Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers In Tennessee: Addressing Co-Occurring Mental Health & Substance Use
Amanda Stevens
Substance use and mental health disorders are challenging enough on their own. But when paired together, they can exacerbate symptoms, decrease functioning, and spark a continuing cycle of addiction and other harmful patterns. Brooks Healing Center can help you break the cycle and restore the balance through integrated treatment and holistic therapy. Join the BHC community today and start fresh.
Table of Contents
Key Points
- Dual diagnosis is a unique diagnosis that is characterized by one patient struggling with both a mental health condition and an alcohol or substance use disorder.
- Some of the most common co-occurring disorder mental health concerns include Anxiety Disorders, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Bipolar Disorders 1 and 2, Depression (Major Depressive Disorder), Personality Disorders, Schizophrenia, and Schizoaffective Disorders.
- Some of the most common substances misused with a dual diagnosis include alcohol addiction, nicotine, and opioids.
- Treatment of dual diagnosis issues requires an integrated, holistic approach and includes detox, residential treatment, and mental health and behavioral therapies.
What Is a Dual Diagnosis?
A dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder is a unique diagnosis that confirms the presence of both a mental health condition and an alcohol or substance use disorder. Individually, these two conditions are complex, but together, they can negatively interact and significantly complicate the recovery process.[1] According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, over seven million people in the U.S. suffer from a co-occurring disorder.[2] Equally disheartening is the reality that many (over 50%) never receive treatment of any kind.
What Are The Most Common Mental Health Conditions Associated With Co-Occurring Disorders?
The National Institute of Mental Health reports that some of the most common co-occurring disorder mental health concerns include:[3]
- Anxiety Disorders
- Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Bipolar Disorder 1 and 2
- Depression (Major Depressive Disorder)
- Personality Disorders
- Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Other mental health conditions of note that could be associated with a dual diagnosis include:
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Eating Disorders
The Impact of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Paired with Mental Illness
The impact of dual diagnosis issues can be profound. Substances can trigger brain changes and impact overall functioning, making it increasingly difficult to manage the symptoms related to mental health issues.[4] Additionally, some substances are used for self-medicating but can worsen mental health symptoms—which perpetuates the cycle of abuse.[5] Every person’s experience with mental health and substance use disorder is different and must be understood on a deeply personal level. Some substances that may be misused in connection with a co-occurring mental health disorder include:
- Alcohol addiction
- Nicotine
- Opioids
Other common substances we address here at Brooks Healing Center include:
- Inhalants
- Meths
- Barbiturates
- Adderall
- Kratom
- Heroin
- Marijuana
- Hallucinogens
- Valium
- Crack or Cocaine
- Fentanyl
The Benefits of Integrated Treatment for Mental Health Disorders and Alcohol or Drug Abuse
Stopping substance abuse isn’t the only outcome of treatment, though it’s often a catalyst for seeking support. The benefits of integrated treatment include lifestyle improvements and positive outcomes in multiple areas, including:[6]
- Improved Mood Stabilization: Treatment addresses the underlying concerns of co-occurring disorders and equips patients with healthy ways to manage symptoms and moods.
- Better Medication Management: Some mental health conditions require ongoing medication support, but it can be difficult to manage without support. Treatment offers tools and a practical system to manage medication consistently.
- Maintained Substance Abstinence: Learning how to cope with symptoms safely empowers you to reduce substance use and maintain abstinence.
- Enhanced Functioning and Social Skills: With integrated treatment, community involvement, and vocational support, self-efficacy and social skills may increase.
- Greater Relapse Prevention Success: Psychosocial therapeutic treatment equips patients with stronger management skills and reduces relapse rates.
- Improved Quality of Life: Overall, the goal and benefit of treatment is to improve quality of life. As symptoms decrease and self-efficacy increases, you or your loved one are empowered to be the best version of yourself and live up to your fullest potential.
Residential Dual Diagnosis Treatment Programs at Brooks Healing Center In Tennessee
Our dual diagnosis treatment center is tucked away in the beautiful Tennessee countryside on 36 picturesque acres along the Duck River. This setting offers ample opportunity for reflection, exploration, tranquility, and adventure without ever leaving the campus. Before beginning treatment, each patient will participate in a detailed evaluation that forms the basis of an individualized treatment plan tailored to their needs. Some of the treatment options we provide when treating dual-diagnosis disorders include: Medical Detox: In the early days of recovery and withdrawal, safety and support are essential. Our medical detox program offers 24/7 access to medical and clinical care set in a peaceful environment. We’re invested in your comfort and safety throughout the duration of your stay and beyond. Dual-diagnosis treatment begins at this level of care and will include therapy, wellness interventions, and peer support. Residential Integrated Treatment: Our inpatient treatment program for addressing dual-diagnosis disorders offers an immersive experience where you are free of the distractions common in daily environments and routines. Our campus used to operate as a rural bed and breakfast and offers many comforting and desirable amenities, such as physical fitness training, outdoor adventures, chef-prepared meals, and more. During treatment, patients will participate in a variety of wellness interventions, including mental and behavioral health modalities, with both group and individual therapy sessions, peer support groups, and more.
