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Maryland Dual Diagnosis Treatment

What is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

Dual diagnosis treatment refers to the comprehensive care and therapy provided to individuals who are struggling with both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder. While many addiction treatment programs focus solely on addressing the substance use issue, dual diagnosis treatment takes a more holistic approach by recognizing that both conditions need to be treated simultaneously for effective recovery. The goal is to address the underlying mental health condition (such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD) while also treating the substance use disorder (such as alcohol or drug addiction).

At Ashley Addiction Treatment, our dual diagnosis program provides integrated care that ensures each individual receives treatment for both their mental health and addiction concerns. This approach leads to more sustainable, long-term recovery by addressing the root causes of both issues at the same time, rather than treating them in isolation.

What is the Definition of Dual Diagnosis

Dual Diagnosis refers to the occurrence of both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder in the same person. It is sometimes also called a co-occurring disorder. This condition is often complex and can make recovery more challenging, as the symptoms of one condition can exacerbate the other. For example, someone with depression may use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate, which can worsen their mental health symptoms. On the other hand, substance use can create or intensify psychological symptoms, leading to a vicious cycle of addiction and mental illness.

At Ashley Addiction Treatment, we recognize that treating both conditions together is the most effective way to achieve long-term recovery and improve overall well-being.

Common Dual Diagnosis Examples

Dual diagnosis occurs when someone experiences both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder. Some of the most common dual diagnosis examples include:

Depression & Alcohol Addiction

People with depression may turn to alcohol as a form of self-medication in an attempt to alleviate their emotional pain, numb their feelings, or escape from negative thoughts. Alcohol, being a central nervous system depressant, can initially provide temporary relief by inducing feelings of relaxation or euphoria. However, this relief is short-lived and often masks rather than addresses the underlying emotional distress. Over time, people with depression may begin to rely on alcohol more frequently to cope with their mood, creating a dangerous cycle.

Anxiety & Drug Addiction

Individuals with anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or panic disorder, often experience persistent and overwhelming feelings of fear, worry, or dread that interfere with their daily lives. In an attempt to manage these intense emotions, some individuals may turn to substances like marijuana, prescription painkillers, or stimulants to self-medicate and find relief from their anxiety symptoms. While these substances may provide temporary relief from anxious feelings, they can ultimately lead to the development of a substance use disorder, which further complicates both the anxiety disorder and overall mental health.

Bipolar Disorder & Cocaine Addiction:

People with bipolar disorder often experience intense mood swings, cycling between periods of mania (or hypomania) and depression. These extreme shifts in mood, energy, and behavior can be incredibly difficult to manage and may interfere with a person’s ability to maintain stable relationships, work, and other aspects of daily life. In an attempt to self-regulate or cope with the emotional intensity of these mood swings, some individuals with bipolar disorder may turn to substances such as alcohol, illicit drugs, or prescription medications. This self-medication may initially seem like a way to manage the extreme highs and lows, but it often creates a dangerous interaction between the two conditions, worsening both bipolar symptoms and the risk of substance use disorder.

PTSD & Opioid Addiction

 Trauma survivors, including those who have experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, combat exposure to violence, or endure significant loss, often struggle with intense emotional pain that is difficult to manage. In an attempt to cope with these overwhelming feelings, some trauma survivors may turn to substances such as opioids to numb the emotional pain. Opioids, which include prescription painkillers (e.g., oxycodone, hydrocodone) and illicit drugs like heroin, have powerful analgesic and sedative properties that can offer temporary relief from emotional distress. However, this self-medication often leads to a dangerous cycle that compounds both substance use disorder (SUD) and the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Difference between Dual Diagnosis and Co-occurring Disorders

Dual Diagnosis vs Co-Occurring Disorders

The terms dual diagnosis and co-occurring disorders are often used interchangeably, but they can have slight differences depending on the context.

  • Dual Diagnosis: Typically refers to the diagnosis of both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder in the same person. It highlights the presence of both conditions, with the understanding that they interact and affect each other. Treatment for dual diagnosis requires a tailored, integrated approach to address both conditions simultaneously.
  • Co-occurring Disorders: This term is sometimes used more broadly to describe any two conditions (which could include mental health disorders, substance use disorders, or even other medical conditions) that occur at the same time. However, when used in addiction treatment, co-occurring disorders often refers to the combination of mental illness and substance use disorders—just like dual diagnosis.

