Addiction and mental health disorders often go hand-in-hand, which is why dual diagnosis treatment programs exist. Programs like this often combine a specific mental health treatment program and rehab.
In fact, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) estimates that about half of all people with a substance use disorder also have a mental health disorder. Because of this close connection, it’s important to consider mental health treatment when seeking addiction treatment. Fortunately, many rehab centers now offer dual diagnosis treatment.
Why Is It Crucial to Maintain Good Mental Health?
Good mental health is vital to overall health and well-being. On the other hand, poor mental health can lead to problems like substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and even suicide. That’s why getting help is essential if you’re struggling with mental health.
There are many different types of mental health disorders, but some of the most common include:
- Anxiety disorders – These disorders involve excessive worry, nervousness, or fear. Examples include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder.
- Depressive disorders – These disorders involve persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness. Examples include major depressive disorder and dysthymia.
- Bipolar disorder – This disorder involves extreme mood swings that can include periods of depression and mania.
- Eating disorders – These disorders involve unhealthy eating habits that can lead to problems like severe weight loss or gain. Examples include anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) – This disorder involves repetitive, unwanted thoughts and behaviors that a person feels they can’t control.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – This disorder can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, a car accident, or sexual assault.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction and mental health, don’t hesitate to get help. Many treatment options are available, and dual diagnosis treatment can be very effective. With the proper treatment, recovery is possible.
What Is the Connection Between Mental Health Treatment and Addiction Recovery?
Mental health disorders can often lead to substance abuse as a way of self-medicating or coping with difficult emotions and situations. Conversely, drug and alcohol abuse can worsen pre-existing mental health conditions. Because of this complex relationship, it’s vital that any addiction treatment program you choose also offers comprehensive mental health care. This way, you can address both your addiction and your underlying mental health issues at the same time.
Dual diagnosis treatment programs take a comprehensive approach to recovery, addressing both addiction and mental health simultaneously. This is often done through:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Medication management
Depending on the facility offering it, other holistic care methods may also be included in a dual diagnosis treatment program—such as yoga, meditation, art therapy, and even nutritional counseling.
Do Some Mental Health Treatment Programs Count As Rehab Programs?
In some cases, yes. If a mental health treatment program meets certain criteria—such as being licensed by the state, having qualified staff members, and providing evidence-based care—it may be considered a rehab program. Examples of mental health treatment programs that are also rehab programs include:
- Inpatient mental health programs
- Residential treatment programs
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs)
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs)
- Dual diagnosis treatment programs
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Not all mental health treatment programs, however, are considered rehab. For example, traditional outpatient therapy sessions would not be considered a form of rehab. If you’re unsure whether a particular mental health treatment program would be regarded as rehab, it’s best to ask the facility directly. This is important to know because some insurance plans only cover rehab programs, not mental health treatment programs.
In particular, a dual diagnosis treatment program that meets the above criteria would be considered a rehab program. These programs provide comprehensive care for addiction and mental health, making them an ideal option for those struggling with both issues.
When Should You Consider Mental Health Treatment Programs?
Mental health disorders are common among people struggling with addiction, so it’s important to consider mental health treatment when seeking addiction treatment. Some mental health treatment programs even count as rehab programs, which may be covered by insurance.
If you’re struggling with addiction and dealing with mental health disorder symptoms, it’s essential to seek professional help as soon as possible. A qualified addiction treatment professional can help you figure out what kind of care you need and put you on the path to recovery.