dual diagnosis Archives - Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

What Is Dual Diagnosis?

Posted on April 18, 2023August 26, 2024 by cmarnew

What is dual diagnosis treatment? It is a form of treatment in which a therapist identifies and treats a co-occurring addiction and mental health condition. Individuals with multiple conditions require an integrated form of care that addresses both conditions at the same time.

A dual diagnosis treatment program provides individualized treatment plans to help those who suffer from multiple conditions. A person can get a more well-rounded form of care to have a lesser chance of relapsing. Looking for a dual diagnosis treatment center near you? Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery is here to help. Talk to one of our treatment specialists at 833.448.0127 today to learn how our dual diagnosis can help. Our medication-assisted treatment has helped many individuals on the road to recovery.

What Is Dual Diagnosis?

What is dual diagnosis? Dual diagnosis, also referred to as co-occurring disorders or comorbidity, is the presence of two diagnosable mental health conditions in an individual simultaneously. These two issues are often interrelated and interact with one another, making dual diagnosis treatment essential for a full recovery. Common combinations include:

Substance use disorder and depression or anxiety
Bipolar disorder and addiction
Schizophrenia and a substance use disorder

Sometimes people with a mental health condition will self-medicate with drugs or alcohol to cope. This can lead to addiction, whereas a person with an existing substance use disorder may have their mental health symptoms worsen as a result of drug and alcohol misuse. Without proper treatment, these issues tend to just get worse over time.

Common Mental Conditions Associated with Addiction

Certain mental health issues are associated with addiction more than others. Oftentimes, these disorders are the underlying cause of substance misuse. The disorders may include:

Attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder
Bipolar disorder
Borderline personality disorder
Depression
Anxiety
Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Other disorders may include eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or schizophrenia. Dealing with these disorders can be difficult for a person who is not equipped to manage the symptoms. This is why drugs or alcohol can become a fixation that leads to a full-blown dependency.

The Relationship Between Mental Health Conditions and Addiction

The role of an addiction treatment center in Colorado is to identify the correlation between the disorder and the addiction and provide the right treatment plan. In most cases, the relationship takes on one of three characteristics, including:

The Mental Health Conditions Triggers the Addiction

Most people are not equipped to deal with mental health conditions. Consequently, they develop behaviors to deal with the symptoms. A person who has anxiety or depression may turn to alcohol, prescription medication, or illicit drugs as a way of self-medicating. This can lead to dependency on the substance, making it difficult to quit.

The Addiction Causes the Mental Health Conditions

In cases of long-term addiction, a person may develop a mental health condition. The substance alters brain function to the point that it affects how a person thinks and feels. It is not uncommon for ongoing substance use to lead to anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. A person who has these conditions needs treatment for them, as well as the addiction.

They Exist Simultaneously with No Relationship

In some cases, a mental health condition may exist independently alongside the addiction. There may be no relationship between the two. A specialist may integrate several types of addiction treatment therapies to handle each condition. This treatment allows the person heals in all areas of their life, not just the addiction.

How Medication-Assisted Treatment Can Help

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an evidence-based approach that combines therapy and medication to relieve cravings during addiction recovery. This type of program can help someone with a dual diagnosis find balance while managing both mental health and substance use disorders.

The goal of MAT is to provide long-term sobriety without reliance on drugs or alcohol. It can also help reduce the risk of relapse in those with co-occurring disorders. MAT focuses on cognitive and behavioral therapies, individual counseling sessions, and group therapy for addiction recovery.

Learn More About Dual Diagnosis at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

Learn more about co-occurring disorders when you contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery. We provide dual diagnosis treatment at our mental health treatment center in Colorado. Contact us at 833.448.0127 to find out more about your treatment options.

The Impact of Mental Health In Addiction Recovery

Posted on January 31, 2023 by cmarnew

Many people with substance use disorders also struggle with mental health disorders. Treating both during addiction treatment is critical to ensuring long-term addiction recovery. This is done through dual diagnosis treatment, a specialized program that addresses both substance use disorders and mental health conditions. It works to meet the needs of both aspects of a person’s health, ensuring the best chance at gaining physical, mental, and emotional stability.

