Dual Diagnosis and Co-Occurring Disorders
Treating Co-Occurring Disorders at The Ridge
Many people who struggle with an addiction to drugs or alcohol also experience a mental health disorder at the same time. These are called co-occurring disorders and when diagnosed, the individual receives a dual diagnosis. Those with co-occurring disorders often experience complications during the recovery process if not properly diagnosed and treated; therefore, it is important for everyone enrolling in addiction treatment to be assessed by a professional who can screen for things like co-occurring mental health disorders.
The Ridge residential program is primarily a residential substance abuse program, we do not treat people presenting with primary mental health issues and we are not a residential mental health facility nor are we licensed as one. However, we offer access to a psychiatrist in conjunction with substance abuse treatment, to our many patients who suffer from secondary mental health disorders such as depression, PTSD, bi-polar, anxiety and other common mental health diagnoses.
Challenges of Treating Individuals with Dual Diagnosis
Just as mental health disorders and addiction disorders occur together, they need to be treated simultaneously as well. Past experiences, conflict in the family, improper thought processes, and physical conditions all play a part in the development of these disorders and can be healed together. In the same way, ignoring that one condition is present prevents treatment staff from getting to the heart of who the person is and why they do what they do. Therefore, treatment for a dual diagnosis should be multi-faceted and comprehensive.
Treatment for co-occurring mental health and addiction disorders includes intensive psychotherapy, individual and group counseling sessions, and medication. Once identified, a dual diagnosis is treated much like an addiction disorder, with a more comprehensive therapy program and the use of medication if necessary.
