Dual Diagnosis Rehab and Treatment in Indiana

People who happen to be diagnosed with substance abuse also usually tend to be diagnosed with a mental illness like anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar, eating, and/or post-traumatic stress disorders. The term, coined dual diagnosis, defines this occurrence.

Why is this? As it happens, abuse of substances can actually initiate a mental illness within an individual. Alcohol, as an example, inhibits the brain’s serotonin production, an element of the workings of the body which has a hand in influencing mood and human behavior. As such, long-term consumption of alcohol can lead to the development of depression or OCD.

Unfortunately, the inverse is also true. Those looking to escape from their mental health struggles may turn to substances to alleviate their mind as a means of escape (like alcohol providing relief, though temporary, of anxiety, fear, and blame). These two can often exacerbate the other, worsening the state of the individual’s mind and mental health.

Treatment

At Indiana Center for Recovery, we certainly offer dual diagnosis treatment. Those who seek out recovery at our center will be given an examination for dual disorders as both addictions to substances and ailments of the mind share similar warning signs. Professional staff will properly pinpoint one’s condition and, should they be given a dual diagnosis, will work accordingly to help the patient recover.

It is important to understand that someone afflicted with addiction may be compelled to use substances just to go about their normal day. Therefore, Indiana Center for Recovery decides on the best treatment option upon admission to the center by the staff. Afterward, we will tailor an individualized treatment plan to that person’s individual needs.

Indiana Center for Recovery is the state’s only full continuum of care facility. We hold a board-certified psychiatrist on staff as our medical director, licensed mental health counselors, and 24/7 nursing on-site. What’s more, we offer EMDR Therapy and 12-step courses, plus dual diagnosis treatment.

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Signs One Needs Treatment for Dual Diagnosis

The primary sign a person needs treatment for dual diagnosis is when they have mental illness and substance abuse disorder. Notably, this becomes most problematic when a person begins to have problems getting through the usual tasks of the day controlling the substance consumption, or starts withdrawing from their relationships.

Through long-term use, a person will build up a tolerance to the substances they use or alcohol they consume, which results in harder use of both substances.

Rate of Dual Diagnosis Cases

An annual report published by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health revealed that 8.5 million people had been dually diagnosed with a substance and mental illness in 2017. This means that out of every four surveyed, one had both a mental affliction and abused substances.

Facilities

Our facilities have been designed to be innovative and top of the line and facilitate the recovery process throughout. Indiana Center for Recovery is one of the only centers in the United States that houses a full-time award-winning psychiatrist as our medical director.

Our detox protocols are up to date, and the center sets a gold standard for detoxification. Our private chef works in tandem with our in-house nutritionist and nursing staff to make the experience as comfortable as it can be.

Because facing these afflictions is so trying and one of the most difficult things an individual can face, it is essential to have a nurturing environment. Our housing is hospitable, relaxing, and welcoming. The space hosts newly renovated units, with hardwood floors, appliances that have been upgraded, and new electronics, all added to make patients feel absolutely at home.

The center’s Clinical and Administrative Buildings are the site of one’s journey to recovery. Here, our staff works to get to know clients better. They’ll attempt to figure out what motivates you? What inspires and captivates you? Another question that’s also vital: what makes you feel complete? This information can help better focus your exact treatment.

Levels of Care

Our inpatient detox offers a full detox that focuses on medical care and therapy models based on evidence. Whether one is addicted to alcohol or substances like opioids or other drugs, the center provides clients with a safe detoxification process (which is usually the most effective way to get an individual to recover fully).

A person’s withdrawal symptoms influence them to continue consuming a drug to make it incredibly difficult to stave off. Of course, the substances are the cause of intense cravings for a substance. This is what can lead to a relapse.

We will provide all clients with medical supervision 24/7. The staff enables the center to generate full treatment plans which focus on that person’s needs. The center treats co-occurring disorders, cocaine, heroin, and other addictions, plus more.

