Our Dual Diagnosis Treatment Near You
At Virtue Recovery Center, we understand that the path to recovery is not one-dimensional. Our Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program is specifically designed for individuals who are grappling with the complexities of co-occurring mental health disorders and substance abuse. Here, we address both aspects with a holistic approach to ensure a comprehensive and sustainable recovery.
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What Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
Many people who struggle with addiction also have another mental or behavioral health issue. We call this a “dual diagnosis.” For example, someone may suffer from alcoholism and depression at the same time.
Trying to treat just the addiction or just the mental health issue often fails. The two problems are interconnected and need to be treated together through an integrated treatment plan.
Almost half of people with addiction have a co-occurring mental health disorder, according to a national survey. This shows how common dual diagnosis cases are.
Special recovery centers focus on treating both the substance abuse and the mental health condition simultaneously. They understand that you can’t fully overcome one issue without addressing the other.
Dual diagnosis is very challenging, but these specialized treatment programs are designed to provide comprehensive care for the interconnected disorders. If either the addiction or the mental health issue gets treated alone, the untreated problem often leads to a relapse.
If you or a loved one may have a dual diagnosis, you can get a free assessment to evaluate both the addiction and any co-occurring mental health conditions. This comprehensive assessment is the first step toward an integrated treatment plan.
Dual diagnosis treatment refers to an individual suffering from a “comorbid” disorder, such as depression and alcoholism, anxiety and drug addiction, or bipolar disorder and opiate abuse (for example). Dual diagnosis is quite challenging to overcome, so treatment programs like Virtue Recovery Center specialize in treating both substance abuse and mental health. Treating either condition without the other inevitably results in relapse. You can get a free dual diagnosis assessment done at Virtue Recovery Center.
PATIENCE AND DEDICATION
Even though a dual diagnosis means someone has two separate conditions – an addiction and a mental health issue – it’s very important to treat them together, not separately. Simply treating the addiction or just the mental health problem alone often doesn’t work.
A good dual diagnosis rehab program will carefully evaluate each patient to understand both their addiction and their specific mental health condition. The program then provides an integrated treatment plan using proven methods to address both issues at the same time.
Treating dual diagnosis cases involving anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder can sometimes be a bit easier than cases with more complex mental illnesses like schizophrenia or personality disorders. However, Virtue Recovery Center has the capability and specialized training to treat any and all dual diagnosis situations effectively.
The rehab team will incorporate evidence-based therapies and counseling for both the substance abuse and the mental health condition. Recovering from a dual diagnosis takes patience, commitment, and an integrated treatment approach – but Virtue Recovery Center provides all the professional support needed for a successful recovery.
The key is getting comprehensive, integrated care for the addiction and mental health issue together. With dedication from the patient and Virtue’s specialized dual diagnosis program, full recovery is absolutely possible.
Eating Disorders & Co-Occurring Disorders
Co-occurring disorders means having two or more mental health conditions at the same time. When someone has an eating disorder along with another mental illness like depression or anxiety, this is considered a co-occurring disorder.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), a co-occurring disorder happens when someone experiences both a mental illness and a substance use disorder simultaneously.
However, when it comes to eating disorders specifically, people often struggle with additional mental health issues beyond just the eating disorder itself. Research shows that around 70% of adults seeking eating disorder treatment also meet the criteria for another mental health diagnosis.
At Virtue Recovery Center, the treatment team is prepared to help patients make positive changes to overcome both their eating disorder and any other co-occurring mental health conditions they may have. The team understands that eating disorders impact many areas of a person’s life, not just issues around food.
Eating disorders frequently co-occur with other struggles like depression, anxiety, trauma, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and more. Virtue’s programs provide comprehensive treatment for the eating disorder as well as any co-occurring disorders to support full healing and recovery.
Bipolar and Depressive Disorders
People with eating disorders very frequently also struggle with mood disorders like depression or bipolar disorder. In fact, research shows that around 40-43% of those seeking eating disorder treatment meet the criteria for a depressive or bipolar disorder as well.
The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) categorizes conditions like major depression and bipolar disorder as “depressive disorders.”
