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Dual Diagnosis Treatment:
A Path to Lasting Recovery

Learn about dual diagnosis treatment and how integrated care can effectively address mental health and substance use disorders for lasting recovery.
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Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Healing the Whole Person

Dual diagnosis refers to the co-occurrence of a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder (SUD). At New Life Recovery, we understand how deeply these conditions are intertwined, and just how important it is to treat the two conditions together for sustainable recovery.

If you or a loved one is struggling with co-occurring disorders, we want you to know: You are NOT alone.

Statistics show that nearly 50% of individuals with a SUD also have mental health challenges, which emphasizes the importance of an integrated, comprehensive approach to treatment.1

dual diagnosis treatment

Integrated Treatment at New Life Recovery

At New Life Recovery, we provide holistic and evidence-based dual diagnosis treatment, recognizing that addressing both conditions simultaneously leads to more effective and lasting recovery.

By offering compassionate care that supports the mind, body, and spirit, we help individuals reclaim their lives, free from the hold of both mental health and substance use challenges.

Together, we can build the foundation needed for a healthier, happier future.

What Is Dual Diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis refers to the presence of both a mental health disorder and a SUD in an individual.2

These conditions often interact in complex ways, with one potentially triggering or worsening the other. For example, a person may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with depression or anxiety, only to find that substance use intensifies their mental health symptoms over time.

Common Examples of Co-Occurring Disorders

Some examples of what co-occurring disorders can look like include:
  • SUD and depression: Individuals may use substances to self-medicate feelings of sadness or hopelessness, creating a cycle of dependency and worsening emotional health.
  • Alcohol use disorder and anxiety: Alcohol might provide temporary relief from anxiety, but long-term use often heightens anxious feelings and impacts overall mental stability.
  • Opioid use disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Trauma survivors may use opioids to numb emotional pain, which can lead to SUD while leaving the root cause unaddressed.

Challenges Faced by Individuals with Dual Diagnosis

Individuals with dual diagnosis often experience many challenges during recovery. For example, symptoms of one condition can mask or mimic those of the other, making it difficult to pinpoint the underlying issues.
Additionally, traditional programs often focus solely on one disorder, neglecting the interconnected nature of dual diagnosis.
New Life Recovery works hard to ensure every patient’s symptoms – other either or both disorders – are fully treated and supported during recovery.

Why Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment Is Crucial

Addressing both mental health and SUD together is critical for successful recovery. Treating one condition while ignoring the other often leads to incomplete progress and an increased likelihood of relapse.
Integrated dual diagnosis treatment focuses on healing the whole person, offering a comprehensive path to lasting recovery.

The Interconnection Between Mental Health and SUD

Mental health and substance use are often closely linked. Many of the same factors, such as trauma, stress, and genetics, can contribute to both conditions.
Both of these issues impact the brain, influencing mood, behavior, and decision-making, which can make recovery more difficult.
Addressing only one aspect of the problem may lead to temporary relief, but it doesn’t tackle the root causes that contribute to both conditions. Without a comprehensive approach that treats both issues simultaneously, individuals are more likely to experience setbacks.

Evidence Supporting Integrated Approaches to Care

Research shows that integrated treatment, which focuses on addressing both mental health and substance use at the same time, leads to better outcomes.3
People who receive integrated care tend to experience improved treatment adherence, lower substance use rates, and better overall well-being.
This approach often combines proven therapies with holistic practices, such as mindfulness, exercise, and family support.

Core Elements of Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Some core elements of dual diagnosis treatment at New Life Recovery include:

Comprehensive Assessment

A thorough assessment is the foundation of effective dual diagnosis treatment. It involves carefully identifying both the underlying mental health issues and substance use problems that an individual may be facing.
Understanding the unique challenges each person experiences is crucial for creating a personalized treatment plan that addresses their specific needs. This comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of the individual’s health are considered, setting the stage for a more effective recovery journey.

