woman with folded hands in an individual therapy session as part of dual diagnosis treatmentWhen choosing addiction services, it is important to determine if a program has a co-occurring disorders – a.k.a. dual diagnosis – program. The essential idea behind the treatment of co-occurring disorders is that it focuses on more than just treating the substance use problem. It also addresses any underlying mental health issues that are impacting the addiction. Research on the topic has shown that people who suffer from anxiety, depression, and PTSD – just to name a few – are more likely to develop an addiction. The correlation between addiction and mental health is well established, and suffering from both conditions is both challenging and extremely common. As substance use increases, the addiction can often mask the mental health condition, creating a vicious cycle that can be difficult to break.

At New Bridge Foundation®, our addiction treatment programs in Berkeley, CA are guided by the principle that treating addiction without simultaneously identifying and treating any underlying mental health issue is far more likely to result in relapse, instead of establishing the long-term recovery that every individual struggling with addiction seeks and deserves.

If you or someone you care about is suffering at the hands of addiction and a mental health disorder, reach out to New Bridge Foundation® today at 866.772.8491; our dual-diagnosis treatment program may be the right choice for you.

Do I Need a Dual Diagnosis Program?

As has been noted, individuals with a mental health diagnosis are more likely to have a substance use problem than the general population. In fact, millions of adults in America suffer from both mental illness and substance abuse. Although some people turn to alcohol or drugs for self-medication, research indicates that substances only make their mental health conditions worse.

Additionally, substances like alcohol or opiates may alter brain chemistry, which can lead to anxiety or depression. When you consider an option like our dual diagnosis treatment program in Berkeley, CA, staying on the path to sobriety becomes much more manageable.

Substance use problems occur more frequently with specific mental health problems, including:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety including PTSD
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Personality disorders
  • Schizophrenia
  • Suicidal ideation

What to Expect in Co-Occurring Disorders Treatment Program

Someone with a mental health problem and substance use disorder should treat both issues simultaneously with integrated treatment. Integrated treatment, which includes collaboration between disciplines (such as psychiatrists, doctors, therapists, and certified addiction counselors) is what is recommended by the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Additionally, SAMSHA supports individualized treatment planning that addresses both mental health and substance use issues. Experts agree that those suffering from dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders should be treated by providers who specialize in treating both mental health and substance use issues.

At New Bridge Foundation®, individuals have access to various treatment modalities and a specialized program to assist with dual diagnosis issues including, but not limited to:

  • Individual counseling
  • Individualized mental health treatment plans
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy
  • Co-occurring disorders education and group therapy
  • Consultation with outside providers
  • Medication management
  • Free aftercare for life

Benefits of a Dual Diagnosis Program

There are many benefits to treating substance use disorders and the mental health concerns that so often underpin and fuel them. Some of these benefits are:

  • Improved ability to manage symptoms of mental illness
  • Reduced likelihood of relapse
  • Increased chance of long-term sobriety and recovery
  • Improved quality of life

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and a mental health disorder, please reach out to us at New Bridge Foundation® at 866.772.8491. Our team of specialists has more than 50 years of experience treating addiction and mental health issues and was recently ranked as one of America’s “Best Addiction Treatment Centers,” per a survey conducted by Statista in cooperation with Newsweek for a third consecutive year.

Learn More about our Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program in Berkeley, CA

Only a small percentage of Americans with mental health concerns, addiction issues, or both, will get the help they need. There is hope, however, especially for those battling mental health issues, who have long been written off or perceived as not strong-willed enough to stop using substances.

New Bridge Foundation® in Berkeley, California is here to help individuals discover how to manage their dual diagnosis and find healthy ways to cope. During short-term residential rehab (Helios) and our other addiction treatment programs, our friendly, tightly-knit team of qualified professionals provides comfort and support as individuals develop the necessary tools to positively transform their lives. Begin the journey today by calling 866.772.8491.