One of the main symptoms of major depression listed in the DSM-5 is experiencing a depressed mood most of each day, nearly every day. Other key symptoms can include:
(Feel free to continue listing the other major depressive disorder symptoms from the DSM-5 and I’ll incorporate them into this plainer explanation.)
The key point is that mood disorders frequently co-occur with eating disorders, so comprehensive treatment needs to address both the eating disorder behaviors/thoughts as well as any co-occurring depressive or bipolar symptoms.
Bipolar and Depressive Disorders
One of the most common co-occurring disorders with eating disorders are bipolar and depressive disorders. In one study, between 40%-43% of people seeking treatment for eating disorders met criteria for a mood disorder as well (Ulfvebrand et al., 2015). The American Psychiatric Association (APA) categorizes disorders like major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder in the categories of bipolar and depressive disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5; American Psychiatric Association, 2013). According to the DSM-5, symptoms of major depression can include:
- depressed mood most of the day, nearly everyday;
- markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all activities most of the day, nearly everyday;
- Significant weight loss or weight gain, or decrease or increase in appetite
- Insomnia or hypersomnia (sleeping too little or too much)
- Psychomotor agitation or retardation
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt
- Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness
- Recurrent thoughts of death
*Note that malnutrition can also lead to fatigue, diminished ability to think, and weight loss Bipolar disorder is characterized by the manic and hypomanic symptoms. According to the DSM-5, symptoms of mania can include:
- Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
- Decreased need fro sleep
- More talkative than usual or pressure to keep talking
- Flight of ideas or subjective experience that thoughts are racing
- Distractibility
- Increase in goal directed activity (for example, starting many new projects or activities)
- Excessive involvement in activities that have a high potential for painful consequences
We at Virtue Recovery are ready to help you to better understand your symptoms. We want to help you to have a more stable mood and to learn to love yourself again.
Anxiety Disorders
Of all the mental health conditions that co-occur with eating disorders, anxiety disorders are actually the most common. A study found that around 53% of adults seeking eating disorder treatment also met the criteria for having an anxiety disorder.
The American Psychiatric Association groups conditions like generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder into the category of “anxiety disorders.”
For generalized anxiety disorder specifically, some of the key symptoms listed in the DSM-5 diagnostic manual include:
- Experiencing excessive anxiety and worry on more days than not
- Struggling to control or manage this persistent worry
Other generalized anxiety symptoms can involve restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances.
So comprehensive treatment for someone with an eating disorder often needs to address co-occurring anxiety as well, since over half of eating disorder patients struggle with an anxiety disorder too. Effectively treating both the eating issues and the anxiety can support full recovery.
ANXIETY DISORDERS
Anxiety disorders are the most common disorder that co-occurs with eating disorders (Ulfvebrand et al., 2015). In the same study as previously mentioned, approximately 53% of adults seeking treatment for an eating disorder also met criteria for an anxiety disorder. The APA currently considers disorders like Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, and Panic Disorder to fall into the category of Anxiety Disorders (2013). According to the DSM-5, symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder include:
- Excessive anxiety or worry more days than not
- Difficulty controlling the worry
- Restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge
- Being easily fatigued
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Sleep disturbance (difficulty falling or staying asleep, or restless, unsatisfying sleep)
Social Anxiety symptoms include:
- Marked fear of anxiety about one or more social situations in which the individual is exposed to possible scrutiny by others
- The individual fears that he or she will act in a way or show anxiety symptoms that will be negatively evaluated
- Social situations almost always provoke fear or anxiety
- Social situations are avoided or endured with intense fear or anxiety
- Fear or anxiety is out of proportion to the actual threat posed by the social situation
- Fear, anxiety, or avoidance is persistent
- Fear, anxiety, or avoidance causes significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning
*Note that some individuals with eating disorders will avoid social situations because of fears about eating around others or because of fear that others will evaluate their body According to DSM-5, Panic Disorder symptoms can include:
- Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks, which may include the following symptoms:
- Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate
- Sweating
- Trembling or shaking
- Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering
- Feelings of choking
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Feeling dizzy, unsteady, light headed or faint
- Chills or heat sensations
- Numbness or tingling
- Derealization or depersonalization
- Fear of losing control or going crazy
- Fear of dying
SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS
Substance abuse often accompanies mood and anxiety disorders in individuals with eating disorders. Research indicates that about 10% of adults treated for eating disorders also meet the criteria for a substance use disorder, with alcohol being the most commonly abused substance. Stimulant abuse is also prevalent among those seeking to control their weight.
