluation to assess the individual’s mental health condition, substance use patterns, and any other relevant factors. This assessment helps the treatment team develop an individualized treatment plan.
Integrated treatment is a key feature of dual diagnosis programs. It involves addressing both mental health and substance use disorders simultaneously rather than treating them separately. This approach recognizes the interconnected nature of these conditions and aims to provide holistic care.
If appropriate, medications may be prescribed for mental health disorder treatment and cravings associated with substance use disorders. A psychiatrist or medical professional closely monitors medication usage and adjusts the treatment plan as needed.
One-on-one therapy sessions with a licensed therapist or counselor are a fundamental component of dual diagnosis treatment. Our individual case management program focuses on addressing underlying issues contributing to both mental health and substance use disorders, developing coping skills, and promoting relapse prevention.
Group therapy offers a supportive environment where individuals can share their experiences, learn from others, and receive feedback. These sessions provide a sense of community, reduce feelings of isolation, and help individuals develop interpersonal skills.
Education about mental health, addiction, and the relationship between the two is a crucial aspect of dual diagnosis treatment. Individuals learn about the impact of substances on mental health, the importance of self-care, coping strategies, and relapse prevention techniques.
Evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are commonly used in dual diagnosis treatment. These therapies help individuals identify and change unhealthy patterns of thinking and behavior, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and set goals for recovery.
What Does Dual Diagnosis Help Treat?
Dual diagnosis treats any co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. This includes if multiple substances are being abused or if two or more mental health disorders exist simultaneously. Dual diagnosis recognizes that mental health and substance use issues are interconnected and treats the underlying issues as well as the symptoms of both substance abuse and mental health conditions.
Dual diagnosis can treat all substance use disorders and mental health disorders, such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- Personality Disorders
- Bipolar Disorder
- OCD
- ADHD
Why Do Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Disorders Co-occur?
There are several reasons why substance use disorders and mental health disorders tend to overlap from shared risk factors to brain chemicals. Understanding why disorders co-occur is vital to dual diagnosis treatment, which is why our program includes education on addiction and mental health. Here are some reasons for a dual diagnosis:
Some individuals with mental health conditions may turn to substance use as a way to self-medicate and alleviate their symptoms. They may use drugs or alcohol to temporarily escape or numb emotional pain, anxiety, depression, or other distressing symptoms associated with their mental health condition.
Substance use can directly affect the brain’s neurochemical balance, leading to changes in mood, cognition, and behavior. Certain substances can temporarily alleviate or intensify symptoms of mental health disorders by altering neurotransmitter levels, such as dopamine, serotonin, or GABA.
Mental health conditions and substance use disorders share common risk factors, such as genetic predisposition, environmental factors, childhood trauma, chronic stress, and certain brain chemistry imbalances. These shared risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing both conditions simultaneously.
Some individuals may possess a dual vulnerability, meaning they have a heightened susceptibility to developing both mental health conditions and substance use disorders. These vulnerabilities can arise from a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
Prolonged substance use can lead to physical and psychological dependence, resulting in withdrawal symptoms when the substance is discontinued. The experience of withdrawal can exacerbate or unmask underlying mental health conditions, making individuals more susceptible to developing or worsening symptoms.
Substance use can create powerful reinforcement and conditioning mechanisms that perpetuate the cycle of addiction. The pleasurable effects of substances can reinforce substance use behaviors, making it difficult for individuals to discontinue use despite negative consequences. This reinforcement can interfere with mental health treatment and recovery efforts.
Benefits of Dual Diagnosis Treatment
If you have co-occurring disorders, dual diagnosis is the most effective treatment. Dual diagnosis treatment programs also offer these benefits:
Comprehensive and Holistic Approach
Dual diagnosis treatment provides a comprehensive and holistic approach to addressing both mental health and substance use disorders. By integrating mental health and addiction treatment, individuals receive a more complete and thorough assessment, diagnosis, and treatment plan. This approach recognizes the interconnected nature of these conditions and aims to promote overall well-being and recovery.
Enhanced Understanding and Individualized Care
Dual diagnosis treatment takes into account the unique needs and challenges of individuals with co-occurring disorders. Mental health symptoms and substance use patterns are often intertwined, and a dual diagnosis program acknowledges and addresses this complexity. By understanding the specific interplay between mental health and addiction, treatment professionals can develop personalized treatment plans that target the underlying causes and promote lasting recovery.
Simultaneous Treatment of Both Conditions
Dual diagnosis treatment recognizes that treating mental health and substance use disorders separately may be ineffective or lead to relapse. By addressing both conditions simultaneously, individuals can work on managing their mental health symptoms while also addressing the underlying factors contributing to substance use. This integrated approach increases the chances of successful recovery from both disorders.
Coordinated and Collaborative Care
Dual diagnosis treatment involves a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including psychiatrists, therapists, counselors, and addiction specialists. These professionals work together to provide coordinated and collaborative care. They communicate and share information, ensuring that treatment interventions are aligned and supportive of each other. This collaborative approach fosters a more cohesive and effective treatment experience.
Relapse Prevention and Long-Term Recovery
Dual diagnosis treatment emphasizes relapse prevention strategies and equips individuals with the tools and skills necessary for long-term recovery. Through individual and group therapy, individuals learn coping mechanisms, stress management techniques, and healthier ways to manage their mental health symptoms. By addressing the underlying factors contributing to substance use, individuals gain a better understanding of triggers and develop strategies to avoid relapse.
Supportive Community and Peer Connections
Dual diagnosis treatment often incorporates group therapy sessions where individuals can connect with peers who are facing similar challenges. The supportive community aspect of group therapy can reduce feelings of isolation, shame, and stigma. It provides an opportunity for individuals to share experiences, offer support, and learn from others’ successes and setbacks. Building a network of supportive relationships can be instrumental in maintaining recovery and promoting long-term mental health.
Receiving Addiction and Mental Health Treatment at Wisconsin Recovery
Don’t wait to get help for a substance use or mental health problem. Wisconsin Recovery is a rehab facility in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin, that treats men and women in the surrounding areas. Our treatment program provides highly individualized care and creates a comfortable environment to receive treatment with peers.
Our team is compassionate and understands the struggles our patients deal with. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you. Start your recovery with us and achieve long-lasting sobriety and wellness.
