Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Bonham, TX

A dual diagnosis, also known as co-occurring disorders, is made when a mental illness and a drug or alcohol addiction occur together. Dual diagnosis treatment in Bonham is essential for treating each disorder for the best possible chances at successful long-term recovery from both.

How Common is Dual Diagnosis?

Dual diagnoses are very common. One-third of people who have any mental illness and half of those with a severe mental illness are also addicted to drugs or alcohol, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Conversely, a third of people who are addicted to alcohol and half of those who are addicted to drugs also have a mental illness.

The reason for the high prevalence of co-occurring disorders is two-fold. First, people with a mental illness often self-medicate with drugs or alcohol, which can lead to chronic abuse and addiction. Unfortunately, drugs and alcohol almost always make a mental illness worse. Secondly, chronic drug and alcohol abuse changes brain function and structure and can cause the onset of a mental illness that didn't exist before.

Mental Illnesses that Often Co-Occur with Addiction

While anxiety and depression are the most common mental illnesses that accompany a drug or alcohol addiction, any mental illness can increase your risk of developing an addiction, particularly when you use drugs or alcohol as a way to reduce symptoms of the mental illness. Besides anxiety and depression, the most common mental illnesses that co-occur with addiction include:

Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. PTSD develops as the result of being the victim of or witness to a traumatic event, such as sexual abuse, street violence, an accident, or a natural disaster. It's very common for people with PTSD to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol to reduce the intensity of symptoms, which include nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety and fear, insomnia, and feelings of guilt, shame, or anger.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD. OCD is characterized by obsessive or repetitive behaviors such as hand-washing or counting. People with OCD may use drugs or alcohol to reduce these compulsions.

Eating disorders. Anorexia and bulimia are common eating disorders that often co-occur with addiction. Someone with an eating disorder may rely on drugs or alcohol to reduce the appetite or relieve feelings of depression such as worthlessness and hopelessness.

Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other serious mental illnesses. Severe mental illnesses frequently co-occur with addiction. Because these mental illnesses are so common, it's no wonder why these addicts are prone to chronic relapse. Our programs for relapse prevention in Bonham helps addicts with a dual diagnosis to develop coping skills to prevent from further relapse when they come across a trigger.

Why Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Bonham is Essential

The successful treatment of co-occurring disorders requires a specialized approach. Just treating an addiction won't affect the mental illness, which may continue to lead to substance abuse. Similarly, treating just a mental illness won't address the complex issues behind an addiction.

Dual diagnosis treatment programs at our drug and alcohol rehab in Bonham are integrated and collaborative. The addiction is treated in the context of the mental illness, and vice-versa. A high level of collaboration between the treatment teams for each disorder help to ensure the most effective treatment possible.

Dual diagnosis treatment in Bonham involves a variety of therapies that help address the addiction and the mental illness. Since every individual has unique and specific complex needs and issues, a variety of traditional and complementary therapies are used to approach these needs and issues from a number of different angles. Some of the most commonly used and successful treatment therapies for dual diagnosis rehab include:

Pharmacotherapy, or the use of medication, which may help to relieve symptoms of the mental illness and restore the balance of brain chemicals.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps you identify dysfunctional thought and behavior patterns and learn to think and behave in healthier ways. It also helps you address the issues underlying the addiction, which may include chronic stress, a history of trauma, or family dysfunction.

Family therapy, which helps to restore function to the family system.

Psychoeducational classes, which educate individuals about addiction, mental illness, and what it takes for successful recovery.

Art or music therapy, which reduces stress, improves self-awareness, and helps you express difficult emotions and make sense of unpleasant experiences.

Nature therapy, which improves self-confidence and self-esteem and helps you learn better communication and social skills.

Meditation, which reduces stress, improves self-awareness, and promotes mindfulness.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment Programs Work

Dual diagnosis treatment in Bonham helps to restore good mental health, improve your quality of life, and dramatically increase your sense of well-being. Through drug and alcohol rehab, you'll work to find purpose and meaning in life without drugs or alcohol, improve your relationships, and learn how to have fun and enjoy a life of sobriety.

Dual diagnosis treatment for addiction works, and it can work for you. Call us today at (877) 804-1531 to learn more.