Therapeutic Approaches

Dual diagnosis treatment typically involves a combination of evidence-based therapies, which help individuals understand and change harmful patterns of thinking and behavior.
In addition to one-on-one therapy, group counseling plays a vital role by providing a sense of community and shared experience, which fosters support and connection.
This combination of individual and group approaches helps patients address both their substance use and mental health challenges, offering a holistic path to healing.

Medication Management

For many individuals in dual diagnosis treatment, medications can play a critical role in stabilizing mental health and supporting the recovery process. Medications may be used to manage symptoms of mental health disorders, like anxiety or depression, and ensure a safe withdrawal from substances.
Ensuring safe and appropriate medication management is a crucial part of helping individuals navigate the recovery process with greater stability and success.
dual diagnosis treatment

Evidence-Based Therapies Used In Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Many evidence-based therapies will help individuals with a range of challenges and emotions they experience while recovering from substance use and mental health disorders.
Some evidence-based therapies we utilize in New Life Recovery’s dual diagnosis treatment program include:4

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to both mental health and substance use issues. By reframing these thoughts, individuals can develop healthier coping strategies and better emotional regulation, which is key to sustained recovery.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT is designed to help individuals with emotional regulation challenges. By teaching skills to manage intense emotions and reduce impulsive behavior, DBT strengthens individuals’ ability to cope with distress, improving overall emotional stability and recovery outcomes.

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

MI is a client-centered approach that helps individuals resolve ambivalence about change. By exploring personal motivations and reinforcing the desire to improve, MI increases commitment to recovery, making it a crucial tool for treatment in dual diagnosis care.

Trauma-Informed Care

Trauma-informed care recognizes the profound impact trauma has on mental health and substance use. This therapeutic approach creates a safe, empathetic space for individuals to address past trauma while developing the skills necessary to manage current symptoms, leading to deeper healing.

Family Systems Therapy

At New Life Recovery, we understand that SUD doesn’t only impact the individual. It has ripple effects on everyone around them.

With that, we take a family systems approach to recovery—helping individuals and their families create a path forward for sustainable healing and growth.
Family systems therapy focuses on improving family dynamics and relationships that may contribute to mental health and SUD. By involving family members in the treatment process, this therapy works to rebuild trust, communication, and support systems that are essential for long-term recovery.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

MAT combines FDA-approved medications with therapeutic approaches to treat SUD, particularly in cases of opioid and alcohol use disorders. MAT helps manage withdrawal symptoms, reduces cravings, and supports the stabilization of mental health, facilitating more effective treatment and recovery.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR helps individuals process and reframe traumatic memories, reducing the emotional charge associated with them. This therapy is particularly effective in treating PTSD, depression, and anxiety, which often co-occur with SUDs, leading to more integrated recovery.

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

REBT helps individuals identify irrational beliefs and replace them with healthier, more rational thoughts. By challenging these harmful beliefs, individuals can reduce the emotional distress that drives both mental health symptoms and substance use behaviors.

Holistic Approaches to Support Healing in Dual Diagnosis Treatment

We also offer holistic therapies that work in tandem to heal the mind, body, and spirit, providing individuals with the tools they need to create lasting change. Holistic therapies are imperative for enhancing the healing process, and some approaches we utilize include:5

Mindfulness and Stress-Reduction Techniques

Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, help individuals stay present and manage stress.
These techniques encourage self-awareness, reduce anxiety, and improve emotional regulation, offering powerful support in the recovery journey by calming the mind and reducing triggers for both mental health and substance use challenges.

Art and Music Therapy

Creative therapies, like art and music therapy, provide a safe outlet for expression and emotional processing.

Through activities such as painting or playing music, individuals can communicate emotions that may be difficult to verbalize, helping to release pent-up feelings, build self-esteem, and promote healing in a nonverbal, therapeutic manner.