After detox, residential treatment is the next step in the process. Most patients finish the detox stage before beginning residential treatment. Here, people will attend therapy and group counseling daily and are also offered numerous treatment modalities that center on mental health treatment. Those who are afflicted with addiction will find it advantageous to get a combination of treatment options.

There exist individual and group therapy types depending on a patients’ needs. With individual therapy, some modalities are cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and dialectical therapy. These can be used to treat co-occurring disorders.

Group therapy is made up of detaching, detecting, and getting into a discourse on the past to help better craft a recovery plan. On average, the residential phase lasts from a week to a month. This depends on the patient’s needs.

Another available program is the outpatient partial hospitalization program (PHP). This program occurs as often as four to six hours a day, at least five days per week. This is an option for patients suffering from mental afflictions and substance abuse but can manage enough without needing constant supervision.

Many of the recovery services offered in the residential program are offered in this one, with the program set to reprogram clients to lead sober lives. The PHP program means patients can continue their work, schooling, and daily lives while making steps to recovery. Those hungry to stay sober, those who wish to work while beating addiction, and those that take prescribed medications without abusing them are some of the ideal candidates for this program.

Rediscover Life Today

The Indiana Center for Recovery strives to provide the best in healing from substance abuse and mental afflictions. We host highly professional and caring staff that provide refined and effective treatments, all in a quality environment. We take pride in providing the finest rehabilitation and detox services in the American Midwest. The goal: to treat all who are admitted into our center trying to beat substance abuse. Alcohol and drug addiction are tough battles to overcome.

Whether it is opioids, stimulants, benzos, or other substances, Indiana Center for Recovery is here to provide dedicated support and compassion. The center houses an experienced staff of professionals, an environment with a community campus-like structure, and treatment methods that are demonstrated.

Dual diagnoses treatments, with our programs, can be worked through and recovered from because that is what we specialize in. Contact us today to see how we can help you or a loved one on the path to recovery.

Self-Medication

Mental Health issues were once a taboo in past times; many people who suffered from different mental health illnesses shied away from talking about it and just kept it to themselves. It is highly commendable that many people are talking about their mental health in recent times, and it's no longer really considered taboo anymore. However, in a few places, mental health is still not freely talked about.

In this article, we would be educating you on all you need to know about dual diagnosis, self-medication, its effects on individuals and the society at large, the treatment, and the benefits of treating it. 

What are Dual Diagnosis and Self-Medication?

Before going into these details, it is essential first to define what we mean by dual diagnosis and self-medication. Dual diagnosis is when an individual is dealing with a mental health illness and is also abusing substances.

Dual diagnosis is also referred to as co-morbidity or co-occurring mental health and substance abuse. The dual diagnosis may include the following;

1. An individual who, as a result of abusing drugs and other substances, develops a mental illness.
2. As a result of whatever mental illness the individual is dealing with and trying to manage, he abuses drugs and other substances.
3. An individual with an underlying mental health condition illness gets worse because of the abuse of drugs and substances.

On the other hand, self-medication is the use of drugs, home remedies, herbs, and other self-administered substances without any advice, diagnosis, or prescription from the doctor. Because there is no prescription, most of the drugs used are over-the-counter medicines easily accessible to individuals. The issue with self-medication is that the medications become easily abused, and at the end of the day, a more significant medical problem can come up.

What Are the Issues and Challenges Related to Dual Diagnosis and Self-Medication?

Dual diagnosis and self-medication pose a lot of problems in society today. The issue of mental illness and self-medication, which ends up leading to drug and alcohol abuse, cuts across different age groups of individuals. In most cases, individuals who struggle with mental health conditions try to self-medicate to suppress the symptoms exhibited by the illness by taking medications and alcohol. These substances may initially work and help stop the mental condition symptoms for a short period. However, instead of suppressing the illness in the long run, the continuous use of drugs and alcohol always escalates and makes the mental condition worse.

