MenuClose

How Do You Treat a Dual Diagnosis?

a dual diagnosis treatment provider explains the process to a new client

Addiction is a complex disease that affects every aspect of a person’s life. Thus, merely addressing the physical symptoms of substance use isn’t enough to guarantee a full recovery. Paying close attention to the patient’s mental health and emotional well-being is also crucial. Such an integrated approach to healing is called dual diagnosis treatment. Treating dual diagnosis patients usually involves a mixture of medication, counseling, and holistic therapies. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and/or mental health issues, reach out to Northpoint Seattle for effective dual diagnosis treatment.

There isn’t a fixed cure for addiction. The dual diagnosis treatment plan that works for one patient may have to be adapted to suit another. Thus, treating dual diagnosis disorders varies greatly from person to person, as per their specific conditions, unique needs, and medical history. To learn more about how to treat dual diagnosis and our flexible recovery programs, call us at 888.483.6031.

How to Treat Dual Diagnosis

Substance use and mental health issues are closely linked. Someone struggling with depression or anxiety may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope, worsening their condition. In other cases, a person may try to quit on their own, fail, and get trapped in a self-destructive spiral.

Thus, treating dual diagnosis patients involves taking a comprehensive and personalized approach to addiction and mental healthcare. Instead of targeting specific symptoms, it treats the individual as a whole, helping them find happiness and meaning in their lives.

If you’re keen to know more about how to treat dual diagnosis, the following pointers might help:

  • In dual diagnosis treatment, the doctors and therapists perform a thorough physical and psychological evaluation of the person to uncover any co-occurring disorders and health issues.
  • Once the issues are identified, the healthcare experts recommend a personalized treatment plan.
  • This treatment plan may include medication to stabilize one’s condition, improve their mood and help the body return to its normal functioning.
  • Along with medication, the patient is encouraged to attend cognitive-behavioral therapy sessions where they learn to replace toxic thinking patterns with healthy, sustainable habits.
  • These one-on-one counseling sessions are also useful in uncovering the root causes of addiction, confronting past trauma and repressed emotions, and building a roadmap for a happier future.
  • In many cases, family members and loved ones are educated about the patient’s condition and are trained to offer the right kind of help and support.
  • To improve one’s emotional well-being and confidence levels, the patient is also encouraged to partake in holistic therapies (like yoga and meditation) and recreational activities.
  • After treatment is formally complete, the specialists may also discuss aftercare programs and relapse prevention plans so that the patient remains committed to sobriety and can enjoy ongoing support.

The aim of treating dual diagnosis patients isn’t to simply cure addiction but to help individuals become the best versions of themselves who can handle life’s challenges and setbacks with strength and grace.

Heal with Northpoint Seattle’s Dual Diagnosis Treatment

At Northpoint Seattle, we firmly believe that with the right kind of care and support, anyone can make a successful and lifelong recovery from addiction.

At our state-of-the-art facility in Seattle, we offer a range of programs and services, from partial hospitalization to intensive outpatient treatment, to help patients get back on their feet quickly. Along with one-on-one counseling, family education, and cognitive-behavioral therapy, our empathetic health experts will help you develop practical coping skills, prevent relapse and become more resilient.

A better and more beautiful life awaits you. Call us at 888.483.6031 and begin your healing journey today. You can also reach us by filling out our online contact form.