Our Pennsylvania Dual Diagnosis Facilities at Arkview Recovery

In the past, doctors and therapists didn’t recognize the connection between addiction and mental health. Addiction was seen more as a social or environmental disease rather than a behavioral health disorder. Fortunately, that is no longer the case. Additionally, it’s recognized that someone suffering from substance use disorder may also require a mental health diagnosis. This is referred to as co-occurring disorders.

A dual diagnosis treatment program can help you with your addiction and mental health disorder. Arkview Recovery is a Pennsylvania substance abuse treatment center specializing in dual diagnosis treatment. By choosing a program that focuses on the intertwined connection between mental health conditions and substance use disorders, individuals will have a higher success rate in long-term recovery.

At Arkview Recovery, we can help you break free from the physical side of substance use disorder and help you discover the reasons behind your substance abuse to better cope with those feelings. If you or a loved one struggles with addiction relating to mental health or other issues, call or complete our online form today to learn more about our addiction treatment programs.

What Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

Dual diagnosis, or co-occurring disorder treatment, is when a patient’s addiction is related to a mental health issue like depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Drugs and alcohol are used to escape these disorders. People can quickly form a powerful addiction due to the euphoric feelings and break from their mental or emotional pain that many feel they cannot get without their substance of choice.

Additionally, substance abuse can also bring on mental health conditions, and co-occurring disorders can develop that way. This also causes a dangerous cycle of abuse to develop as individuals try to self-medicate the symptoms that have been brought on by their own substance use disorder.

Facilities that only focus on treating addiction are problematic because this form of care only hides the mental health issues that are responsible for the addiction. Treatment centers that only focus on the physical side of addiction and not the mental aspect will leave their patients vulnerable to potential relapses with higher chances of overdosing.

What Mental Health Disorders Often Co-Occur with Substance Abuse?

Anxiety Disorders

Generalized anxiety disorder and addiction often co-occur, with each condition potentially exacerbating the other. This co-occurrence can lead to more severe symptoms and a more challenging treatment process. Anxiety disorders and substance use disorders (SUDs) frequently appear together, with anxiety potentially leading individuals to use substances as a form of self-medication, while substance use can also trigger or worsen anxiety symptoms.

Dual diagnosis treatment is designed to address both conditions simultaneously, recognizing that they are interconnected. This integrated approach can include a combination of therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication management, and support groups, all tailored to treat both the mental health disorder and the addiction.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD often co-occurs with substance abuse, with individuals experiencing both conditions facing unique challenges. The impulsivity and poor planning associated with ADHD can lead to risky behaviors, including substance use, which can develop into addiction. Both ADHD and addiction affect similar brain areas related to reward and motivation, increasing the risk of substance use disorders in individuals with ADHD.

Dual-diagnosis treatment for ADHD and addiction involves an integrated approach that addresses both conditions simultaneously. This can include integrated treatment of medication, such as stimulants or non-stimulants for ADHD, and therapies like CBT and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to manage symptoms and reduce substance use.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder frequently co-occurs with addiction, with studies indicating that 40% to 60% of individuals with bipolar disorder also have a substance use disorder. This co-occurrence can exacerbate symptoms of both conditions, making treatment more complex.

Dual diagnosis treatment is essential for addressing this mental illness and addiction simultaneously. This approach typically involves a combination of medication-assisted treatment and therapy. Medications such as mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants are commonly used to manage mood swings in bipolar disorder. However, care must be taken with medications like benzodiazepines due to their potential for addiction.

Depression

Depression is a common mental illness associated with addiction, creating a complex interplay where each condition can exacerbate the other. Individuals may use substances to self-medicate depressive symptoms, while substance use can worsen or trigger depression. This dual diagnosis requires comprehensive treatment services to address both conditions simultaneously.

Dual diagnosis treatment for depression and addiction typically involves a combination of medication, individual therapy, and family therapy sessions. Individual therapy, such as CBT helps individuals understand and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with both depression and addiction. It provides a safe space for individuals to explore their feelings and develop coping strategies to manage their symptoms and reduce substance use.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD and addiction frequently co-occur, with each condition potentially exacerbating the other. Individuals with PTSD may turn to substances as a form of self-medication to cope with symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and intrusive memories. This can lead to the development of substance use disorders, which in turn can worsen PTSD symptoms.