According to the World Bank, nearly 1 billion people live with a mental health disorder in this present day. They reported that more than 75% of those living with mental health disorders do not get treatment in low-income countries. 

Every year, about 3 million people die due to substance abuse. It was also stated that every 40 seconds, a person dies by suicide, and about 50% of individuals have mental health disorders by the age of 14. The most shocking part of this world bank report is that most countries spend less than 2% of their budget on treating mental health diseases.

According to the United Nations (UN), about 264 million people are affected by depression, which results in suicide being the second leading cause of death in young people within the age group of 15 to 29.

Like mentioned earlier, most of the time, self-medication comes in when individuals are struggling with certain mental illnesses, like depression, and want to get over it quickly. The chance that it would work in suppressing that illness at that instance is very high; however, drugs and alcohol can never wholly heal the mental illness. 

The fact that there is a lot of stigma and discrimination against those dealing with mental health illness makes the whole situation worse. Many who self-medicate do so because of the fear of the shame and stigma they may face if they openly state they have the illness. They would rather take drugs or alcohol or any other substance that would give a temporary and immediate cure than go to the hospital to get checked and get the proper treatment they need.

Another reason why individuals dealing with mental health illnesses self-medicate is because of the peace, tranquility, and calmness they experience at that particular time, more like a lucid interval. The urge to constantly have a feel of that peace would spur them to keep taking the drugs and alcohol, and in the end, they become hooked on them.

Treatments Available for Dual Diagnosis and Self-Medication

The first treatment that would solve more than 50% of the problem, especially self-medicating, is for society to stop the discrimination and stigmatization against those living with mental health illnesses.

Once an individual struggling with mental illness and drug abuse finds the courage to acknowledge that he has a problem, disclose his symptoms, and is ready to let go of this problem, getting help is not an issue. There are a lot of certified medical personnel who are skilled in the treatment of mental health illnesses, who would diagnose the mental health condition, and engage in counseling and therapy. 

Therapy and counseling help build the self-esteem of those struggling with mental illnesses and drug and alcohol abuse; this, in turn, helps boost the confidence and overall mental health of the individual. The person can open up to the counselor, who then walks him through the whole recovery process. Medication is another treatment used by medical personnel. They prescribe drugs that would serve as Suppressants. Generally, the medical personnel draws up an integrated treatment plan for the individual.

Benefits of Getting Treatment for Dual Diagnosis and Self-Medication

Getting treatment for dual diagnosis and self-medication goes a long way in benefitting the individual affected and society. Some of the benefits are;

1. The individual would get the necessary treatment needed for his mental well-being.
2. There would be a complete recovery process evaluation and diagnosis of the individual’s mental health.
3. Through consistent counseling and therapy, the individual would get over his addiction to drugs and alcohol with time. There are usually peer support groups that provide psychological support and encouragement for the individual.
4. With a clear mind and mental health, the individual can lead an everyday life and is; able to contribute positively to society instead of being a nuisance.

Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment in Indiana

Co-occurring treatment is essential for people who are living with substance use disorder and a mental health disorder. People who receive treatment for just one disorder and not the other can often experience setbacks later, such as relapse or worsened mental health.

Fortunately, many drug and alcohol rehab centers offer treatment for co-occurring disorders to help patients experience a full, lasting recovery from both disorders. Keep reading to learn more about co-occurring disorders, how they are treated, and where to find high-quality addiction treatment in Indiana.

What Are Co-Occurring Disorders?

A person with co-occurring disorders (also known as a dual diagnosis) has been diagnosed with both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder such as depression, generalized anxiety disorder, or schizophrenia. Some people with co-occurring disorders suffer from a chronic physical illness instead of a mental illness.

Roughly half of all people with a mental illness will also suffer from a substance use disorder at some point in their lives, and vice versa, reports the National Library of Medicine (NLM). An untreated mental illness can worsen a person’s addiction, while at the same time, an untreated substance use disorder can worsen a person’s mental health. Treating both conditions at the same time is necessary to help people experience a successful, long-term recovery from addiction.