Nutritional and Physical Wellness Programs

Proper nutrition and physical health are critical components of overall well-being. Nutritional counseling helps individuals improve their diet to support brain function and emotional balance.
Physical wellness programs promote both mental and physical health, improving mood, energy, and recovery outcomes.

Outdoor Adventure Therapy

Outdoor adventure therapy combines nature-based activities with therapeutic interventions. Being in nature fosters relaxation, reduces stress, and encourages teamwork and problem-solving.
Outdoor adventure therapy also helps individuals build self-confidence, trust, and resilience as they engage in meaningful challenges outside the treatment setting.

Yoga and Breathwork

Yoga and breathwork offer powerful ways to calm the nervous system, release tension, and increase emotional awareness.

By focusing on body movements and breath, individuals can cultivate a sense of inner peace, reduce physical and mental stress, and develop mindfulness skills that support long-term recovery.

Recreational Therapy

Recreational therapy encourages individuals to engage in enjoyable activities, such as hiking, sports, or games, which help boost mental health and physical well-being. These activities provide opportunities for social connection, stress relief, and a healthy diversion, making them a key part of holistic treatment.

Cold Plunge Therapy

Cold plunge therapy, or cold water immersion, involves submerging the body in cold water to promote healing and well-being. This therapy reduces inflammation, improves circulation, and releases endorphins, thereby fostering mindfulness and emotional regulation.
Additionally, cold plunge therapy enhances sleep, reduces cravings, and stabilizes mood, offering holistic support for individuals recovering from mental health conditions and substance use disorders.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy involves manipulating soft tissues to promote relaxation and physical well-being. In dual diagnosis treatment, it helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while easing physical discomfort linked to withdrawal or mental health conditions.
Massage therapy improves circulation, releases endorphins, and supports emotional balance. This helps individuals create a sense of calm, aiding recovery for those facing co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
dual diagnosis treatment

Love Your Life

Seeking dual diagnosis treatment can be challenging due to the stigma that still surrounds mental health and SUD. Many individuals hesitate to seek help, fearing judgment or misunderstanding from others. This stigma often prevents people from accessing the care they need.

At New Life Recovery, we’re committed to breaking down these barriers by educating the public about co-occurring disorders. Our goal is to foster an environment of acceptance and understanding, where individuals feel safe to open up and begin their healing process without fear of judgment.

Why Choose New Life Recovery for Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

At New Life Recovery, we stand apart by providing personalized care and focusing on treating mental health and SUD in a compassionate, integrated manner. Our experienced and empathetic staff work closely with each individual, creating customized treatment plans that meet their unique needs.
With a blend of evidence-based therapies and holistic approaches, we ensure that each client receives comprehensive care that addresses the mind, body, and spirit. Our state-of-the-art facilities provide a comfortable and peaceful environment, promoting healing and growth.
Whether through individual therapy, group counseling, or holistic practices, our programs empower clients to reclaim their lives and build lasting recovery in a supportive, understanding environment.

Take the First Step Toward Healing with Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Starting your recovery journey is a powerful decision, and we’re here to guide and support you every step of the way. At New Life Recovery, we believe that when you learn to truly love your life, the need for drugs and alcohol fades.

Ease of transition is at the heart of what we do, with all levels of care available on one campus, offering a seamless and supportive experience.

Reach Out Today

Reach out today to take the first step toward a healthier, more meaningful life. Experience how our evidence-based dual diagnosis treatment can help you rediscover joy.

Resources

  1. https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/addiction/substance-abuse-and-mental-health
  2. https://www.nami.org/advocate/understanding-dual-diagnosis/
  3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3753025/#:~:text=Epidemiological%20studies%20find%20that%20psychiatric,disorders%20with%20separate%20treatment%20plans.
  4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5844161/
  5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5576155/
 

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New Life Recovery is a dual diagnosis drug rehab and is licensed by DHCS for residential detox and residential level of care, DHCS certified for intensive outpatient, and certified by LegitScript.

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