When searching for a mental health treatment center near me, look for a program that offers targeted treatment for dual diagnosis. With the right support, people with co-occurring disorders can make the changes necessary for a successful recovery.

How Does Mental Health Play a Role in Addiction Recovery?

During initial assessments for addiction treatment, therapists and doctors look for evidence of underlying mental health conditions. Sometimes, the addiction occurs first, leading to the onset of complex mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. Many other times, the mental health problem was there first, and often it fuels the addiction. A person may use drugs or alcohol as a coping strategy for the symptoms they have.

Some of the mental health conditions that can co-occur with addiction include:

Anxiety disorders – Characterized by excessive worry and fear
Depression – Feelings of sadness, emptiness, and a loss of interest in activities
Trauma and PTSD – Post-traumatic stress disorder brought on by traumatic events
Bipolar disorder – Alternating episodes of manic and depressive states
Schizophrenia – Disorganized thinking, hallucinations, false beliefs

These conditions can create even more obstacles for someone in recovery. If a person’s mental health isn’t addressed during substance abuse treatment, the risk of relapse is much higher. Treating both

In either case, if there are mental health conditions present, treatment of them is critical. For example, if a person suffers from depression, treating addiction without also helping the individual develop healthy coping skills for depression might not promote long-term recovery. The individual is likely to continue to seek out drugs and alcohol to manage his or her depression symptoms. A person who struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder cannot overcome their addiction until they work through the previous trauma.

What Happens in Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

To treat both mental health and addiction recovery, professionals use a treatment called dual diagnosis. This may include several strategies:

Use medications to alleviate any mental health imbalances that could cause symptoms.
Work through trauma or stressors that lead to emotional turmoil.
Utilize medications to manage withdrawal from drugs or alcohol as needed.
Working through talk therapy to develop strategies for managing addiction.
Overcoming challenges in dealing with mental health, such as developing strategies for managing anxiety.

The goal is to treat both at the same time to ensure a person gains a strong, solid foundation from which to live and work.

How to Know if Mental Health Treatment Is Necessary in Addiction Recovery

It is not uncommon for trained professionals to miss the signs of a mental health disorder and blame those feelings, thoughts, and experiences on addiction. Yet, with well-trained therapists and doctors, it is possible to determine what the underlying cause of addiction is. When co-occurring mental health issues are present, the diagnosis of a dual diagnosis is made. In this case, focus and treatment should be targeted to both the addiction and mental health condition to ensure long-term recovery.

A person may be able to recognize some of these risks themselves. For example, many people use alcohol to minimize their stress or to cope with anxiety. Some use stimulants to get through the challenges of depression. Other times, they feel intense emotions and stress when they stop using drugs and alcohol. Some people also have a predisposed risk of developing mental health conditions if they have a family history of it.

Reach Out for Addiction and Mental Health Treatment Today

A full, comprehensive assessment is the first step for those who seek out care from Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery. It outlines exactly what is happening and then creates a treatment plan. That plan may include dual diagnosis for those who have mental health disorders. Our team works closely with each person to ensure they receive the best combination of therapy possible to achieve sobriety.

Mental health is critical to long-term addiction recovery. Through dual diagnosis treatment, like that offered at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, it is possible to embrace real benefits and a healthier life. Ready to get started? Call our compassionate therapists and experienced counselors at 833.448.0127 or connect with us online today.

Creating Goals for Your Depression Treatment Program

Posted on May 23, 2022 by cmarnew

Depression cases have steadily risen over the last few years as men and women try to cope with all of the uncertainty of today’s climate. Instead of getting help, many turn to drugs and alcohol for relief and end up potentially worsening their condition. A depression treatment program can alleviate depression symptoms and get you back to living a productive and happy life. It gives patients the coping skills they need to recognize triggering situations and avoid them.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we help men and women from all walks of life create treatment goals for depression that will help them stay focused on their recovery. We know that each person is different and will have various symptoms and goals. That is why we work closely with each patient to develop a treatment plan based on their unique symptoms. If you or a loved one is struggling with depression, call 833.448.0127 today to speak with our caring staff about our depression treatment program for long-lasting recovery.

Why Is Goal Setting Important for Depression Recovery?

