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.

What is dual Diagnosis?
Common Co-Occurring Disorders and Conditions

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:

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.

How Common is dual Diagnosis?

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.

mental health disorders

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:

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.

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.

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.

We Accept PPO Health Insurance from Numerous Providers

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.

first step toward recovery

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