Nobody likes to put labels on things… unless of course, it’s that delicious can of soup in your cupboard!

Not to mention, especially difficult to put a label on ourselves! Sometime it can be hard to admit when, and if, we have a problem.

So considering ourselves “addicted” or having “mental health conditions”, is not exactly easy.

Or maybe it’s not even about labeling it? Perhaps we don’t even realize we have a problem until someone point it out right?

Lucky for us, there’s a great way to help.

 

New Roads is a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center

This simply means that we not only treat those who suffer from drug-related addictions, but we also treat mental health related cases as well!

Whether we are labeling ourselves as this or not right?

In fact, most of the clients that we treat with substance use disorders have a complex past and family history.

This typically involves some kind of mental health condition or a traumatic event.

These are all variables that help contribute to the dual diagnosis scenario!

Perhaps you are wondering why you would need a treatment center that specializes in dual diagnosis?

Think of it this way- most treatment centers treat someone with a substance use disorder by simply providing tools to get sober, and stay sober. They don’t typically reach inside, and find the reasons for why, behind the addiction, right?

But New Roads does! Dual Diagnosis simply gives us the opportunity to treat the underlying causes of the addiction. Not just the addiction itself.

Addiction can be caused by a multitude of underlying reasons.

Whether it may be genetics, mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. It may even be PTSD caused by a traumatic life event.

The idea behind a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center approach is to target the right treatment course of action, and to find a personalized diagnosis for each client.

With the correct diagnosis, we can find the most successful treatment!

 

Benefits of a Formal Mental Health Diagnosis

Before we can go into the necessity of finding a diagnosis, we must first understand just how different everyone’s unique experiences are!

Simply finding a diagnosis, while important, does not explain the reasoning behind it.

Everyone has a unique story, which is vital to understanding the diagnosis!

Learning that story behind a client? Well, this can help us target treatment and focus on specific skills that are directed to each persons’ own strengths and weaknesses.

It is important that we begin by digging into the underlying causes first. Then we can really begin to assist the individual to a successful recovery!

 

The Stigma Behind Mental Health Conditions

There is a certain stigma in this society, behind having any sort of “mental health” condition.

Assumptions are made. Judgements are formed.

Which only means that making sure the diagnosis process is done correctly, is vital.

Many people make assumptions based on hearing a diagnosis.

Despite these assumptions, finding the correct diagnosis for underlying mental health conditions can help shed light on behavior patterns.

Not to mention how helpful it can be to explain past experiences or feelings!

Placing these assumptions and judgements on the back-burner can be extremely helpful to an individual’s recovery.

In fact, most  clients have expressed relief after hearing their formal diagnosis! It provides opportunity.

It helps the individual better understand, and for their situation to make more sense!

Who doesn’t want that sense of relief?

By having a diagnosis, clients can then compare their experiences to others. These comparisons make their experiences feel less isolated.

 

Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center Process

Believe it or not, there can be multiple diagnoses for one person at a dual diagnosis treatment center.

There are often co-occurring mental health conditions involved with a substance use disorder.

About a third of all people experiencing mental illnesses, and about half of people living with severe mental illnesses, also experience substance abuse.

These statistics are mirrored in the substance abuse community.

About a third of all alcohol abusers and more than half of all drug abusers report experiencing a mental illness.
– See more at: http://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/Related-Conditions/Dual-Diagnosis#sthash.ngbtl6Az.dpuf

The ultimate goal of finding the right diagnosis is to provide each client with the right help at the right time.

Providing the right level of support will greatly aid the recovery process!

The dual diagnosis treatment center can also provide other tools that will make the recovery process a success.

Between medical staff, mental health professionals, group therapy, individual therapy, residential treatment and a community of supportive individuals all working together.

There are a number of supportive outlets for every aspect of recovery.

 

Long Lasting Recovery

Though there is a diagnosis, that doesn’t mean that you are done.

It’s important to be your own advocate for your health and happiness. If you don’t feel satisfied or happy with where you are at in any aspect of your life, it is important to do your research and be proactive.

Renew your passion for recovery by staying involved. Social pressure is often a great motivator, which is why support groups are such a great resource.

Social interactions can bring different perspectives to light. Bring the quest for establishing your recovery full cycle by addressing all levels of health.

Mental, emotional and physical health all need their own focus and attention.

Find healthy activities, hobbies or other interests to make life enjoyable.

 

Supporting a Family Member in Recovery

When it’s a family member that is in recovery, it can be hard to know how to support their recovery. Remember to be patient, listen and find your own support groups.

The best thing you can do to help your loved ones is keeping yourself healthy and grounded.

Take good care of yourself physically, emotionally and mentally. Though you are supporting a loved one in recovery, seeking your own individual therapy sessions or support groups is crucial.

Talk openly. Be kind. Involve other family members and friends in group activities.

Remember that recovery isn’t a culmination with one happy ending. Recovery is a long journey that extends through out life.

We don’t just celebrate the day that some one “gets better” and then move on. We work every day to ensure we choose the right path.

 

Recovery Is Possible

There are days that mistakes are made and relapses happen.

Substance use disorder is a chronic relapsing disease. If relapses happen it is important to address what happened. Find the strength to gather ourselves up. Get back on track.

The Dual Diagnosis treatment center design has been developed to help provide the best space for healing. By providing enough support to those as they learn their diagnosis, recovery can begin to set in.

A formal diagnosis can have many benefits. While having a diagnosis can help those with mental health concerns better understand behaviors, it doesn’t necessarily define them.

Dual Diagnosis is often a blend of substance use disorders and mental health conditions. Because these two are so commingled, the diagnosis process is sensitive and needs extra support. Being patient through the long process of recovery is important.

Each day is a renewal of the new commitment to health and happiness.

Recovery is possible. Most importantly: there is hope. We can help. Call us today: 888-358-8998.