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Co-Occurring Treatments For Dual Diagnosis: When Addiction and Mental Health Collide

Learn how we can help you heal with compassionate, integrated co-occurring treatments for dual-diagnosis mental health disorders and addiction.

The Complexity of Co-Occurring Disorders

At New Choices Treatment Center (NCTC), we understand that addiction rarely occurs in isolation. For many people struggling with substance use disorder (SUD), there is an underlying mental health condition that compounds the challenges of recovery. This is known as a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder.

Dual diagnosis refers to the presence of both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

These conditions can interact in complex ways, worsening each other’s symptoms and making recovery more difficult, which is where co-occurring treatments come in.

Common Co-Occurring Conditions

Some common mental health conditions that co-occur with addiction include:

  • Depression: Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and lack of motivation can drive people to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. Substance abuse can also contribute to the development of depressive symptoms.
  • Anxiety disorders: People with generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, or panic disorder may turn to substances as a way to cope with overwhelming feelings of worry or fear.
  • Bipolar disorder: The extreme mood swings associated with bipolar disorder can increase the risk of substance abuse during manic episodes or as a means of self-medicating during depressive episodes.
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): People with PTSD may use drugs or alcohol to numb the painful memories and emotions associated with their trauma.
  • Other conditions: Dual diagnosis can also involve conditions like borderline personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and eating disorders.

The Importance of Integrated Co-Occurring Treatments

Attempting to treat only the addiction or only the mental health condition is often ineffective in the long run. At New Choices Treatment Center, we understand that true healing requires addressing both issues at the same time through an integrated approach.

Leaving a mental health condition untreated can significantly increase the risk of relapse, as people may continue to turn to substances as a way to cope with their symptoms. Conversely, failing to address the underlying addiction can impede progress in managing mental health issues.

Diagnosing and treating co-occurring disorders can be challenging, as the symptoms of both conditions often overlap and influence each other. This is why it’s crucial to seek treatment from a facility that specializes in dual diagnosis care.

Co-Occurring Treatments

NCTC's Comprehensive Approach to Co-Occurring Treatments

Located in San Antonio, Texas, New Choices Treatment Center is a leading provider of substance abuse treatment services. 

Founded in 2018, we offer a range of levels of care, including:

Detox

Residential treatment

Intensive outpatient treatment

Outpatient programs

At the heart of NCTC is our mission to empower people with the courage and skills needed to achieve long-term sobriety. We are guided by core values of compassion, honesty, and a family-oriented approach. We believe that meaningful connections are essential for lasting recovery.

What Sets NCTC Apart

While many treatment centers follow a traditional 12-Step model, NCTC stands out with our clinically-based approach to  co-occurring treatments tailored to each person’s unique needs. 

We prioritize:

Personalized care

Involving families in the treatment process

Fostering an environment that feels like a warm, supportive home

Our Team

Our team is made up of highly qualified professionals, including:

  • Medical doctors
  • Registered nurses
  • Licensed professional counselors
  • Licensed chemical dependency counselors

These specialists are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care. We are accredited by the Joint Commission (JCAHO), a testament to our commitment to excellence. 

With intimate living accommodations and a favorable staff-to-client ratio, we ensure that each person gets the attention and support they deserve on their journey to recovery.

Integrated Co-Occurring Treatments For Dual Diagnosis Disorders

At NCTC, we understand that effective co-occurring treatments require a comprehensive, integrated approach that addresses both the addiction and the mental health condition at the same time. 

Our team of experts works closely with each client to develop a customized treatment plan that combines evidence-based therapies with holistic practices.

Therapies and Services for Co-Occurring Treatments

Our dual diagnosis program incorporates a range of therapeutic modalities to address the unique needs of each person. 

These may include:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This evidence-based approach helps clients identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to their addiction and mental health challenges.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT focuses on developing mindfulness, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness skills. This can be particularly beneficial for people with conditions like borderline personality disorder.

Trauma-focused therapies: For those struggling with PTSD or other trauma-related issues, we offer therapies like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) to help process and heal from traumatic experiences.

Family therapy and psychoeducational groups: Involving loved ones in the treatment process and providing education about addiction and mental health can foster a supportive environment for recovery.

Experiential therapies: Our program incorporates a variety of experiential therapies, such as art therapy, music therapy, and recreational therapy. These methods promote self-expression, mindfulness, and well-being.

Medication management and MAT: In some cases, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) may be recommended to help manage withdrawal symptoms or mental health conditions. This always occurs under the careful supervision of our medical team.

Continuing Care and Alumni Support

At NCTC, we understand that recovery is an ongoing journey that extends beyond the treatment program. That’s why we offer comprehensive aftercare services and an alumni program to support our clients in maintaining their sobriety and mental wellness. 

Our case managers work closely with clients to:

  • Facilitate a smooth transition to sober living environments
  • Schedule follow-up appointments with primary care physicians and therapists
  • Address any other needs that may arise during the early stages of recovery

Our alumni program provides a supportive community for those who have completed treatment at NCTC. Weekly meetings and monthly events offer opportunities for continued connection, sharing of experiences, and celebration of milestones in recovery.

Relapse Prevention Strategies

Throughout the recovery process, we emphasize relapse prevention strategies. We aim to equip our clients with the tools and resources they need to navigate challenges and maintain their hard-earned progress.

Take the First Step Toward Healing

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and a co-occurring mental health condition, know that you are not alone. At New Choices Treatment Center, we are here to provide the compassionate, comprehensive care you deserve.

Reach out to us today to learn more about our co-occurring treatments or to schedule a confidential assessment. Together, we can help you find the courage to change and embark on a journey toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Co-Occurring Treatments

Below are some commonly asked questions about co-occurring treatments for dual diagnosis:  

At New Choices Treatment Center, we specialize in treating a wide range of co-occurring mental health disorders alongside substance use disorders. This includes:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Bipolar disorder
  • PTSD
  • Personality disorders like borderline personality disorder, and more

 

Our integrated approach ensures both issues are addressed at the same time.

Traditional addiction treatment often fails to adequately address co-occurring mental health needs. Our integrated model recognizes that these issues are deeply intertwined. 

We provide comprehensive care utilizing evidence-based therapies to treat the whole person, not just the addiction or mental illness separately.

Our therapeutic approach combines services such as:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Trauma-focused care like EMDR
  • Family therapy
  • Psychoeducation
  • Holistic experiential therapies

 

These modalities target the root causes while building essential coping skills.

In some cases, medication may be recommended as part of an integrated treatment plan. Our medical team carefully evaluates each client’s needs and may incorporate medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help manage withdrawal symptoms or mental health conditions when appropriate.

We understand recovery is an ongoing journey. Our comprehensive aftercare planning includes:

  • Facilitating sober living arrangements
  • Scheduling follow-up medical/therapy appointments
  • Connecting clients with community resources

 

Our active alumni program also provides a supportive network.