Many people who struggle with addiction also struggle with issues of mental illness, and the same goes for the inverse. People with dual diagnosis require very individualized and comprehensive treatment plans because it is critical that all issues be addressed simultaneously and thoroughly. If not, there becomes a much likelier chance of either an addiction relapse or of a mental health disorder coming out of remission. The good news is that there are plenty of effective ways to treat individuals with co-occurring disorders.
Prevalence of Dual Diagnosis in the U.S.
Many people may be unaware of how prevalent co-occurring mental illness and addiction issues actually are in the U.S. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “People with substance use disorders are at particular risk for developing one or more primary conditions or chronic diseases. The coexistence of both a mental illness and a substance use disorder, known as a co-occurring disorder, is common among people in treatment.” Also, “According to SAMHSA’s 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 9.2 million adults in the United States have a co-occurring disorder.”
These statistics are representative of why there needs to be specific treatment plans for people with mental illness and addiction issues. Also, these plans must start with getting a thorough and accurate dual diagnosis.
The Importance of Getting the Right Diagnosis, Right Away
Getting the right diagnosis right away is crucial for long-term recovery. This is especially true for people who require a dual diagnosis. If one issue goes noticed, and subsequently untreated, then the chances of a relapse go up exponentially.
Many people may also be unaware of how prevalent relapses are in the U.S. According to the peer-reviewed write-up Addiction Relapse Prevention, by Drs. Guenzel and McChargue, “One primary concern in addiction treatment is the high rate of relapses within a short period after even the most intensive treatment. Many studies have shown relapse rates of approximately 50% within the first 12 weeks after completion of intensive inpatient programs that often last 4 to 12 weeks or more and can cost tens of thousands of dollars.”
These relapse statistics are also the reason why more focused recovery programs are so essential. Such programs include a focus on recovery plans for individuals with a dual diagnosis. Such recovery plans must also take effect as soon as a diagnosis is made.
The Importance of Treating the Disorders of a Dual Diagnosis Right Away
Part of treating people with a dual diagnosis right away is connecting them with the right specialists right away. For example, addiction specialists are great for tackling any issues of substance use disorder (SUD), but they may not be the right people to handle certain issues of mental illness. More likely, psychotherapists with a focus on therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are the right people for these issues.
A program that focuses on people with a dual diagnosis will offer programs that focus on both issues of addiction and mental illness. Yes, some of those issues crossover, but others require specifically focused treatments. This is what happens at The Redpoint Center in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.
The Benefits of Treating Dual Diagnosis in Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Springs is an ideal location for recovery. This includes recovery from issues of co-occurring disorders. Glenwood Springs offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country while also maintaining proximity to exciting city hubs like Denver that have thriving recovery communities.
The Redpoint Center in Glenwood Springs is also an ideal place to heal at the cellular level, including from issues of trauma that often underlie both addiction and mental illness. Together they can also help people recover from co-occurring disorders while also starting anew in a setting that has little distraction and more focus on recovery. There are also excellent sober living facilities, ongoing clinical support, and a supportive community that makes recovery their primary purpose.
The Redpoint Center: Focusing on Treatment That Will Result in Long-Term Recovery
Individualized and comprehensive mental health and addiction care is essential for recovery. We know that “cookie-cutter,” “one-size-fits-all” treatment plans rarely work to establish long-term recovery. Here at The Redpoint Center, we understand the specific needs of people with a dual diagnosis. That is why we offer specific programs that focus on these needs.
The renowned Austrian psychologist Viktor E. Frankl once said, “There is nothing in the world, I venture to say, that would so effectively help one to survive even the worst conditions as the knowledge that there is a meaning in one’s life.” Recovery is all about finding new meaning in one’s life. The Redpoint Center and Glenwood Springs can help individuals find that meaning.
At The Redpoint Center, our Glenwood Springs, Colorado, location focuses on both mental health and addiction care. There are significant benefits to going to a recovery center that has a focus on people with a dual diagnosis, not the least of which is that both issues can be treated accordingly. Being diagnosed with and treated for a dual diagnosis as soon as possible is critical because if either disorder remains, there is a good chance it will trigger the treated disorder down the road. If you feel like you or a loved one may be struggling with co-occurring disorders, we can help. For more information on dual diagnosis, please reach out to The Redpoint Center today at (303) 710-8496.
