Why Dual Diagnosis Treatment Is Essential to Helping Prevent Relapse

It is common for individuals with mental health conditions to struggle with addiction and vice versa. For many of these people, it can seem like the help they need isn't available. They may feel too broken or beyond help, but dual diagnosis treatment is available for individuals with co-occurring disorders. Treatment of dual diagnosis cases often requires a unique approach. 

What Is Dual Diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis refers to the presence of a mental health disorder and substance use disorder (SUD) at the same time in one person. For example, a person with alcohol use disorder (AUD) may also be struggling with depression. This can also be called “co-occurring disorders.” 

Co-occurring disorders can develop in multiple ways. It is common for individuals with mental health issues to use substances like drugs or alcohol to cope with their symptoms. If someone has an anxiety disorder and constantly feels on edge, they may use substances to “take the edge off.” Unfortunately, substances are only a temporary solution to these symptoms, and they may even make mental health issues worse. In other cases, a person may develop a mental health condition as a result of substance use. Both of these cases would be an example of co-occurring disorders. 

The Unique Challenges of Co-Occurring Disorders

Living with co-occurring disorders can be very challenging because addiction and mental health problems affect each other. It can be hard to tell whether substance use is causing mental health symptoms or if a mental health condition is leading to substance use. Because the symptoms can look similar, mental health professionals sometimes have trouble making the right diagnosis. This can lead to misdiagnosis or not treating both problems at the same time.

Diagnosing co-occurring disorders requires experts who understand both addiction and mental health. However, many people struggle to get the right help due to stigma, lack of access to care, or fear of being judged. Substance use can also hide mental health symptoms or make them worse, making it even harder to find the root of the problem.

When it comes to treatment, co-occurring disorders require a special approach that addresses the interconnected nature of the issues. Standard addiction treatment may not focus enough on mental health, and mental health care alone may not consider substance use. The best approach includes therapy, medication, and support groups to help people manage both issues. Without the right care, people with co-occurring disorders have a higher risk of relapse, hospital stays, and ongoing struggles.

What Are the Most Common Co-Occurring Disorders?

There are many mental health disorders that can occur alongside SUD. Some of the most common include:

• Depression

• Panic disorder

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Bipolar disorder 

• Schizophrenia

Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Desert Willow Wellness

At Desert Willow Wellness, we recognize that addiction and mental health challenges often go hand in hand. Conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and trauma can contribute to substance use, while addiction can worsen emotional and psychological struggles. Our Dual Diagnosis Program is designed to treat both issues at the same time, providing a comprehensive and integrated approach to healing. 

From the very first step of detox to the in-depth care of residential treatment, we take a trauma-informed approach that prioritizes your emotional and physical well-being. Detox can be a physically and mentally challenging process, which is why our team offers 24/7 medical supervision in a calm, supportive environment to help manage withdrawal symptoms and emotional distress. Our goal is to ensure that you feel safe, supported, and cared for as your body and mind begin the healing process.

After detox, you'll transition into our residential treatment program. Our dedicated team of therapists, psychiatrists, and medical professionals will work closely with you to identify and address the root causes of both addiction and mental health challenges. We use evidence-based therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to help you develop healthy coping skills, regulate emotions, and break harmful patterns. Additionally, our program incorporates holistic therapies, such as mindfulness, yoga, and stress reduction techniques, to promote overall well-being and balance.

By treating the mind and body as one, we help you build the tools necessary for lasting recovery. Our compassionate, integrated approach empowers you to move forward with confidence and hope, creating a strong foundation for lifelong wellness. At Desert Willow Wellness, we are committed to guiding you toward a healthier, more fulfilling life – one step at a time.

Relapse Prevention for People With Co-Occurring Disorders

Practicing relapse prevention is a crucial part of addiction recovery, focusing on strategies to help individuals maintain sobriety and avoid returning to substance use. Addiction is a chronic condition, and relapse is often a part of the recovery journey. However, with the right tools and support, individuals can reduce their risk and stay on track. 

A strong support system, including therapy, peer support groups, and aftercare programs, is essential for long-term success. Practicing self-care, managing mental health, and creating a structured, substance-free lifestyle further reinforce sobriety. By proactively preparing for challenges, you can confidently navigate life’s ups and downs while staying committed to your recovery journey.

How Does Relapse Prevention Work?

Relapse prevention involves identifying triggers and developing coping skills to manage them. Triggers can come in many different forms. It could be stress at work, a fight with a loved one, or a social situation where substances are present. Even for people who are years into their recovery journey, triggers can cause a moment of panic and even temptation to use substances. It's normal to encounter triggers in the real world, and it's normal to have a reaction to them. Relapse prevention strategies focus on helping you identify triggers, remain calm and grounded, and remove yourself safely from a situation if necessary. 

Evidence-based therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) help individuals recognize harmful thought patterns and build healthier responses. When encountering a trigger, it's easy to slip into old habits and patterns of thinking. You might find yourself thinking, “My boss is such a jerk, and he really got on my nerves today. One beer wouldn't hurt, and it would help calm me down.” 

