Best Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center in Hawaii
It’s not uncommon for clients struggling with addiction to be battling mental health disorders at the same time. At The Ohana, we understand how crucial it is that addiction and mental health concerns are treated simultaneously. Read on to learn how we treat our dual-diagnosis clients.
What Is Dual Diagnosis?
Simply put, dual diagnosis (DD) is when you have two diagnoses—usually a mental health diagnosis (an anxiety disorder, depression, PTSD, etc.) alongside a drug and/or alcohol addiction.
Because a negative cycle in one area can exacerbate the other, the best dual diagnosis treatment centers use a multidisciplinary approach, treating both at the same time. At The Ohana, our staff is trained to effectively diagnose and treat DD through evidence-based treatment, holistic treatment, adventure therapy, and medicated-assisted treatment.
How Common Is Dual Diagnosis?
Many people with a history of alcoholism also struggle with other mental disorders. The National Comorbidity Survey found that those addicted to alcohol were two to three times more likely to have an anxiety disorder compared to those without alcohol addiction.
Additionally, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reported in the National Longitudinal Alcohol Epidemiologic Survey that those with a history of alcohol dependence—including former drinkers—had more than a fourfold increased risk of a major depressive episode than those without a history of alcohol dependence.
There is a correlation between drug use and mental health disorders as well. Since the 1980s, many national surveys have found that this comorbidity is widespread. There is also a strong correlation between those with mood or anxiety disorders and substance use or substance abuse disorders (SUD) as compared to the general population.
Common Co-Occurring Disorders and Conditions
The best dual diagnosis treatment centers, like The Ohana, provide care for common co-occurring disorders and conditions like:
- Depression and Anxiety
- Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders
- Diabetes and Hypertension
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Substance Use Disorders
- Eating Disorders and Depression
- Chronic Pain and Depression
- Bipolar Disorder and Substance Use
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Cardiovascular Disease and Anxiety
Does One Diagnosis Cause the Other?
Sometimes there is a cause-and-effect relationship between the two, but just because one of the conditions is noticed first does not imply that that is the root cause. Drug and alcohol use can develop for a number of reasons, as can mental health disorders. Here are two examples of the interplay between multiple diagnoses:
- Drug or alcohol abuse can cause those struggling with addiction to experience one or more symptoms of another mental illness. The increased risk of psychosis in some marijuana abusers has been offered as evidence for this possibility.
- Mental illnesses can lead to drug abuse. Individuals with overt, mild, or even subclinical mental health disorders may abuse drugs as a form of self-medication.
In addition, SUDs and mental health disorders may share overlapping factors and causes such as underlying brain deficits, genetic vulnerabilities, and early exposure to stress or trauma.
Why Dual Diagnosis Care Matters
More than 15% of people with an addiction are also grappling with at least one mental health issue. Substance use and mental health disorders have a cyclical relationship. For this reason, treating only one side of the equation is less effective and makes relapse more likely. As one of the best dual diagnosis treatment centers in Hawaii, our staff at The Ohana know how to treat co-occurring substance use disorders and mental health issues.
Our team has the background and expertise to help clients improve their mental health by recovering from trauma, and managing their symptoms without substance use. We employ a holistic approach that addresses the underlying emotional and biological factors that contribute to mental unwellness and drug or alcohol addiction.
HOW WE TREAT DUAL DIAGNOSIS
We’ll do a comprehensive evaluation of your conditions and create a treatment plan that addresses all of your needs. Treatment can include:
HOLISTIC THERAPY
Holistic methods are designed to treat you as a whole person; reforming the mind-body-spirit connection that is essential to recovery. We offer a variety of holistic treatment methods that help our clients address dual diagnosis at the root.
BEHAVIORAL THERAPY
Treatment plans for mental health disorders and SUDs with the best outcomes have evidence-based behavioral therapies as a foundation. We offer individual therapy, group therapy, trauma work CBT, DBT, and Psychodynamic Therapy.
MEDICATION
A variety of medications exist that treat substance use and mental health disorders. Our medical, psychiatric professionals provide comprehensive assessments that help determine if (and what) medication best suits an individual's needs.
Aftercare and Continuing Support
Overcoming complex issues like addiction and mental illness requires ongoing support. After residential treatment, we can help clients find a sober living program that can help them transition back to everyday life. We also offer alumni programs, group support, and referrals to therapists.
KNOW WHERE TO TURN
Having not one but two diagnoses can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. If you or a loved one is looking for support, contact us today to take the first step toward recovery.
Begin Your Journey to Recovery at The Ohana Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center in Hawaii
No matter where you are in your recovery, our team at The Ohana can help. Located on The Big Island of Hawaii, our dual diagnosis treatment center can provide flexible, individualized treatment for people co-managing substance use and mental health disorders. Contact us today and take your first step toward recovery.
WE ACCEPT PPO HEALTH INSURANCE FROM NUMEROUS PROVIDERS
FAQs About Dual Diagnosis Treatment
What is the most effective treatment for dual diagnosis?
Every case of dual diagnosis requires a tailored treatment plan adapted to a client’s health history, needs, and circumstances. However, studies have indicated that the most beneficial combination of therapies includes talk therapies, medication, and social support.
What is the success rate of dual diagnosis?
Since dual diagnosis cases are more difficult to treat, the chance of relapse is much higher in dual diagnosis patients. However, attending a high-quality dual diagnosis treatment center like The Ohana can increase long-term sobriety rates by more than 35 percent.
How long does dual diagnosis treatment usually take, and what factors affect the length of treatment?
A dual diagnosis recovery can take anywhere from a few months to a few years. There are many factors that affect treatment length, including substance use history, the type of substance used, personal histories such as trauma, and other comorbid health issues.
Is aftercare important in dual diagnosis treatment?
Aftercare is essential for maintaining long-term recovery. This is because people with mental health conditions need ongoing counseling and medication management in order to monitor their symptoms and adapt their treatment plans accordingly. Social support is also key to sobriety. Aftercare programs, such as group therapy or excursions, offer opportunities to meet other people walking similar paths.
What is the most common dual diagnosis?
The most common dual diagnosis often involves mood disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder, paired with substance abuse issues like alcoholism or drug dependency. This combination is prevalent due to the interrelated nature of these disorders.
How can family and friends support someone with dual diagnosis?
To support someone with a dual diagnosis, provide emotional support, encourage consistent treatment, educate yourself about the complexities of dual diagnosis, establish healthy boundaries, and avoid behaviors that enable addiction.
How does dual diagnosis affect a person's life?
Dual diagnosis can significantly impact someone’s life, leading to deteriorating physical and mental health, difficulty in maintaining relationships, and challenges at work or in academic settings.
What types of therapies are used in dual diagnosis treatment?
The best dual diagnosis treatment centers use therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for changing harmful thought patterns, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for emotional regulation, and Motivational Interviewing for fostering commitment to change. Other strategies include group therapy and integrated treatment plans addressing both mental health and substance use.
