DUAL DIAGNOSIS TREATMENT IN THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS

Anxiety disorder is a mental health condition that causes feelings of worry, fear, and uneasiness. It can affect people of all ages and is often triggered by certain situations or events. Anxiety disorders can also occur alongside other mental health issues such as depression and bipolar disorder.

When it comes to substance abuse, an anxiety disorder can co-occur in some cases. Substance abuse increases the risk of developing an anxiety disorder as well as making existing anxiety symptoms worse. In addition, using drugs or alcohol to cope with stressors often leads to dependency on substances, creating an even greater risk of developing an anxiety disorder.

Depressive disorder, or clinical depression, is a mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness. It can also manifest as physical symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, and changes in appetite.

Depressive disorder can co-occur with substance abuse in some cases. Substance misuse can worsen depressive symptoms while also increasing the risk of developing depression. In addition, people who use drugs or alcohol to cope with stressors often become dependent on substances, leading to an even larger risk of developing a depressive disorder.

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a mental health condition characterized by extreme shifts in mood. People with bipolar disorder experience periods of depression, mania, and hypomania. Symptoms can range from difficulty concentrating to insomnia to irritability.

The co-occurrence of bipolar disorder and substance abuse happens as people try to soothe symptoms related to the disorder. Substance use can worsen some of the more uncomfortable symptoms of bipolar disorder. It can also as increase the risk of developing the condition. In addition, using drugs or alcohol to cope with stressors often leads to addiction.

Trauma is an intense psychological response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event. It can cause physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms including flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, difficulty concentrating, depression, and anxiety. It can also cause changes in how one interacts with the world such as avoiding situations that may bring up memories of the trauma.

Trauma often co-occurs with drug or alcohol abuse. Using drugs or alcohol to cope with difficult emotions associated with trauma can lead to a greater risk of developing substance use disorder and intensifying symptoms of trauma. Additionally, people experiencing traumatic events are more likely to develop addictions due to increased stress and decreased resilience.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks, nightmares, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and avoidance. It can also lead to physical symptoms such as headaches and stomachaches.

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a common co-occurring condition related to addiction. Using alcohol or drugs to cope with the difficult emotions associated with PTSD can lead to a greater risk of developing an addiction and making PTSD symptoms more pronounced. People who have experienced traumatic events are more likely to turn to substances for comfort, which can lead to greater mental distress and an increased dependency on substances.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that involves having recurrent and persistent thoughts, images, and impulses (obsessions) as well as engaging in repetitive behaviors or mental acts in an effort to reduce anxiety (compulsions). Symptoms of OCD can range from mild to severe and can interfere with daily life, relationships, and overall functioning.

Using drugs or alcohol to cope with the intrusive thoughts and overwhelming emotions associated with OCD can lead to a greater risk of developing a substance use disorder as well as worsening symptoms of the OCD. Additionally, people who have been diagnosed with OCD are more likely to use substances for relief from their symptoms, which can lead to enhanced symptoms and an increased need to use drugs or alcohol.

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health condition characterized by difficulty distinguishing between reality and what is imagined. Symptoms of schizophrenia can include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking and speech, lack of motivation, and social withdrawal.

Drug or alcohol abuse is common for people with Schizophrenia. This is often to cope with the difficult symptoms associated with the disorder. However, this can lead to a greater risk of developing an addiction and worsening symptoms of the disorder. Additionally, people who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia are more likely to turn to substances for comfort, which can actually lead to more discomfort and a higher likelihood that someone will end up getting addicted.

Our dual diagnosis treatment centers in Texas begin with detoxifying the body of any substances present. This phase of dual diagnosis care helps rid the body of harmful toxins so that therapy and recovery can be initiated safely.

During this stage of dual diagnosis care at Magnolia dual diagnosis treatment centers in The Woodlands, patients receive intensive treatment to stabilize their mental health and help them adjust to a substance-free lifestyle. This step also helps individuals learn specialized coping skills while they transition out of the dual diagnosis treatment center.

The dual diagnosis residential treatment program at Magnolia City provides 24/7 therapeutic care and support services in a safe, comfortable, and encouraging environment. Residents receive structured and evidence-based dual diagnosis programming, medication management, and therapy. The goal of this program is to help individuals develop the skills and strategies needed to sustain a healthy life, free from substance abuse and mental illness.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This helps individuals gain insight into their thoughts and any negative patterns they’ve developed in order to break them and increase self-esteem. CBT helps individuals enhance their coping skills and overall improves their ability to resist temptation.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT teaches emotional regulation skills to create an environment of empathy, acceptance, and understanding. Mindfulness practice and distress tolerance will be taught through DBT.

Family therapy: This form of therapy seeks to improve family relationships and dynamics. It focuses on developing communication skills, resolving conflicts, and identifying unhealthy patterns of behavior.

Group counseling: You can expect to be involved with multiple people discussing their challenges and experiences in a therapeutic environment. Group counseling can provide individuals with a supportive network of peers who are facing similar challenges.

Holistic therapies: Sometimes referred to as alternative treatments, holistic therapy focuses on a person’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. These therapies range from traditional healing practices such as acupuncture and massage to modern approaches such as art therapy, yoga, and meditation.

Medication is commonly prescribed as part of a dual diagnosis treatment plan in order to manage mental health issues, and can also be used to help treat addiction. The medications typically prescribed for dual diagnosis are antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, anxiolytics, and anticonvulsants.

In some cases, additional drugs such as stimulants, opioids, or benzodiazepines may be prescribed to treat the underlying mental illness or used as part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to address substance abuse issues. In many cases of substance abuse, it may be necessary to taper an individual off of their drug of choice in order to overcome the addiction.

An aftercare program is a comprehensive plan of treatment and support that helps individuals recovering from addiction or mental health issues maintain sobriety, manage their symptoms, and develop healthy coping strategies. Aftercare programs typically involve ongoing counseling sessions with a therapist or other healthcare provider, attending 12-step meetings, participating in support groups, and engaging in social activities.