Everyone can feel sad or depressed once in a while. That is just the nature of the complicated and stressful lives that people lead. However, depression is a distinct mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of hopelessness. Goal setting is an important part of your depression treatment program as it gives patients something to focus on instead of the endless loop of negative thinking that depression creates.

Without goals, depression treatment will not be as effective and more likely result in a more serious problem. If patients go through depression treatment that fails to relieve their symptoms because no clear goals were set, they are more likely to never seek treatment again.

There are several types of depression that men and women from all backgrounds can experience:

Major depression
Persistent depressive disorder
Bipolar disorder
Seasonal affective disorder
Psychotic depression
Postpartum depression

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we will work with your depression symptoms and create an effective treatment plan based on your goals. We use a combination of behavioral therapy and medication-assisted treatment to benefit your recovery in our private and comfortable treatment center.

Goals for Your Depression Treatment Program

One of the first steps in a depression treatment program is to understand the unique nature of the patient’s symptoms and the cause of the depression. Therapists will take the time to get to know each patient and have them state the goals that are important to them, such as being a better parent or learning to focus on the present and not the past or future.

While each patient is different, here are some common treatment goals for depression that are very beneficial:

Changing negative thinking – An important goal of depression treatment is to teach patients to love themselves for who they are and stop the endless loop of negative thoughts that bring them down. Patients learn coping skills to stop negative thinking and replace them with positive, life-affirming thoughts.
Building healthy relationships – Many people with depression do not have healthy relationships in their lives. Patients will work on improving their relationship skills and learn to recognize unhealthy behaviors in relationships.
Taking care of your body – Your physical health will suffer while going through depression. Patients tend to turn to drugs and alcohol, overeat, and stop exercising while feeling depressed. A vital goal for depression is to take care of your health through healthy eating, exercise programs, and holistic therapies that include meditation and mindfulness.

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery Can Help You with Creating Treatment Goals for Depression

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we help men and women struggling with depression and other mental health disorders. When you first arrive at our discreet facility, we will evaluate your physical and mental health to create an effective depression treatment program based on your symptoms and goals for leading a healthy and productive life.

If you or a loved one is struggling with depression and needs help, call 833.448.0127 today or fill out our online form to begin turning your life around.

Pandemic Blues: How to Deal With Lingering Depression Amid COVID-19

Posted on June 20, 2021 by cmarnew

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone in some form or another. Many people began working at home instead of spending time in an office. Birthday parties and other celebrations went virtual. No matter how your life was disrupted as a result of COVID-19, if you struggle with depression, you might have found it difficult to maintain your mental health during this time. However, a depression treatment program can help. As the world begins to heal from the effects of the pandemic, you can also find hope through therapy, counseling, and medication.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we offer depression treatment programs to help you get through the pandemic and come out of it healthier and happier. Reach out to one of our therapists today at 833.448.0127 if you are struggling with depression amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Does COVID-19 Make You Depressed?

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals and families have had to adapt to changing guidelines to keep themselves and others safe. These changes may have led to feelings of isolation, confusion, or even hopelessness. For those who struggle with mental health issues like anxiety or depression, the pandemic may have exacerbated these conditions. While COVID-19 does not cause depression as one of its symptoms, the dramatic changes in the way society lives can contribute to feelings of depression.

Symptoms of Depression

While the symptoms of depression can vary, some of the most common include:

Trouble sleeping
Sudden mood changes
Lack of concentration
Substance abuse
Lack of energy
Sleeping all day

If you are experiencing any of these problems or think you may be feeling depressed, reach out to a depression treatment program today. For those who also struggle with substance use issues, a dual diagnosis treatment program can help.

What to Do if You Are Feeling Depressed

The best thing to do if you are feeling depressed is to reach out to a medical professional. Talk to your doctor or reach out to a depression treatment program. Certain medications can effectively treat depression, and therapy sessions with an experienced healthcare provider can help you develop healthy coping skills.

It can also be helpful to talk to the people in your life about what you’re experiencing. Your loved ones will want to support you as you begin to heal from the effects of depression. You might also find that you have friends and family members who struggle in similar ways. Group therapy and support groups can also provide support for your journey to recovery.