Co-occurring disorders affect an estimated 7.7 million adults in the United States, reports the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Approximately 38% of adults with a substance use disorder also have a mental illness, and 18.2% of adults with a mental illness also have a substance use disorder.

Many Americans have difficulty finding treatment for co-occurring disorders or decide not to seek treatment at all for various other reasons. Barriers that prevent people from receiving treatment include not knowing where to go for treatment, having a fear of being committed, and having concerns about confidentiality. More than 11% of people with co-occurring disorders do not think treatment will help, while another 9% say they cannot find treatment for co-occurring disorders.

Indiana Center for Recovery offers co-occurring disorders treatment and invites patients from all over the United States to receive treatment at its drug and alcohol rehab facility.

What Are Symptoms of a Co-Occurring Disorder?

Substance use disorders and mental health disorders have a lot of the same symptoms, which can make it difficult for people to determine whether they have an addiction, a mental illness, or co-occurring disorders.

Symptoms of co-occurring disorders may include:

• Changes to eating and sleeping habits, such as eating less or sleeping during the day
• Changes to sex drive
• Loss of interest in usual activities and hobbies
• Spending less time with friends and loved ones
• Spending more time doing solo activities in isolation
• Sudden and extreme changes in mood
• Irritability
• Problems with memory and concentration
• New, unexplained health problems, such as chronic pain
• Decline in personal appearance and hygiene
• Decreased performance at work or school
• Inability to fulfill important obligations related to work, school, or family
• Engaging in risky behaviors like driving while drunk
• Drug and alcohol misuse
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts

Patients are usually screened for co-occurring disorders before they begin treatment in a drug or alcohol rehab program. Those who are diagnosed with co-occurring disorders receive dual diagnosis treatment as part of their residential or outpatient recovery plan.

What Is Co-Occurring Disorders Treatment?

The goal of co-occurring disorders treatment is to teach patients how to effectively live with and manage symptoms of their mental illness without resorting to drug and alcohol use at any point. Treatment usually involves the use of medications that control symptoms of the mental illness, and in some instances, the substance use disorder. Behavioral therapies are also used to teach patients healthy coping methods they can apply to manage both their addiction and mental illness.

Behavioral therapies that are commonly used in co-occurring disorders treatment, per the NIDA, include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps patients identify and change harmful behaviors related to both their addiction and mental illness, such as using drugs to reduce depression in place of taking medication.
• Dialectical behavioral therapy, which helps patients stop doing self-harm behaviors such as hair-pulling to cope with anxiety or guilt.
• Assertive community treatment, which uses the patient’s own familiar home or community as a treatment setting to promote engagement in treatment and enforce positive change.
• Contingency management, which gives patients rewards, prizes, and vouchers when they demonstrate positive behaviors that promote their recovery, such as gift cards to restaurants when submitting a drug-free urine test.

Medications in co-occurring disorders treatment may be used to reduce and control symptoms of the mental illness or to reduce drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Patients with alcohol or opioid use disorder may receive medications that reduce cravings for these substances and promote long-term abstinence.

Antidepressants, anti-anxiety, antipsychotic, mood-stabilizing, and stimulant medications are the most commonly used medications for mental health disorders, reports the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). These medications can reduce depression, anxiety, and aggression, as well as symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Alcohol use disorder can be treated using acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone. Acamprosate reduces a person’s desire to drink, while disulfiram produces unpleasant effects, including nausea, vomiting, and chest pain when people drink alcohol while on this medication. Naltrexone blocks the pleasurable effects of alcohol, so patients feel less inclined to relapse and more likely to stay on track with their recovery programs.