Mental health and addiction treatment for PTSD involves a comprehensive approach that addresses both conditions. This includes integrated therapy, such as CBT and Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy, which help individuals process traumatic memories and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Medication management, often involving SSRIs, is used to manage PTSD symptoms and reduce addiction cravings, playing a crucial role in stabilizing patients.

Benefits of Enrolling in the Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center at Arkview Recovery

a group of individuals smiling in therapy

By enrolling in our dual diagnosis or co-occurring treatment program, you are giving yourself a better chance at long-lasting recovery and forming healthy coping skills to help you handle your mental health issues without drugs or alcohol. A dual diagnosis treatment program will help you:

Identify – The first hurdle is recognizing what your addiction is covering up and facing these issues head-on. For example, some patients use drugs or alcohol due to a recent loss or tragedy that is too painful to deal with alone.
Process – Once you have identified the root causes of your addiction, you can learn how to deal with the emotions and feelings that are overwhelming you. Depression or fear of failure can make even the simplest tasks seem impossible. Once you understand why you feel that way, you can begin to work through your feelings and see that you can get through it without your substance of choice.
Learn – By learning coping skills and relapse prevention techniques, you’ll discover a crucial component of dual diagnosis treatment. These skills help individuals manage stress, reduce the risk of relapse, and improve overall functioning. By addressing both the psychological and behavioral aspects of co-occurring disorders, dual diagnosis treatment aims to provide a comprehensive approach to recovery.
Adapt – Change is necessary to grow and succeed in life. Through our dual diagnosis treatment program, you will learn to change your thought processes and choose healthy and positive coping mechanisms to deal with your emotional stress or trauma.

Our Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center Programs

At Arkview Recovery in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, we offer a comprehensive range of programs designed to address and treat co-occurring disorders. Here’s a breakdown:

Detox Program

Arkview Recovery provides a medically supervised detox program as the first step in the treatment process. This program is designed to safely manage withdrawal symptoms and prepare individuals for further treatment of co-occurring disorders. The detox process is crucial for cleansing the body of substances and stabilizing patients physically and mentally before they transition to more intensive therapy.

Residential Treatment Program

The residential treatment program at Arkview offers a structured and supportive environment where individuals can focus entirely on their recovery. This program includes 24/7 care and a variety of therapeutic interventions, such as individual and group therapy, to address the root causes of addiction and mental health issues. The residential setting provides a safe space for individuals to heal away from the triggers and stresses of everyday life.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Arkview’s Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is a step down from residential treatment. It offers intensive therapy while allowing individuals to return home in the evenings. PHP provides a high level of care, focusing on relapse prevention, coping strategies, and continued support for mental health symptoms. It is ideal for those who need structured treatment but have a stable home environment.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

The Intensive Outpatient Program at Arkview is designed for individuals who require ongoing support but have more flexibility to manage daily responsibilities. IOP includes regular therapy sessions and support groups, helping individuals maintain their recovery while integrating back into their communities. This program emphasizes the development of coping skills and strategies to handle triggers and stressors in everyday life.

Arkview Recovery’s holistic approach ensures that each individual’s treatment plan for co-occurring disorders is tailored to their specific needs, providing the best chance for successful and lasting recovery.

Therapy Options at Arkview Recovery

a group of individuals laughing in therapy

Our dual diagnosis treatment center in Pennsylvania can help you with your addiction relating to mental health issues or past or current traumatic events. Our goal of long-lasting recovery is achieved through various therapy programs such as:

Choose Arkview Recovery as Your Pennsylvania Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center

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At Arkview Recovery, our team is ready to provide the support people may need to deal with addiction, mental health disorders, or both. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction relating to a mental health issue, call or complete our online form today to learn more about our dual diagnosis treatment center in Pennsylvania.

References:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4355945/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2676785/

https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders

https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/co-occurring-disorders-health-conditions

https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/cooccurring/tx_sud_va.asp

Kyle Ranney, LCSW( Medical Reviewer )

Kyle is Lead Therapist at Arkview Recovery Center. He holds a Master of Social Work degree from Temple University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He has years of experience working directly with individuals who suffer from addiction and mental health disorders. Being in long term recovery himself, Kyle is very passionate about the recovery process. He is heavily involved in the local recovery community in which he enjoys his commitments to service and giving back. His specialty is in group therapy and developing clinical staff. Kyle brings to Arkview a holistic approach to recovery, specializing in mindfulness, reality therapy, and solution-focused therapy.