Mental health disorders and substance use disorder (SUD) commonly occur together. In fact, more than a third of people diagnosed with SUD also struggle with mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
When either SUD or the mental health condition are not diagnosed, one vital component of the individual's mental health is left unaddressed. For someone struggling with addiction, this can heighten the risk of relapse. These conditions can be so tightly interwoven that treatment can be especially complex, but with adequate diagnosis, recovery is possible.
What is the best way to treat a mental health and substance use disorder? When an individual is struggling with SUD and a mental disorder, dual diagnosis is paramount to their recovery.
Dual-diagnosis treatment involves targeting both existing conditions concurrently for the best possible outcomes with care. Find out more about how mental health and substance use disorders should be treated below.
Key Treatment Approaches
When an individual has a mental health and substance use disorder, four primary forms of treatment may be recommended. Each individual's plan can be unique and depend on their specific needs and symptoms.
Integrated Treatment Programs
Integrated treatment programs are comprehensive care models designed to simultaneously address both mental health and substance use disorders. In integrated treatment, a multidisciplinary team of professionals collaborates to create individualized care plans tailored to each patient's unique needs.
Dual-diagnosis treatment is one type of integrated treatment for SUD and mental illness. This coordinated approach can involve everything from psychologists and nutritionists to medical doctors and counselors. Integrated programs often include evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing (MI), in addition to a spectrum of other treatment modalities.
Integrated treatment involves a broader approach to targeting physical, emotional, and social well-being. Therefore, holistic and alternative treatment components are also more likely to be included.
Behavioral Therapies
Behavioral therapies like CBT, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and behavioral activation (BA) are considered core components of treating most types of mental illness. These science-backed methodologies are exceptionally valuable for an individual with both a mental health and substance abuse disorder for unique reasons.
Through CBT, individuals learn practical skills to identify and change negative thought patterns. CBT has been shown to be highly effective for a range of mental health disorders, including SUD.
Through DBT, individuals develop emotional regulation techniques and interpersonal effectiveness skills, helping them manage intense emotions and improve relationships. This can be crucial for recovery from co-occurring disorders.
Through BA, individuals engage in meaningful activities to counteract depression and improve their mood. This can be important for helping them build positive habits and enhance overall well-being.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines the use of medications with counseling to treat SUD and certain mental health conditions. MAT reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms, which makes focusing on recovery easier.
Common medications include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone for SUD. Medications like antidepressants and mood stabilizers are often used for co-occurring mental health disorders. An individual with both conditions may be prescribed more than one type of medication to assist with recovery.
Supportive Services and Aftercare
Challenges with addiction or mental illness don't automatically go away after treatment. Most individuals need some support for the days ahead. Supportive services and aftercare are important for specifically enhancing the likelihood of long-term recovery.
Aftercare services often include group therapy and individual counseling to address personal challenges. Additionally, aftercare case management provides ongoing guidance and resource connection, such as access to a community for accountability. Other services, such as vocational training and housing assistance, further support reintegrating into society and maintaining sobriety.
Innovative Treatment Modalities
A robust treatment plan for co-occurring SUD and mental illness can involve more than traditional levels of care. Many innovative and more contemporary treatment elements can be highly effective for creating the best care plan.
Telehealth and Online Therapy
Telehealth and online therapy both make access to much-needed mental health support much more convenient. Individuals who are not in an inpatient or residential treatment center can get support from home. This can be especially valuable for individuals in an aftercare program or those without access to local support.
Peer Support Groups
Peer support groups play a crucial role in the recovery process for individuals with substance use and mental health disorders. These groups provide a safe and supportive environment where members can share their experiences, challenges, and successes. Connecting with others who understand similar struggles can be invaluable for motivation and accountability, but also support recovery in the long term.
Holistic Treatment Approaches
Holistic treatment approaches recognize that both mental health and substance use disorders affect the whole person. These treatments can include a broad range of modalities that can positively enhance mood, self-confidence, mental, and physical well-being.
For instance, one key component of holistic treatment is the incorporation of mind-body techniques. Mindfulness meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises are good examples. These practices help individuals manage stress, reduce anxiety, and improve emotional regulation.
Dual-Diagnosis-Specific Programs
Dual-diagnosis-specific programs are comprehensive treatment approaches for targeting both SUD and mental illness symptoms concurrently. Tailored to the unique needs of an individual with co-occurring disorders, this level of treatment can be highly effective for long-term recovery. Dual-diagnosis treatment is most often residential and offers around-the-clock care in an immersive therapeutic environment.
The overall focus of dual-diagnosis treatment is to dissect the relationship between the two illnesses through a thorough evaluation. From this understanding, care providers build an effective plan to manage the symptoms of both.
A Supportive Treatment Network Can Lead to Long-Lasting Recovery
Building a supportive treatment network for combined mental illness and substance use disorders is so important. The best results occur with a personalized care plan that targets the individual's specific needs and symptoms.
Striving for a long-lasting recovery is always the top-level goal of these tailored programs. Good mental health and sobriety synergy is possible, and hope for a brighter future is within reach with the right level of care.
