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What Is Dual Diagnosis?

Posted on by cmarnew

What is dual diagnosis treatment? It is a form of therapy 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 simultaneously.

A dual-diagnosis treatment program offers individualized treatment plans to support individuals struggling with multiple conditions. A person can receive a more well-rounded form of care, which may reduce the likelihood of relapse. Are you looking for a dual diagnosis treatment center near you? Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery is here to help. Contact one of our treatment specialists at 833.448.0127 today to discover how our dual diagnosis program can help. Our medication-assisted treatment has helped many individuals on the road to recovery.

what-is-dual-diagnosis

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 get worse over time.

Common Mental Conditions Associated with Addiction

Specific 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.

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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 certain situations, a mental health condition can coexist with addiction without being directly related to it. This means that a person might struggle with both issues simultaneously. Still, one does not necessarily cause or exacerbate the other.

To address this complexity, specialists often employ a comprehensive approach to treatment that incorporates a variety of therapeutic modalities tailored to each individual’s needs. This integrated method not only focuses on the addiction itself but also addresses underlying mental health concerns, allowing the individual to pursue healing holistically.

By treating both conditions concurrently, a person can gain valuable insights and develop skills that promote overall well-being, fostering a healthier lifestyle that extends beyond merely overcoming the addiction. This comprehensive care can lead to significant improvements in emotional stability, coping mechanisms, and personal relationships, ultimately supporting long-term recovery and a more fulfilling life. In certain situations, a mental health condition can coexist with addiction without being directly related to it. This means that a person might struggle with both issues simultaneously. Still, one does not necessarily cause or exacerbate the other.

Our Approach at CMAR

To address this complexity, specialists often employ a comprehensive approach to treatment that incorporates a variety of therapeutic modalities tailored to each individual’s needs. This integrated method not only focuses on the addiction itself but also addresses underlying mental health concerns, allowing the individual to pursue healing holistically.

By treating both conditions concurrently, a person can gain valuable insights and develop skills that promote overall well-being, fostering a healthier lifestyle that extends beyond merely overcoming the addiction. This comprehensive care can lead to significant improvements in emotional stability, coping mechanisms, and personal relationships, ultimately supporting long-term recovery and a more fulfilling life.

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How Medication-Assisted Treatment Can Help

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) represents a comprehensive and evidence-based strategy specifically designed to support individuals in their journey of addiction recovery. This approach integrates the use of medication with therapeutic interventions to effectively manage and alleviate cravings associated with opioid or alcohol addiction. By doing so, MAT provides crucial support for those grappling with substance use disorders, particularly for individuals facing co-occurring mental health issues, often referred to as dual diagnoses.

The overarching objective of MAT is to help individuals achieve and maintain long-term sobriety without the reliance on addictive substances. This treatment model not only fosters recovery from addiction but also prioritizes overall mental wellness. By addressing both substance use and mental health conditions simultaneously, MAT aims to create a more balanced and healthier lifestyle for individuals.

Participants in MAT typically engage in a variety of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), individual counseling sessions, and group therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, in particular, is effective in helping individuals recognize and alter negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with their addiction. Individual counseling provides personalized support, enabling clients to explore their unique challenges and develop effective coping strategies. At the same time, group therapy provides a sense of community and shared understanding among peers who are experiencing similar challenges.

Reduced Risk of Relapse

MAT can significantly reduce the risk of relapse, which is a common concern for individuals in recovery, particularly those with dual diagnoses. By incorporating a holistic approach that addresses medical, psychological, and social factors, MAT empowers individuals to develop the skills and resilience needed to maintain their sobriety over the long term.

Medication-assisted treatment is a vital resource for those affected by addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. By combining medication with a strong framework of therapy, MAT offers a pathway to recovery that not only mitigates cravings but also addresses the underlying issues contributing to substance use, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and sober life.

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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.