Opioid use disorder can be treated using methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. Methadone and buprenorphine are opioid replacement medications that reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms, including drug cravings. These medications bind to the same opioid receptors in the brain as other opioids but without producing the same pleasurable, euphoric effects. Naltrexone blocks the pleasurable effects of opioids so patients who relapse will not experience euphoria.

Why Are Co-Occurring Disorders Common Among People With Addiction?

Substance use disorders and mental health disorders share common risk factors that make it more likely for people to develop both disorders if they already have one disorder. Many of these risk factors are environmental risk factors.

For instance, people with a family history of addiction and mental illness are often highly likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders due to being exposed to these disorders while growing up. Poverty is another environmental risk factor for co-occurring disorders due to how poverty increases the risk for depression, anxiety, and substance misuse.

Mental illness may precede addiction, and addiction may precede a mental illness. Many symptoms of mental health disorders can be challenging to manage without therapy or medications. Some people with mental illnesses may use drugs and alcohol as a way to self-medicate and to find relief from their symptoms, even for a short period. Unfortunately, drugs and alcohol cannot cure mental health disorders and can worsen symptoms.

At the same time, addiction can lead to a mental health disorder due to the way drugs and alcohol affect the brain. Chronic use of drugs and alcohol can change both the functioning and physical structure of the brain to upset the balance of certain brain chemicals and increase the risk of mental illness. The brain chemical imbalances caused by addiction can often take several months or years to correct and regulate after a person becomes sober.

What Are Common Co-Occurring Disorders?

Certain co-occurring disorders are more common than others, though they can include any combination of a substance use disorder and mental health disorder.

The most common co-occurring disorders, according to the NIMH and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), include:

• Major depressive disorder (depression)
• Bipolar disorder
• Anxiety disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Schizophrenia
• ADHD
• Borderline personality disorder
• Eating disorders
• Conduct disorders

Chronic physical health conditions including chronic pain, heart disease, and cancer may also coexist with a substance use disorder, reports the NIDA. Mental illnesses tend to be more common than physical health conditions, though co-occurring disorders may include one or the other.

Many people in recovery from opioid use disorder suffer from co-occurring chronic pain. Opioids are painkillers that are usually prescribed for a few days to treat pain such as that caused by surgery or injury. However, some people become dependent and addicted to these medications after using them for a short time. When they seek treatment for opioid addiction and stop using opioids, they are left dealing with chronic pain that never seems to go away.

Co-occurring treatment for those with comorbid physical health conditions usually involves medical treatment for the health condition in addition to medications or behavioral therapy for the addiction. For example, those with chronic pain may receive non-opioid treatment for their condition, such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, or massage therapy.

HIV and hepatitis C are other common comorbid physical health conditions that mostly affect people who use injection drugs like heroin or methamphetamine. These diseases are usually spread by sharing contaminated needles or engaging in unsafe sex.

What Are the Benefits of Co-Occurring Treatment?

The number one, most significant benefit of co-occurring disorders treatment is learning how to successfully manage a mental illness while living a productive, happy, and fulfilling life as a sober individual. This treatment can also reduce the risk of relapse and overdose among those with mental health disorders who suffer from drug dependence.

According to SAMHSA, other benefits of co-occurring disorders treatment include:

• Decreased hospitalization due to drug overdose, alcohol poisoning, or severe symptoms of mental illness
• Reduced drug and alcohol use, or abstinence from these substances
• Improvement and reduction in mental health symptoms
• Improved daily functioning
• Fewer medication interactions when mixing medications with alcohol and illicit drugs
• Decreased criminal activity and fewer arrests
• Increased housing stability
• Increased chance of long-term recovery from both addiction and mental illness

How Long Does Co-Occurring Treatment Last?

Co-occurring disorders treatment is customized for each patient based on the unique circumstances of their dual diagnosis. Some patients may require longer, more intensive treatment than others—especially those who have been struggling with their co-occurring disorders for many years.

