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6 Benefits of Dual Diagnosis Rehab in South Florida

When someone is struggling with a substance use disorder, there is a high likelihood that they have underlying issues they have not addressed. One of the most common underlying causes of addiction is untreated mental health conditions. 

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “approximately 9.2 million adults in the United States have a co-occurring disorder.”[1]

Co-occurring disorders refer to an individual suffering from a mental health condition and an addiction simultaneously. When you have co-occurring disorders, the only way to experience full recovery is to receive treatment for your mental health condition and substance use disorder. If one condition goes left untreated, it could trigger a relapse in the treated condition. 

Thankfully, dual-diagnosis rehab centers in South Florida can provide you with the mental health and addiction treatment you need to maintain long-term recovery. But what are the specific benefits of dual diagnosis care?

Six benefits of attending a dual diagnosis rehab center in South Florida are:

1. Access to Highly Individualized Treatment

An initial assessment is one of the first things that happens when you arrive at a dual-diagnosis treatment facility in South Florida. This assessment is intended to gather specific information about your history that will help the staff members better understand your needs and goals for recovery. You might be asked questions about your substance abuse, family history, medical information, and your mental health history. 

After undergoing an in-depth assessment, your medical team will create an individualized treatment plan based on the information you provide. By making these plans highly individualized, dual diagnosis programs ensure that each patient is receiving services specific to their needs.

2. Decreased Chances of Relapse

One of the main causes of relapse in early recovery is negative emotions and feelings. When you were actively abusing drugs, you most likely used them to numb any negative emotion you experienced, and as a newly sober person, dealing with these feelings can be incredibly difficult. 

During a dual-diagnosis treatment program in South Florida, part of your mental health treatment will be focused on teaching you how to cope with difficult emotions and manage your own moods. Learning healthy coping skills will prevent you from feeling like you need to pick up a drink or drug when times get tough. 

3. Diagnosis and Treatment for the Underlying Causes of Your Addiction

Untreated mental health conditions can wreak havoc on your life. Oftentimes, people suffering from a mental illness are unaware that they are dealing with one. Failure to acknowledge and address mental health conditions can cause the symptoms to fester over time, affecting every area of your life.

As a result, you might begin to abuse substances to cope with the symptoms of your mental illness. While substances can immediately numb your emotions, they tend to worsen mental health issues over time. Thankfully, dual-diagnosis treatment centers can provide you with a diagnosis and an individualized treatment plan to ensure that you receive the care you need.

4. Trauma-Informed Care

According to the National Council for Behavioral Health, “70% of adults in the U.S. have experienced some type of traumatic event at least once in their lives.”[2]

Unresolved trauma often goes hand in hand with addiction. Whether you experienced a traumatic event as a child or became a survivor of trauma during your substance abuse, it’s important to have support.

One approach dual diagnosis treatment programs use to address trauma is trauma-informed care. Trauma-informed care is a type of treatment that takes into consideration that most people have experienced trauma. In this approach, healthcare providers work to ensure that you feel safe and secure while you are under their care and incorporate trauma therapy into treatment.

5. Aftercare Planning 

The National Institutes of Health reports that the addiction relapse rate is between 40 to 60%.[1] This means that more often than not, people recovering from addiction experience a relapse. While relapses are common, you can avoid them when you are armed with the support and tools required.

Aftercare planning is a process that ensures you will have everything you need to maintain long-term sobriety outside of a rehab facility. Dual diagnosis treatment centers in South Florida emphasize the importance of aftercare planning by ensuring every client is confident before they leave the facility.

Common services included in an aftercare plan include:

  • Continued therapy or group counseling
  • Continued medication management if needed
  • A list of triggers and coping mechanisms that work for you
  • Referrals to outpatient or sober living programs 
  • Recommendations on local sober support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous 
  • Access to alumni support groups at the treatment center 
  • Assistance with vocational training or legal help

6. Highly Qualified Staff Members 

Lastly, every single staff member employed by a dual diagnosis rehab will be highly trained and qualified in their role. This is extremely important, as addiction and mental health issues must be treated by professionals who have experience in their field.

Find a Dual Diagnosis Rehab Center in South Florida

If you or a loved one suffers from a co-occurring mental health condition and substance use disorder, help is available. Whether you already have a psychiatric diagnosis or need to be evaluated, Mandala Healing Center is here to assist you. 

To learn more about our dual diagnosis treatment program in South Florida, contact Mandala Healing Center today. 

References:

  1. https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/medications-counseling-related-conditions/co-occurring-disorders
  2. https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Trauma-infographic.pdf
  3. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recovery