Staying active can help you feel relief from depression. Find a form of movement that you enjoy. This might include yoga, walking, biking, or participating in exercise classes. If you don’t feel comfortable in a group exercise class just yet, try a virtual class or exercise program instead.

One thing to not do while you’re struggling with depression is turn to drugs and alcohol to help you cope. While these substances might provide short-term relief, they can also exacerbate the symptoms of depression.

Depression Treatment at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we are available to help you manage the symptoms of depression effectively with depression treatment programs geared toward helping you through these unusual times. The tools you learn today can help you throughout your life. And if you are also struggling with co-occurring substance use issues, our center can help you on the journey to recovery through therapy and medication-assisted treatment.

If you or someone you know is having trouble getting through the current pandemic, they may be suffering from COVID-19 depression and not even know it. Talk to one of our trained therapists at 833.448.0127 today and start your recovery to a better life.

What to Expect in Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Posted on June 5, 2021 by cmarnew

When you are depressed, you want to feel better. And a number of people turn to opioids or alcohol for relief. These substances make them feel better temporarily, and they may begin to associate them as a cure for their depression. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse alongside mental health issues, there are programs specifically designed to help. A dual diagnosis treatment program is the best option for you to get over your addiction by getting to the cause of the original problem.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we specialize in dual diagnosis treatment programs that will get to the reason behind your substance addiction and help you regain your life from your addiction. To learn more about this approach to addiction treatment, call 833.448.0127 today to speak with a member of our team.

How Dual Diagnosis Treatment Programs Work

When you first speak with a therapist, they will determine if you need a dual diagnosis treatment program. This type of treatment program is not for everyone and is custom-tailored to the needs of the patient. A dual diagnosis treatment involves treating both mental health issues and dependence on drugs and alcohol.

Many rehab therapy programs fail because they only deal with one aspect of the problem. However, dual diagnosis programs give patients the best chance at long-term recovery.

Treating the Underlying Issue

You can’t stop your trigger for your coping mechanism until you find out what prompts you to reach for it. Many problems start in childhood and involve deep-rooted habits that will make quitting on your own extremely difficult.

Many underlying issues can lead to substance abuse, and you may not even realize it without an outside perspective. Some of the mental health issues that co-occur with addiction include:

Depression
Generalized anxiety disorder
Borderline personality disorder
Bipolar disorder
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Those who struggle with these mental health conditions have a higher rate of substance abuse, and the addiction hides the underlying issue. Most singularly focused therapy or rehab programs fail because of this. A dual diagnosis program will include treatment programs to help you get to the bottom of your illness.

Treating the Physical Side of Addiction

Addiction is not a weakness. Instead, it is a mental health issue and a physical issue all on its own. When you begin to view your addiction as a disease, you understand that you can treat it just like any other disease.

As you go through detox, you might experience withdrawal symptoms. These can include:

Sweating
Shaking
Vomiting
Severe mood swings
Muscle pain
Tremors

Methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone help reduce the negative side effects of withdrawal from opioids along with other medications that help with alcohol and nicotine.

Treating individual issues can be difficult on its own. That is why a dual diagnosis treatment program is crucial if you are serious about recovering from your addiction.

Benefits of a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program

When you begin a dual diagnosis treatment program, you will receive a mix of one-on-one and group therapy to help you get back on your feet. Some of the benefits of these therapies include:

A better understanding of the underlying issue and how to treat it
A healthier mind and body
New coping mechanisms that you will use for life
Renewed energy and motivation
New friends to help you stay sober

Recovering from mental illness and addiction will bring about many changes in your life, and the right treatment center can give you the tools you need to maintain your new life.

What to Expect at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

When you begin your treatment at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, you will be treated with the utmost care and respect from our certified therapists and staff. We understand the difficulties of recovering from addiction and treating your mental illness. That is why we specialize in dual diagnosis treatment.

When you are ready to begin your recovery, call our team at 833.448.0127 or connect with us online.

Intensive Outpatient Treatment in Colorado

Posted on May 20, 2021 by cmarnew

An intensive outpatient treatment program offers comprehensive services to patients throughout the program. Some people may need details about the difference between outpatient and intensive outpatient programs. It can be helpful to know more about the types of programs that are available at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery. Learn more about the components and benefits of each option, then reach out to our treatment center today.