Co-occurring treatment may last for a few months or several years, depending on the length of time it takes for patients to learn the skills they need to manage their mental illness while staying sober. Drug and alcohol rehab programs that include co-occurring treatment usually last anywhere from 30 to 120 days. Treatment may last longer for patients who need therapy to overcome trauma and other problems interfering with their recovery.

Does Health Insurance Cover Co-Occurring Treatment?

Mental health disorders and substance use disorders are all considered behavioral health disorders. Therefore, co-occurring disorders treatment is usually covered by health plans that provide benefits for behavioral healthcare services.

Patients can confirm whether their health plans cover co-occurring disorders treatment by contacting their insurance providers directly to learn more about their benefits. Many drug and alcohol rehab centers will also perform a free insurance benefits check and talk to patients about their available treatment options.

The NIDA states that 35.1% of people with co-occurring disorders do not have health insurance and cannot afford to receive treatment. Another 9.9% of people with co-occurring disorders with health insurance plans say their plans do not cover the treatment they need to recover from both disorders. Fortunately, many treatment centers offer a variety of financing options and payment plans for those who need help paying for co-occurring disorders treatment.

Before giving up on seeking treatment for their co-occurring disorders, patients should consider explaining their financial situation to the drug and alcohol rehab center of their choice and ask about available financing options and payment plans.

What Happens After Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment?

Addiction recovery often becomes a lifelong process, especially for people with co-occurring disorders. Mental health disorders cannot always be fully cured, though patients can often effectively manage and reduce their symptoms with appropriate treatment and healthy lifestyle choices. After co-occurring disorders treatment, many patients stay connected to the recovery community by attending support group meetings and joining alumni programs.

Patients who are using medications may continue seeing their doctors or therapists to receive medication management services. In some instances, medications or dosages may need to be adjusted every once in a while to reduce certain symptoms, which is common. Medication management allows patients to talk openly about their symptoms and any concerns they have about their current treatment regimen.

Support group meetings are often available for specific substance use disorders and mental illnesses. Patients are encouraged to attend one or more meetings as needed to receive support for their co-occurring disorders and to stay on track with recovery. Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are widely available 12-step meetings for those with substance use disorders. Doctors and therapists can often provide patients with resources to support group meetings for their specific mental illnesses.

Many addiction treatment centers also offer alumni programs. These programs meet at least once a month to celebrate recovery and sobriety, and welcome all former patients. Members are given the opportunity to engage in fun, sober activities with peers who can relate to addiction and the challenges associated with long-term recovery.

Where Can People Get Co-Occurring Treatment?

An estimated 23.8% of adults with co-occurring disorders do not know where to find this treatment and therefore have not been treated. However, most reputable rehab centers offer this treatment, knowing how common it is for mental illness and addiction to coexist.

Co-occurring disorders treatment is available from many accredited drug and alcohol rehab centers that offer residential, inpatient, and outpatient treatment programs.

Patients in inpatient and residential rehab programs receive several hours of therapy a day that help them adjust to sober living, and that address the root underlying causes of their addiction, including mental health disorders. These live-in rehab programs are ideal for patients who want to recover in a safe, peaceful environment away from daily stressors related to work, school, and their communities.

Co-occurring disorders treatment is also available in nearly every type of outpatient rehab setting. Outpatient programs generally meet for two to eight hours a week on two to five days a week. These programs are ideal for patients who want to care for their children or resume their work schedules while receiving treatment, and who have learned how to cope with triggers and stay sober. Patients can stay in outpatient programs for as long as needed until they’re able to control symptoms of their mental illness while facing a low risk of relapse.

Where Can I Find Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment in Indiana?

Indiana Center for Recovery offers treatment for co-occurring disorders and dual diagnosis in its residential and outpatient addiction treatment programs. Our addiction treatment center is located at 1004 W First Street in Bloomington, Indiana 47403. Contact us today at (844) 650-0064 to learn more about our many available drug and alcohol rehab programs that can help you or your loved one experience a safe and comfortable recovery from addiction and mental illness.