What to Expect in Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Addressing mental health and addiction concurrently is a challenging undertaking but one that we’re well-equipped to manage with our wide range of evidence-based, holistic mental health and behavioral health therapies. Combined with the community support, family-like atmosphere, and the tranquility of residential treatment, the following interventions indicate what you can expect.
- Trauma-informed Therapy: A trauma-informed approach to therapy and co-occurring disorder treatment understands the impact of trauma in every area of life and creates a safe space for healing and recovery.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This form of talk therapy helps you uncover harmful thought patterns and cultivate new and healthy ways to process thoughts, emotions, and resulting behaviors.
- Adventure Therapy: Leveraging the physical and mindfulness benefits of outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and more, you will be guided through practical strategies for dealing with psychological issues.
- Brainspotting (BSP): This innovative intervention uses eye movements and visual focus to process challenging memories and traumatic experiences.
- Experiential Therapy: A hands-on approach to recovery, experiential therapy puts you in an active role during treatment. You will participate in numerous activities like art, music, physical fitness, and more while being guided by an experienced therapist.
- Garden Therapy: Brooks Healing Center is excited to offer this unique approach to therapy with our own on-site garden. Patients will learn to tend, cultivate, and harvest from our garden and supply our chef with organic ingredients for every meal. This is an opportunity to practice reflection, mindfulness, and other coping skills.
- 12-Step Facilitation Therapy: Peer support is critical for recovery, and 12-step therapy programs offer a tangible way to work through recovery and toward restoration and healing. These are guided sessions supported by peer support, accountability, and practical skill development.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dual Diagnosis
How Much Does Inpatient and Outpatient Rehab Treatment Cost Without Insurance?
The cost of substance use and mental health treatment without insurance is determined by the level of care needed and the interventions that will be the best fit for you or your loved one. After a detailed assessment, we can offer clarity on what you can expect to pay out of pocket.
What Is the Admissions Process for a Dual Diagnosis Inpatient Treatment Program in Tennessee?
At Brooks Healing Center, we have designed a simple and streamlined admissions process to help you access the help you need without stress or unnecessary delays. After reaching out, patients will undergo a detailed assessment to ensure BHC is a good fit. This will also help us determine the most appropriate level of care.
Once that’s complete, your bed will be reserved, and we’ll prepare you for your arrival. Our team of counselors and admissions staff will welcome you to our campus and help you get settled in. Inpatient treatment programs include detox and residential treatment, where you will begin therapy, wellness interventions, and peer support groups.
What Types Of Services Are Offered By Dual Diagnosis Rehab Centers?
The benefit of seeking help at a dual diagnosis rehab center in Tennessee is the holistic approach to healing and treatment. Rather than treating a mental health condition as part of a substance use disorder or vice versa, a dual diagnosis center will address each disorder as a unique component while also treating the impact of one on the other and understanding how they interact.
How Common are Co-Occurring Disorders?
According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, seven to nine million people in the U.S. suffer from a co-occurring disorder. [7] Additional numbers from the same study indicate that the number could be as high as 17 million.
Sources
[1]Nami. (2024, May 31). Understanding Dual Diagnosis. NAMI. https://www.nami.org/advocate/understanding-dual-diagnosis/
[2][7]U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2023, May 30). Comorbidity: Substance use and other mental disorders. National Institutes of Health. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/comorbidity/comorbidity-substance-use-other-mental-disorders-infographic
[3] NIDA. 2022, September 27. Part 1: The Connection Between Substance Use Disorders and Mental Illness. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/common-comorbidities-substance-use-disorders/part-1-connection-between-substance-use-disorders-mental-illness
[4][5]U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.-f). Substance use and co-occurring mental disorders. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/substance-use-and-mental-health#part_2423
[6]Subodh, B. N., Sharma, N., & Shah, R. (2018, February). Psychosocial interventions in patients with dual diagnosis. Indian journal of psychiatry. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5844161/