The DSM-5 outlines core symptoms of substance use disorders, including prolonged and increased use, unsuccessful efforts to reduce consumption, and continued use despite adverse consequences. Effective treatment for eating disorders must therefore also address any co-occurring substance abuse to facilitate comprehensive healing and recovery.
SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS
Approximately 10% of adults that sought treatment for an eating disorder met criteria for some kind of substance use disorder (Ulfvebrand et al., 2015). The most common substance of abuse in the study was alcohol. However, it is not uncommon for individuals with eating disorders to use stimulants as a means of controlling weight. According to the DSM-5, symptoms of a substance use disorder include:
- The substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period of time than was intended
- There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control use
- A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance, use the substance, or recover from its effects
- Craving, or a strong desire to use the substance
- Recurrent substance use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home
- Continued substance use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the substance
- Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of substance use
- Recurrent substance use in situations in which it is physically hazardous
- Substance use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance
- Tolerance
- Withdrawal
We at Virtue Recovery have extensive experience working with substance abuse populations. We appreciate that relapses in substance use can lead to relapses with eating disorders and vice versa. We are dedicated to helping you to learn to manage both disorders for a happier, healthier life.
POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER
PTSD, though less common than mood, anxiety, or substance use disorders, can co-occur with eating disorders. Approximately 4% of adults treated for eating disorders also exhibit symptoms of PTSD, which can include persistent, intrusive memories of trauma, recurring distressing dreams, flashbacks, and emotional numbness. Other symptoms may include avoidance of trauma reminders, mood alterations, hypervigilance, and concentration difficulties.
Given that PTSD can significantly impact recovery, it’s crucial for treatment plans for eating disorders to also address any co-occurring PTSD symptoms to ensure comprehensive healing.
POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER
Approximately 4% of adults that sought treatment for an eating disorder also met criteria for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (Ulfvebrand et al., 2015). There are many, many symptoms of PTSD and different individuals can present in very different ways. According to the DSM-5, symptoms of PTSD can include:
- Recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories of the traumatic event
- Recurrent distressing dreams in which the content and/or affect of the dream are related to the traumatic event
- Dissociative reactions in which the individual feels or acts as if the traumatic event(s) were recurring
- Intense or prolonged distress at exposure to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event(s)
- Marked physiological reactions to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event(s)
- Avoidance of or efforts to avoid distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings about or closely associated with the traumatic event
- Avoidance of or efforts to avoid external reminders (people, places, conversations, activities, objects, situations) that arouse distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings about or closely associated with the traumatic event(s)
- Inability to remember an important aspect of the traumatic event(s)
- Persistent and exaggerated negative beliefs or expectations about oneself, others, or the world
- Persistent, distorted cognitions about the cause or consequences of the traumatic event(s) that lead the individual to blame himself/herself or others
- Persistent negative emotional state (e.g., fear, horror, anger, shame, or guilt)
- Markedly diminished interest or participation in significant activities
- Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others
- Persistent inability to experience positive emotions (e.g., happiness, satisfaction, or love)
- Irritable behavior and angry outbursts (with little or no provocation) typically expressed as verbal or physical aggression toward people or objects
- Reckless or self-destructive behavior
- Hypervigilance
- Exaggerated startle response
- Problems with concentration
- Sleep disturbance
Although the statistics would indicate that the co-occurrence of trauma is uncommon, we at Virtue Recovery believe that eating disorders develop as a result of past traumas. We know that it is important to not only to focus on the behaviors in the here and now, but also to look back at experiences from the past to better understand how we are still living with them. We provide several services and are trained in several modalities that are evidenced based for the treatment of PTSD.