With the help of techniques learned in therapy, you can turn to a healthier thought pattern and coping mechanism: “My boss really got on my nerves today. I feel frustrated and stressed, so I should try some deep breathing exercises to calm down and then maybe call a loved one to talk about my day.” Over time, you can rewire your brain to choose healthy habits over unhealthy ones every time.

The Importance of Aftercare and Continued Support

Recovery doesn’t end after treatment – maintaining sobriety requires ongoing effort, support, and structure. Aftercare and continued support play a crucial role in preventing relapse by helping individuals transition from a structured treatment environment back into daily life. Without ongoing guidance, many people struggle with triggers, stress, and emotional challenges that can lead to relapse. 

Aftercare programs provide essential tools to reinforce coping strategies, accountability, and emotional support. These may include individual therapy, group counseling, 12-Step programs, sober living homes, and alumni networks. Regular participation in aftercare helps individuals stay connected to a recovery-focused community, reducing isolation and strengthening their commitment to sobriety. Mental health care is also an essential part of aftercare. Managing co-occurring disorders, such as depression or anxiety, is key to maintaining long-term recovery. Therapy, medication management, and stress-reduction techniques help individuals stay emotionally balanced.

A strong support system – including family, friends, sponsors, and recovery groups – is another key factor in relapse prevention. Having a network of people who encourage and support sober living makes it easier to navigate challenges without turning to substances. Desert Willow Wellness offers continued family counseling after primary treatment so that you and your family can rebuild your relationship and learn healthy communication techniques for a robust support network.

Frequently Asked Questions About a Dual Diagnosis Approach for Treatment and Relapse Prevention

Why is dual diagnosis important?

Dual diagnosis is crucial for people with co-occurring disorders because it ensures both their mental health and substance use issues are treated together. If only one issue is treated, the other can persist, increasing the risk of relapse and worsening symptoms.

Without a proper dual diagnosis, a person might receive treatment for addiction without addressing their mental health, making long-term recovery difficult. For example, someone with untreated depression may turn back to drugs or alcohol to cope. Similarly, if only the mental health condition is treated and substance use is ignored, addiction can continue to interfere with progress.

Dual diagnosis allows for a more complete and effective treatment plan. Integrated care programs use therapy, medication, and support groups to help individuals manage both conditions at the same time. This approach improves coping skills, emotional stability, and overall well-being. By recognizing and treating both disorders together, individuals have a better chance of long-term recovery, fewer relapses, and a healthier, more stable life. Proper diagnosis and treatment provide the support needed to break the cycle of addiction and mental health struggles.

What is the importance of having a relapse prevention plan?

Having a plan in place to prevent relapse is essential, especially for people with SUD transitioning out of residential treatment. The world outside of treatment centers is full of triggers. As much as you might try to avoid the people, places, and situations that could tempt you to use substances, it's very likely that you will encounter them at some point. 

In these moments, having a plan can be the difference between continued sobriety and relapse. It's much easier to remove yourself from a dangerous situation when you know how to recognize triggers, where to go to recenter yourself, and how to cope with thoughts and emotions that will likely follow. Think of it like fire safety drills; you go over the plan and practice it so that in the event of a real emergency, you know exactly how to handle it.

Do all people with substance use addiction have a co-occurring mental health disorder?

No, not all people with SUD have a co-occurring mental health issue. However, it is extremely common. In the US, about 35% of adults with SUD also have another mental health disorder. 

How can I tell if I have a co-occurring disorder?

It can be extremely difficult for someone who is not a mental health professional to identify mental illness in themselves and others. However, it's important to be vigilant and know the signs. If you think you might have a mental health disorder, with or without addiction, you should be evaluated by a professional. Here are some common signs of mental illness:

• Changes in sleeping and eating habits

• Feelings of anger, hopelessness, or anxiety

• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

• Mood swings 

• Engaging in impulsive behavior (ex, unprotected sex or shopping sprees)

• Loss of interest in activities and hobbies

• Confusion or illogical thinking

  
  

The following are signs of mental illness interacting with SUD:

• Craving substances when mental health symptoms flare up

• Feeling anxious or depressed during or after using substances

• Experiencing new psychological symptoms after using substances

• Using substances to achieve emotional numbness or to “blackout”

If you or someone you know has any of these symptoms, the best course of action is to be evaluated by an addiction or mental health professional. They can connect you with resources that can help you recover from mental illness and/or addiction.

Are people with co-occurring disorders more likely to relapse?

Unfortunately, current research shows that individuals with both SUD and a mental health disorder are at an increased risk of relapse. This is why a robust relapse prevention plan is essential for people with co-occurring disorders. With a strong support system, continued therapy, and adherence to prescribed mental health medication regimens, these individuals can remain sober and live a life of wellness. Desert Willow Wellness emphasizes aftercare and relapse prevention for all of our clients, but especially those in our dual diagnosis program, to empower them to transition into healthy, independent lives.

If you or someone you love struggles with addiction and mental health, help is available at Desert Willow Wellness. Give us a call at (800) 939-0216 to get started on your journey to recovery.