Dual Diagnosis Treatment.

Dual-diagnosis cases or co-occurring disorders, can be extremely complex and dangerous if left untreated. Substance use disorders and mental health disorders can be problematic on their own, but when combined, they can end up causing stress, physical, and mental problems. This case is known as a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder. A professional team should handle dual diagnosis. That’s where our team at Blue Star Recovery comes into play.

At our quality treatment center, we offer comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment in New Jersey. If you or a loved one is dealing with a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder, it may be time to reach out for help. Give us a call and we’ll be ready to assist you at a moment’s notice.

What is a Dual Diagnosis?

A dual diagnosis occurs when a person is struggling with both a substance use problem and a mental health disorder. These two conditions can end up feeding off each other and creating negative effects in all aspects of a person’s life. A person may use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate from their mental health disorder. So much so that they can develop a substance use disorder. This is where a cycle begins, as constant drug and alcohol use only makes the symptoms of the mental health condition worse.

Many individuals struggling with substance use disorder also suffer from mental illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, post-traumatic stress disorder, or personality disorders. Dual Diagnosis Treatment offers specialized care for this occurrence.

What are the Symptoms of a Substance Use Disorder?

There are several signs that can indicate that a person is dealing with a substance use disorder (SUD). It’s important to be aware of these signs and how they conflict with a person’s mental health disorders and overall well-being. If you notice any of these signs in a loved one or a family member, it may indicate a deeper problem:

• Experiencing urges to drink alcohol or use drugs
• Difficulty controlling the amount or frequency of substance use
• Neglecting responsibilities and obligations
• Engaging in risky behavior
• Lying or hiding substance use
• Poor performance at school, work, and at home

When combined with a mental health disorder, substance abuse symptoms can be heightened.

Signs and Symptoms of Substance Use Disorder

To help determine if you or a loved one should choose intensive outpatient program treatment, it’s impoSubstance use disorder is a complex disorder that can affect everyone differently. The signs and symptoms of SUD also depend on the substance being used and the severity of the SUD. Common signs of drug and alcohol use disorders include:

• Behavioral changes
• Sleep disturbances (sleeping too much or hardly at all)
• Withdrawal from social activities
• Neglecting responsibilities
• Reckless or risky behavior
• Weight loss or sudden weight gain
• Changes in appetite
• Financial difficulties
• Relationship problems
• Legal issues
• Poor hygiene
• Red eyes or dilated pupils
• Agitated behavior
• Mood swings

Being able to recognize the signs of a drug or alcohol use disorder can help you intervene early with a loved one’s substance use disorder. Getting treatment as soon as possible can improve the diagnosis and require less intense treatments. If you notice these signs in yourself or in another you can reach out to Blue Star Recovery for help. Our team is happy to answer questions and help determine which course of treatment would be best.

What are the Symptoms of a Mental Health Disorder?

Those suffering from mental health disorders typically display changes in behavior, thought, and mood (among other symptoms). Like substance abuse disorders, it’s important to be aware of these signs so you can get professional help. Certain mental health disorders like post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and bipolar disorder can affect a person’s wellbeing on a daily basis.

While each disorder is different and will show different symptoms, there are some common behavioral changes that can point to a deeper issue. These symptoms can include:

• Problems sleeping
• Irrational thoughts
• Changes in behavior and thoughts
• Turning to drugs or alcohol to cope
• Changes in mood
• Experiencing delusions or hallucinations
• Difficulty concentrating

Common Types of Co-occurring Disorders

There are many combinations of dual diagnosis cases, each with their own problems to tackle. Common forms of mental health disorders involved with substance use disorder include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Borderline personality disorder
• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

It is important to note that these conditions can exist alongside an addiction without being officially diagnosed as a dual diagnosis. If you or a loved one is suffering from both a drug addiction and mental health disorder, don’t hesitate to reach out for help sooner than later. Blue Star Recovery center is here for you!

What to Expect During Dual Diagnosis Treatment in New Jersey

Our Dual Diagnosis Treatment approach involves a comprehensive plan that includes various therapies, medications, and activities tailored to each individual’s unique needs. With the help of our qualified professionals, we can address both mental illness and substance use disorder. Both conditions are treated at the same time, but separately. This is a crucial part of the process to ensure progress and successful treatment.

Treatment may involve a combination of therapy and medication where needed. Some of our most common types of treatment include:

• Individual counseling – Therapy in a safe and private environment with just you and a therapy (1-on-1 setting)
• Group therapy – Therapy done in a group setting with a supportive and open environment
• Medication management (MAT) – This form of treatment involves medication to ease symptoms while a person continues to undergo therapy treatment
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) – One of the most commonly used behavioral therapies, it focuses on how your thoughts and beliefs affect how you feel.
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) – DBT is another form of therapy that helps you learn to tools to manage negative emotions and set boundaries

It is important to note that dual diagnosis treatment is highly individualized and should be tailored to each patient’s specific needs. The primary goals of dual diagnosis treatment are to reduce symptoms, improve overall functioning, and help the patient become free of substance misuse.

Blue Star Recovery is Here for You

If you or a loved one are looking for dual diagnosis treatment in New Jersey, look no further than our treatment center. Our team provides you with all the tools you need to overcome both substance use and mental health disorders. It can be a stressful and painful situation, but with the right help, you and your loved ones can start living the life you deserve. Don’t wait any longer, give us a call today to learn more about our dual diagnosis treatment program in New Jersey and start living the life you deserve.