Finding a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center Near Me
If you’re seeking a dual diagnosis treatment center near you, or at a particular location, Virtual Recovery Center has facilities in the following cities:Recovery Centers in Arizona
- Chandler, Arizona: 111 S Hearthstone Way, Chandler, AZ 85226, United States
- Sun City West, Arizona: 13951 W Meeker Blvd, Sun City West, AZ 85375, United States
Recovery Centers in Texas
- Houston, Texas: 9714 S Gessner Rd, Houston, TX 77071, United States
- Killeen, Texas: 5200 S W S Young Dr, Killeen, TX 76542, United States
Recovery Centers in Nevada
- Las Vegas, Nevada: 8225 W Robindale Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89113
Recovery Centers in Oregon
- Astoria, Oregon: 263 W Exchange St, Astoria, OR 97103, United States
You can also follow these steps to find a dual diagnosis recovery program near you:
- Conduct an online search: Use search engines like Google, Bing or Yahoo to search for “dual diagnosis treatment center near me” along with your city or state. You can also use local names in your searches such as “dual diagnosis treatment texas” or “dual diagnosis treatment arizona”. This will help you find a list of treatment centers that provide dual diagnosis treatment in your area.
- Check with your insurance provider: Contact your health insurance provider and ask for a list of treatment centers in your network that offer dual diagnosis treatment. This can help you narrow down your options based on your insurance coverage.
- Consult with a mental health professional: Consult with your mental health provider or primary care physician for recommendations. They may be able to refer you to a dual diagnosis treatment center or provide you with a list of treatment centers they know of in your area.
- Use directories: Check online directories of mental health and addiction treatment facilities. Websites like Psychology Today, SAMHSA Treatment Locator, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) have directories that can help you find a dual diagnosis treatment center near you.
- Research the treatment centers: Once you have a list of treatment centers, research each one thoroughly. Look for information on their website about their treatment approach, staff qualifications, and success rates. You may also want to read online reviews or contact the treatment center directly to ask any questions you may have.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is present in a small percentage of individuals with eating disorders, with about 4 out of 100 adults seeking eating disorder treatment also experiencing OCD. This association is important, as many traits of OCD, particularly the obsessions and compulsions described in the DSM-5, can overlap with eating disorder behaviors.
Obsessions involve repetitive, intrusive thoughts or images that cause significant anxiety, which can include intense preoccupations with food or body image. Although not all individuals with eating disorders meet the full criteria for OCD, the overlap in symptoms can influence treatment approaches.
Recognizing the co-occurrence of OCD in patients with eating disorders is crucial for designing comprehensive treatment plans that address both conditions to support effective recovery.
OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER
Approximately 4% of adults who sought treatment for an eating disorder also met criteria for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) (Ulfvebrand et al., 2015). Although this may sound like a small proportion of individuals who seek treatment, many who do seek treatment share traits with those described in the criteria for OCD. The DSM-5 describes two primary characteristics of OCD: obsessions and compulsions. According to the DSM-5, obsessions are defined as:
- Recurrent and persistent thoughts, urges, or images that are experienced, at some time during the disturbance, as intrusive and unwanted, and that in most individuals cause marked anxiety or distress
- The individual attempts to ignore or suppress such thoughts, urges, or images or to neutralize them with some other thought or action
For many who struggle with eating disorders, there can be many obsessions about food and the body. We at Virtue Recovery have worked with many patients that struggle with obsessions about whether or not food is “healthy” or whether or not certain foods will lead to weight gain or illness. Many patients that our staff have worked with in the past have been able to work through these fears and nourish themselves again. According to the DSM-5, compulsions are defined as:
- Repetitive behaviors or mental acts that the individual feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or according to rules that must be applied rigidly.
