Dual Diagnosis Treatment In Knoxville, TN

In a world where mental health and substance abuse often intertwine, addressing dual diagnosis (also called co-occurring disorder) is critical. Dual diagnosis rehab is vital to lasting recovery and well-being. Individuals are finding the support and resources they need at Tennessee Valley Reocvery’s dual diagnosis treatment in Knoxville, TN. It’s here that those with dual diagnosis get the help they need to navigate the intricate recovery journey and reclaim their lives.

What is a Dual Diagnosis Disorder?

Dual diagnosis disorder refers to a co-occurring mental condition and substance use disorder. This condition is common, with an estimated half of those battling addiction also suffering from at least one mental health disorder. Though often unclear which condition came first, it is obvious the interaction of the two only complicates a person’s ability to further get sober.

For example, an individual might abuse substances as a way to cope with their mental disorder. However, substance abuse can also aggravate the symptoms of a person’s mental health disorder, putting them in an unhealthy cycle that is difficult to break. 

What Causes a Dual Diagnosis Disorder?

For people dealing with both an addiction and a mental health condition, it may be difficult for them to understand how they ended up with both conditions even as they are going through dual diagnosis rehab. Research has shown no clear answer to why people end up with a dual diagnosis disorder. Doctors have, however, found that three different factors can contribute to this condition.

These include:

• Substance abuse and mental health conditions can both be caused by genetics, stress, and trauma.

• People who suffer from certain mental health disorders are more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol. In these cases, people are trying to self-medicate their mental health symptoms with substances. For example, those who suffer from brain-altering mental health conditions—like ADHD and schizophrenia—have a higher likelihood of addiction.

• Substance abuse affects the way someone’s brain works. Because of this, mental health symptoms can occur. These effects can be long-lasting and require specialized treatment to overcome. The most common mental health disorders are depression and anxiety.

There is no one reason that someone ends up with a dual diagnosis. In addition, there is also no one mental condition a person may end up with. In fact, there are dozens of different mental disorders that are relatively common around the world today.

As such, those with a dual diagnosis disorder can experience the following:

• Anxiety disorders
• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD
• Bipolar disorder
• Depression
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD
• Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD
• Panic disorders
• Psychotic disorders
• Schizophrenia

Dual diagnosis treatment in Knoxville, TN, effectively deals with the above disorders with an integrated treatment plan.

Signs Of a Dual Diagnosis Disorder

When in the cycle of addiction, it can be difficult for someone to realize they have a dual diagnosis disorder. They may not be sure if the symptoms they are experiencing are from their addiction or from something else. A person will need to go to a dual diagnosis treatment center for an official diagnosis.

Some of the signs someone may need to seek this kind of care include:

• Withdrawing from friends and family members
• Spending a lot of time alone
• Having sudden and significant weight gain or loss
• Experiencing angry or violent outbursts
• Either sleeping too much or too little
• Feeling constantly worried or tense
• Not being able to concentrate on even small tasks
• Experiencing delusions or hallucinations, especially when sober
• Intense feelings of depression, hopelessness, worthlessness, or despair
• Being unable to hold down a job or go to school
• Have certain behaviors or rituals used to relieve anxiety, i.e., counting or touching objects.
• Dramatic changes in energy levels or moods
• Using substances to treat or relieve any of the above symptoms or to deal with negative memories or other uncomfortable feelings

If someone has previously been diagnosed with a mental disorder, there is also a good chance they have a dual diagnosis disorder. This is also true for people with a family history of mental conditions or a history of physical or emotional trauma.

Tennessee Valley Recovery dual diagnosis treatment in Knoxville specializes in recognizing, identifying, and treating the symptoms of dual diagnosis.

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Visit the admissions page at Tennessee Valley Recovery today to learn more about our treatment plans.

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What Makes Dual Diagnosis Treatment Different?

Unlike traditional rehab programs that only focus on treating alcoholism and drug addiction, dual-diagnosis rehab centers also focus on treating any mental health symptoms. This treatment method uses a combination of therapy and medication. Additionally, this approach relieves the symptoms of mental disorders.

It also identifies as well as addresses the underlying causes of a substance use disorder. Without this level of care, people with a dual diagnosis are far less likely to maintain their sobriety. Mental health disorders have a huge effect on a person’s quality of life.

It can cause problems with their ability to make healthy decisions and their behavior. Last but not least, it can impact their ability to hold down a job or go to school and their ability to maintain healthy relationships. There is no single type of treatment that is best for treating dual-diagnosis disorders.

Instead, what matters is having the option to build a treatment plan that is going to be the most effective at addressing a person’s individual symptoms and needs. The treatment depends on what substance they are addicted to and their mental health condition.

Some of the most common options include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and contingency management (CM). Many people benefit from MAT because it incorporates medications that treat mental health disorders.

This can significantly decrease symptoms and help someone focus on getting better. Because of the commonality of having a dual diagnosis, Tennessee Valley Recovery offers dual diagnosis treatment in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Benefits of Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers

An integrated treatment plan combines treatment for substance use disorders with mental health challenges. This combined approach allows someone to work towards sobriety without worsening mental health symptoms or experiencing a relapse.

Those who do not treat these conditions at the same time are twice as likely to experience a relapse within six months of leaving treatment.

Treating the whole person is one of the essential strategies for overcoming addiction. Dual diagnosis treatment centers in Knoxville, TN, can help someone avoid duplication of services, which may reduce costs.

Rather than obtaining professional help from more than one type of treatment center at different times, integrated treatment involves a team of professionals. They collaborate on their personalized treatment plan. Their treatment plan may include medication, psychotherapy, education, and family or group counseling.

What to Expect at Our Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center in Knoxville, TN

We start by assessing each person’s needs and then creating a plan to address mental health disorders. For instance, talk therapy provides a primary way to help someone sort through mental health concerns. A therapist can also help the person understand their diagnosis.

They can discuss ways to minimize and even eliminate some symptoms. Holistic therapy and equine therapy also prove to be beneficial in the treatment of mental conditions.

Then, we determine the necessary medications. Some people only need meds for a short time. Others benefit from using them long-term. The right prescription medications can control symptoms of conditions like depression, anxiety, and more. 

We help each person understand how their mental health impacts their addiction. As well, addiction to drugs and alcohol can affect mental conditions. Fortunately, the work that begins for dual diagnosis in our program can be continued after a person leaves. We teach people how to manage their mental health for life. 

Get Help at Our Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers in Tennessee

Even after you successfully stop your drug or alcohol use, your mental health symptoms are unlikely to go away on their own. Our specialized dual diagnosis treatment center in Knoxville, Tennessee, at Tennessee Valley Recovery, will equally focus on your addiction and mental health.

In turn, we can help you to find the causes behind both issues and give you effective means for treating and overcoming them.

Contact us today to get the help you need and find your path to a stable and addiction-free life.