Many clients diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD) have co-occurring mental health issues requiring treatment or accommodations. Treatment may involve integrative care and a combination of therapeutic modalities tailored to the client's needs. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), "Integrating both screening and treatment for mental and substance use disorders leads to a better quality of care and health outcomes for those living with co-occurring disorders by treating the whole person." Driftwood Recovery uses comprehensive assessments and screening tools to ensure clients receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
The Prevalence of Co-Occurring Disorders in Addiction Recovery
Many people with SUD have at least one co-occurring mental or physical health issue. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), "Of the 20.3 million adults with substance use disorders, 37.9% also had mental illnesses." Multiple barriers exist to stop people from getting the help they need to address co-occurring disorders." Among adults with co-occurring disorders who did not receive mental health care, their reasons for not receiving it were:
- 52.2% said they could not afford the cost.
- 23.8% said they did not know where to go for treatment.
- 23.0% said they could handle the problem without treatment.
- 13.6% said they feared being committed.
- 12.4% said it might cause their neighbors to have a negative opinion of them.
- 11.1% said they did not think treatment would help.
- 10.6% said they did not have the time.
- 10.1% said they were concerned about confidentiality."
Reducing barriers to care often involves educating individuals, families, and communities about the realities of addiction and mental health treatment. Staff at Driftwood Recovery support the treatment of mental health disorders by providing psychoeducation, building trust with clients, and offering multiple treatment options.
Simultaneous Treatment for Dual Diagnosis
Staff members may use multiple therapeutic modalities to address co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders over the course of weeks or months as clients step down through different levels of care. Individual and group therapy is tailored to each client's unique needs and adjusted as needed to meet recovery goals. However, not everyone needs or benefits from simultaneous treatment for mental health and substance use issues. For example, individuals with severe SUD and mild anxiety related to specific phobias may want to address the primary condition first and follow up with treatment for less severe mental health issues. Every case is unique. Driftwood Recovery uses comprehensive assessments and in-depth interviews with clients and their families to determine the best approach to treatment.
The Importance of Clinician Collaboration During Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders
At Driftwood Recovery, every department collaborates to ensure a consistent and positive client experience. Every staff member, from the front desk to the management team, ensures clients feel heard, respected, understood, and valued while participating in treatment. Consistency and structure have a profound positive effect on mental health treatment and reduce stress for individuals in recovery. Open communication and collaboration between departments also ensure every staff member feels supported and can provide clients with the best treatment options.
Collaboration between staff members does the following:
- Reduces human errors in treatment
- Improves the effectiveness of therapy and other treatments
- Decreases uncertainty or confusion for both clients and clinicians
Driftwood Recovery prioritizes high-quality, collaborative care between clients and the care team. Before treatment begins, the clinical team establishes a foundation of trust with clients. People in treatment are more likely to express needs and concerns if they feel comfortable with staff. Co-occurring disorders are easier to treat when the care team has a clear understanding of what the client needs to feel more in control of their recovery. The social connection between clinicians and clients plays a critical role in treating dual diagnosis.
Common Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders
Some of the most common mental health disorders diagnosed alongside substance abuse include:
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Schizophrenia
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
- Major depressive disorder (MDD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Bipolar disorder
Some clients may require treatment for multiple forms of substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders. Staff members at Driftwood Recovery have decades of combined experience helping clients heal from multiple active and underlying issues affecting mental health.
How Does Driftwood Recovery Treat Co-Occurring Disorders?
Driftwood Recovery uses the following to treat or manage symptoms and side effects of co-occurring mental health disorders:
- Prescription medications
- Evidence-based and alternative holistic therapies
- Individual therapy
- Peer support
- Self-help groups
Case managers monitor client progress and advocate for them with the care team to ensure individuals in treatment have access to essential mental health support and services.
Clients With Multiple Disorders Often Require More Comprehensive Care
Co-occurring disorders often require more comprehensive care and longer time in treatment or aftercare. The one-on-one time spent with these clients is frequently increased to ensure the care team has the time to address underlying issues impacting mental health. Driftwood Recovery limits the number of clients seen at one time to ensure clients and staff feel supported and have time to truly engage and dig deep into the issues impacting mental health. Everyone is given the time and space to navigate recovery at their own pace.
Many clients with substance use disorder (SUD) have co-occurring mental health issues impacting their ability to function, manage symptoms, and successfully achieve sobriety. Some of the most common co-occurring conditions, including mood disorders, can impact motivation and engagement in treatment. By treating all active conditions and underlying issues, clinicians better prepare clients for long-term recovery. Co-occurring disorders may require extended treatment. The care team uses personalized treatment and aftercare plans to ensure clients continue to receive the support they need to heal from SUD. Staff members at Driftwood Recovery support client recovery by using evidence-based and alternative holistic therapies to address co-occurring disorders alongside substance abuse. To learn more about our programs and services, contact us at (512) 759-8330.