- The behaviors or mental acts are aimed at preventing or reducing anxiety or distress, or preventing some dreaded event or situation; however, these behaviors or mental acts are not connected in a realistic way with what they are designed to neutralize or prevent, or are clearly excessive
Repetitive behaviors can be very common with individuals that struggle with eating disorders for a variety of reasons. Some individuals are overly concerned with gaining weight, which can lead to purging type behaviors that can consist of exercising, vomiting, laxative use, or taking other medications or supplements designed to prevent weight gain. Other individuals can become significantly concerned with their health or body sensations, and will take dietary supplements that do not have empirical evidence of health benefit or, at times, even supplements or other medications that can be harmful to an individual’s health. We at Virtue Recovery know that eating disorders do not occur in isolation. Our team is prepared to help you or your loved one with any of the symptoms you may be struggling with. We want you and your loved ones to be able to enjoy your lives without so much hanging over your heads. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596 Greenstein, L. (2017, Oct 4). Understanding Dual Diagnosis. https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/October-2017/Understanding-Dual-Diagnosis Ulfvebrand, S., Birgegard, A., Norring, C., Högdahl, L., & von Hausswolff-Juhlin, Y. (2015). Psychiatric comorbidity in women and men with eating disorders results from a large clinical database. Psychiatric Research, 230, 294-299.
DETOX PROCESS IN DUAL DIAGNOSIS REHABILITATION
Detox is often the most daunting part of rehabilitation for those battling drug or alcohol addiction, with withdrawal symptoms being particularly severe for those who have attempted to quit previously. Professional support during detox helps patients navigate these challenges safely.
Many individuals turn to substance use to cope with mental health issues like depression or anxiety, not realizing that this can worsen their condition by leading to addiction. Whether mental health issues or substance abuse came first, effective rehab programs aim to treat both through an integrated treatment plan. This comprehensive approach supports patients through detox, helps them overcome addiction, manages mental health symptoms healthily, and prevents future relapse, paving the way for true recovery.
In dual diagnosis treatment for addiction and mental health conditions, the initial focus is on overcoming substance abuse through a managed detox process, which is vital for full recovery. The duration of detox varies by individual, depending on body chemistry and the specific substance involved.
After successfully completing detox, patients engage in therapy and counseling to address the mental health aspects of their diagnosis. This includes one-on-one or group counseling sessions that help patients understand and manage their mental health conditions, teaching them long-term coping strategies.
This sequential approach—starting with physical detox and followed by mental health therapy—ensures comprehensive treatment, providing the necessary support to tackle both issues effectively.
Realizing Your Condition
Although dual diagnosis involves treating both addiction and mental health conditions, treating these issues separately at different facilities is less effective. Research indicates that dual diagnosis patients achieve significantly higher success rates with integrated treatment in a single, comprehensive rehab program.
Separate treatments at different facilities can complicate recovery because addiction and mental health issues are closely interconnected. Integrated dual diagnosis programs offer a continuous spectrum of care—from medically-supervised detox to therapy, counseling, skills training, and other evidence-based methods—under one roof. This approach ensures coordinated and unified treatment, addressing both the substance abuse and mental health needs simultaneously, which is crucial for achieving full and lasting recovery.
You Have to Choose
The effectiveness and enduring success of rehabilitation, particularly for dual diagnosis, hinge significantly on the patient’s commitment to recovery. Sustaining recovery from dual diagnosis often demands substantial lifestyle adjustments, necessitating considerable discipline. These changes may involve adopting new hobbies and avoiding certain environments and people that could trigger symptoms.
Choosing a rehabilitation program that includes comprehensive after-care services is crucial for helping individuals reintegrate into society successfully after treatment. These services should ideally cover job and housing assistance, family counseling, support for managing dual diagnosis recovery, and relationship management. These components are essential to help individuals maintain wellness and function optimally in their daily lives.
Aftercare
After-care options play a critical role for all patients undergoing recovery from dual diagnosis, including those prescribed medication for mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder, codependency, and low self-esteem. For patients taking prescription medications for their mental disorders, it’s essential to have ongoing monitoring or scheduled follow-up visits with a healthcare professional. This oversight helps prevent a relapse into substance abuse.
For those who choose not to use prescription medications for their mental health conditions, continuing therapy after rehabilitation is crucial. It is recommended that they engage in a regular counseling program that emphasizes cognitive therapy approaches. These structured after-care strategies are vital in supporting long-term recovery and maintaining mental health stability.