In short, dual diagnosis vs co-occurring disorders comes down to language preference, but both terms refer to the need for treatment of both mental health and substance use concerns simultaneously for effective recovery.

Common Symptoms of Dual Diagnosis

People with dual diagnosis often experience a unique set of symptoms that reflect both their mental health challenges and substance use issues. The symptoms of dual diagnosis can vary widely depending on the specific conditions involved, but some common signs include:

  • Mood Swings: Extreme shifts in mood (from depression to mania, or anxiety to calm) can be a result of both mental illness and substance use.
  • Intense Cravings: Individuals may experience strong urges to use substances, often as a way to cope with or numb psychological pain.
  • Isolation: Many people with dual diagnosis withdraw from social situations due to shame, stigma, or the effects of their conditions.
  • Impaired Judgment: Substance use can interfere with decision-making, often leading to risky behaviors, while mental health issues can lead to poor coping strategies.
  • Sleep Problems: Insomnia, excessive sleep, or disrupted sleep patterns are common in both substance use disorders and mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.
  • Anxiety and Panic Attacks: Feelings of extreme anxiety or panic may occur, which can be worsened by substance use as people may use substances to self-medicate.
  • Difficulty Managing Emotions: People with dual diagnosis may have trouble managing their emotions and may react impulsively or self-destructively in response to stress.

What to Expect From Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Our dual diagnosis program is designed to provide holistic, integrated care for individuals dealing with both mental health and substance use disorders. Here’s what you can expect from dual diagnosis treatment at Ashley:

Comprehensive Assessment

We start with a thorough evaluation of both your mental health and substance use history to create a personalized treatment plan. This individualized approach helps us better understand the underlying issues that may be contributing to both your mental health and substance use challenges. The goal is to not only address the symptoms but also identify any potential triggers, coping mechanisms, or other factors that could influence your recovery journey.

Integrated Therapy

You’ll receive therapy that addresses both the mental health and substance use components of your dual diagnosis. This includes individual therapy, group therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). By combining these diverse therapy types in a coordinated, holistic approach, integrated therapy ensures that you receive the tools, support, and guidance you need to make lasting changes. Whether it’s breaking the cycle of substance use or managing your mental health symptoms, these therapies work together to help you build a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): For some, MAT may be part of the treatment plan, especially for substance use disorders like opioid addiction. Medications can help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings, while therapy helps address mental health issues. MAT is not a one-size-fits-all treatment, and each person’s medication plan will be tailored to their specific needs, treatment goals, and response to medications. Medical professionals closely monitor patients to adjust medications as needed and ensure the best outcomes. This personalized approach ensures that MAT remains a safe and effective treatment option for individuals with substance use disorders, providing them with the best possible chance for lasting recovery.

Holistic Approaches

We integrate holistic therapies, such as yoga, meditation, art therapy, and mindfulness, to support emotional and physical healing, giving clients the tools to cope with stress and emotions without turning to substances. Incorporating holistic therapies into a treatment plan provides a well-rounded, comprehensive approach to recovery that goes beyond traditional methods, addressing the mind, body, and spirit. These therapies focus on healing the individual as a whole, rather than just targeting specific symptoms.

Family Involvement

Dual diagnosis treatment often involves family therapy, as addiction and mental health disorders affect loved ones too. Family therapy helps rebuild relationships and provides a strong support system for long-term recovery. Through family therapy, families can heal, learn healthier communication, and create a supportive environment that encourages both personal growth and collective strength. With the guidance of professionals, families can work together to build a unified, resilient support system that will help the individual in recovery thrive, ensuring a stronger, healthier future for all.

Aftercare and Support

Recovery from dual diagnosis is an ongoing process. The process does not end when a treatment program concludes; in fact, the real work of maintaining sobriety and managing mental health begins after the formal treatment phase. That’s why aftercare and ongoing support are essential for individuals in recovery. Services including aftercare programs, relapse prevention strategies, and alumni resources, are designed to ensure that clients have the tools, guidance, and encouragement they need to maintain long-term success, overcome potential challenges, and continue their path toward healing and wellness.

Supporting Your Entire Recovery

At Ashley Addiction Treatment, our goal is to provide comprehensive, personalized care to support individuals through every stage of their recovery. If you or someone you care about is struggling with dual diagnosis, reach out to Ashley Addiction Treatment for compassionate care and tailored treatment strategies that can lead to lasting recovery. Please reach out to our helpline, available 7 days a week, at 1-800-799-HOPE (4673), or contact us here for more information on how we can help.