What is Dual Diagnosis?

A dual diagnosis treatment program is one that provides treatment for your addiction and mental health needs at the same time. At Bayview Recovery, we work with a range of individuals who need dual diagnosis treatment in order to break free from addiction. You may be asking, what is dual diagnosis? It means that you have two disorders going on at the same time. While many people dealing with an addiction also have mental health diagnoses, it is a way to differentiate the type of treatment you might need in order to be successful in your recovery work.

What Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

A dual diagnosis definition could be when you have more than one disorder going on at the same time. In general, it means you have problems with addiction, and you may have anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or another mental health diagnosis. Treatment is designed so that you don’t have to put your mental health needs in the background in order to begin treatment for addiction. Dual diagnosis treatment may help you:

Figure out the mental health needs you have because of your addiction
Determine how to proceed with treatment once your mental health is stable
Break free from addiction while getting mental health support
Focus on addiction recovery one step at a time

You won’t have to ignore any of your mental health concerns in a dual diagnosis program. You may feel as though your life is going out of control, but there is hope when you reach out for it. Whether your anxiety and depression are caused by addiction, or your mental health needs have led you to substance abuse issues, treatment will help you better cope with both.

How Dual Diagnosis Will Help You Succeed

As you find clarity with the question, “What is dual diagnosis?”, you will feel more comfortable finding a treatment program that is right for you. When you seek treatment for a dual diagnosis, you will be able to learn about sobriety and support your mental health at the same time. In treatment, you will learn:

Relapse prevention strategies that allow you to feel calm and maintain your serenity
That everyone has triggers and stress that must be managed
Your treatment path is going to be as unique as you are
You can heal from addiction and support your mental health at the same time

Addiction and recovery take time. As you progress in treatment, you may find all of your symptoms improve. Once you are no longer addicted to substances, you can begin to learn how to manage your emotions as part of your recovery and overall health.

Learning to Cope With a Dual Diagnosis

You may feel isolated to learn that you have a dual diagnosis, but they are very common within the addiction community and beyond. As you meet others working on sobriety, you will begin to realize that many people around you are also dealing with dual diagnosis as part of their journey. Whether you have anxiety, depression, PTSD, or another diagnosis, you can still work on your sobriety. Coping strategies are important for everyone to get through life, but they are even more vital to a person who is trying to stay sober. As you heal from your addiction, coping skills are going to help you stay sober.

Help From Dual Diagnosis Treatment Today

Don’t let drugs or alcohol control your life any longer. If you have a dual diagnosis and you need addiction treatment, Bayview Recovery can help. Contact us today at 855.478.3650 and begin your journey now. Help is there for you, but you have to reach out for it.

Bayview Recovery Center is a substance abuse treatment center in Tacoma, Washington. Bayview offers a variety of addiction treatment programs including addiction therapy services, mental health treatment, and dual diagnosis treatment.