What Is Intensive Outpatient Treatment?

Intensive outpatient treatment offers a bridge between the strict controls of an inpatient treatment program and the environment of an outpatient treatment program. These services are often offered to clients that are in need of treatment for co-occurring disorders.

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery focuses on providing comprehensive services to every client that needs to start or continue their recovery. Addiction treatment programs help patients recover from their addiction to alcohol, opioids, or other substances. Many of our patients benefit from intensive outpatient treatment. The IOP program that Colorado residents can benefit from most is found at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery.

Some people prefer a single-gender environment for treatment. A men’s rehab program or women’s rehab program can offer a safe, supportive space.

The first step on the road to recovery for many is medication-assisted treatment, which we provide to help patients during withdrawal. Medication-assisted treatment is always paired with behavioral therapies. This combination helps patients focus on their recovery without painful withdrawal symptoms or cravings.

Benefits of Intensive Outpatient Treatment

Several sources, including research and the results of several studies, point to the benefits of outpatient treatment, and in particular, the benefits of intensive outpatient treatment programs.

Some benefits include:

The ability to offer somewhat flexible services such as to a particular treatment group
Results of studies indicate that intensive outpatient programs often prove more successful compared to inpatient programs
Patients that remain in treatment are more likely to continue their recovery
The benefits of intensive outpatient treatment services continue for a considerable time after patients complete the program
Outpatient treatment is likely to be less expensive than inpatient options

There are several other benefits to completing an intensive outpatient treatment program. One benefit includes including substantial support from treatment team members and from peers. This strong support may not be available in detox or in short-term outpatient treatment programs.

Additionally, the flexibility that is featured in intensive outpatient treatment allows treatment facilities to offer services to specific populations. One example is a men’s treatment program, a program specifically for women or women with children, or one that is specifically targeted to patients with a dual diagnosis.

Another important benefit to this type of treatment is that patients are allowed to continue residing at home or at a sober living home. They do not have to choose between their family or work responsibilities the way that they may have to if considering treatment at an inpatient treatment facility. Patients are allowed to spend time with their families, continue working, or going to school without interruption.

Reach Out to Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery Today

The first step to start your recovery today is to reach out to Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery. Our caring staff will perform an assessment to determine your treatment needs and the addiction treatment therapies that can help you reach your goals. The next step is to create an individualized treatment program to help you start on the path to lifelong recovery. Through medication, comprehensive support, and evidence-based therapies, you can begin to heal.

Contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery at 833.448.0127 today to learn more about our intensive outpatient program. Discover how we can help you start living a life free of addiction.

Why It’s Necessary to Address “Co-Occurring Disorders” in Addiction Treatment

Posted on September 8, 2020 by cmarnew

According to SAMHSA, The definition of a co-occurring disorder is the “coexistence of both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder.” Co-occurring disorders are widespread among the addicted population, with as many as 95% of addicts suffering from both addiction and mental health disorders. These statistics apply to opioid-addicted as well. At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we provide treatment for co-occurring disorders in our addiction treatment center.

Co-Occurring Treatment For Opioid Addiction

Yet, almost all opioid-specific treatment providers offer no care for patients who have a co-occurring mental health condition. Even those opioid addiction treatment programs that do offer clinical services almost uniformly fail to assess for mental health conditions and only offer individual therapy or case management. This is problematic not only because they’re only treating half of an opioid addict’s problems, but because in doing so, they set patients up for relapse. Mental-health is inextricably linked to addiction, so if we don’t treat them simultaneously, it is as if we put a band-aid on a broken bone.

CMAR Treatment Approach

At CMAR, treatment begins with clinical assessments at our mental health treatment center, enabling us to identify the nature of the addiction and all co-occurring mental health disorders from the start. Patients then engaging in intensive, comprehensive counseling services to address and resolve all underlying issues. Simultaneously, our medical team provides addiction medicine and psych services to ensure well-rounded and sustainable patient recovery. Learn more at CMAR and call 833.448.0127.