Dual Diagnosis - SCA Recovery

What Does It Mean to Have a Dual Diagnosis?

To have a dual diagnosis, you must have a mental health disorder as well as a substance use disorder. If you’re concerned about your mental health, at SCA Recovery, we have doctors on staff who can evaluate you and provide a diagnosis as needed.

Several mental illnesses frequently occur with addiction. Anxiety is the most common mental illness that occurs with addiction or substance use disorder. Nearly 7 million Americans struggle with anxiety, which is characterized as persistent, excessive worry or fear over everyday occurrences. Depression is also a common mental illness to occur with substance use disorder. Nearly 21 million Americans have had at least one depressive episode in their lives. Also, people with PTSD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia may have problems with drug use.

It’s no surprise that so many people struggle with both mental illness and substance abuse. Often people with a mental illness use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate or to take something that temporarily makes them feel better. However, over time, self-medicating to treat your mental illness may result in you having both a mental illness and an addiction issue.

What Happens in Treatment if I Have a Dual Diagnosis?

At SCA Recovery, we specialize in treating clients with dual diagnoses. This means that we will work with you to diagnose and treat your mental illness and addiction as well as develop a comprehensive program to help you treat both of these together. When treatment centers focus on treating both at the same time, you have a much better chance of recovery.

First, we will diagnose your mental illness if you are concerned that you have one. Second, we will begin to treat your mental illness with medication (if necessary) and therapy while providing you with a support system of other people who have been through the withdrawal and recovery process. We know that when we treat both at the same time, which is called integrated treatment, you can truly focus your energy on recovery.

If you choose to get treatment for your substance use disorder and your mental illness, you improve your odds. You may find that you are able to leave drugs and alcohol behind as you work with others to find purpose in your life. You will be able to start your new path toward recovery through a combination of medication and several behavior techniques, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, 12-step program therapy, or merely a shoulder to lean on. No matter what you need, our team at SCA Recovery can ensure you get treated for your mental illness and addiction and emerge happier and healthier.

Not sure you have a mental illness? We can help. Reach out to us today, and let us guide you through the maze of people, facts, and figures. That way, you’ll be prepared to embark on the journey of living a life free of drugs and alcohol.

We’d Love to Help You!