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Cortland Mathers-Suter

MSSA
Managing Partner

Cortland Mathers-Suter entered the treatment space after his own battle with addiction. He first worked as a peer mentor, before starting clinical work while completing his Masters of Science in social administration from Case Western Reserve University where he focused on policy and direct practice. Cortland moved to Colorado in 2015 to start his first addiction treatment program, AspenRidge Recovery. Under his tenure, AspenRidge Recovery became a two-location, nationally accredited organization. He has since spent the last two years researching and developing what is now Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery (CMAR).

According to Cortland, “Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery is the most important organization I have had the honor to help build. We’re offering a service that seeks to not only improve the lives of our patients but also evolve how we look at medication-assisted treatment in Colorado entirely. Most individuals receiving medication-assisted care only receive medication and urinalysis. Sure you can call that ‘treatment,’ but you can’t call that ‘recovery.’ Our model is about adding the missing recovery component, and thus affords an opportunity to achieve lasting change for each patient and the industry.”

Cortland and his treatment programs have received numerous honors. These include Colorado Business Magazine’s “GenXYZ” award, the 2020 “Titan 100” award, and his program AspenRidge Recovery was both a finalist for “Best Healthcare Company” and named in the “Company’s to Watch” by Colorado Business Magazine as well. He has been interviewed and quoted by numerous publications for his “addiction expertise”, including News Week, 5280 Magazine, the Denver Post, Elephant Journal, Colorado Biz Mag, and TheRecoverySource.org.

Tyler Whitman

Compliance/HR Administrator

Tyler is originally from Omaha, Nebraska. He worked in manufacturing administration for 18 years until he chose to pursue recovery from alcohol addiction, which led him to Chicago, Illinois. Since then, Tyler gained experience in retail, retail pharmacy, and healthcare as a vaccine coordinator for a local Colorado clinic. At the clinic, Tyler discovered that healthcare was the career change he had been looking for. His newfound passion for healthcare, combined with his lived experience with addiction, brought him to Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery as an Office Administrator.

In his free time, Tyler enjoys cooking, hiking, and skiing. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Health Services Administration from Regis University.

Simmeren Boanvala

BA
Outreach and Admissions Representative

Simmeren comes to CMAR after several years working admissions in inpatient psychiatry and addiction. A first-generation Colorado Native, Simmeren attended CU Boulder, where she earned a BA in psychology. Simmeren is currently completing her CAC III while working toward her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy.

According to Simmeren, “I joined CMAR because I believe in the quality and importance of the program whole-heartedly. My goal at CMAR is to guide each prospect who calls CMAR to find the best possible pathway to their recovery”. Simmeren currently lives in her hometown with her dog and cat.

Tyler Hale

Tyler Hale

Community Partnership Lead

Tyler Hale began his career in addiction treatment following a decades-long fight with his own substance abuse issues. Since achieving long-term recovery, Tyler has held various positions in direct care, client services, admissions and outreach departments at various addiction treatment organizations. From sober living program director to outreach director to admissions director at a drug and alcohol treatment program, Tyler consistently finds himself in leadership roles within the addiction treatment space.

Tyler is originally from Chicago, IL, where he graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Bioethics. Thereafter, Tyler built a successful career in the tech industry, before finding sobriety and a subsequent calling to help others. Tyler joined the team at CMAR because he believes in the efficacy of comprehensive and patient-centered outpatient treatment. In his free time Tyler enjoys camping, hiking and spending time with his newborn son.

Kirstin O’Carroll

MSW
Engagement and Relations Director

Kirstin O’Carroll started her career in addiction and mental health services 23 years ago after graduating with an MSW from The Oho State University. Hired directly from an internship program, she served as a case manager and vocational specialist on a community treatment team in Columbus, OH, working to help severely mentally ill adults remain at home and in a community setting. Within the same organization, she later transitioned to clinical assessment and crisis intervention services with children, adolescents, and adults. Through these experiences, she learned the importance of providing empathetic, high-quality care and the need to “start wherever the patient is” with regard to finding the best treatment & solutions for her patients.

After seven years, Kirstin made a career change to diagnostic sales and worked for several Fortune 500 companies as an acute care sales specialist. She is delighted to return “home” to her passion for helping others and believes her new role as community engagement coordinator for CMAR is the perfect alignment of both her clinical and sales skills. When not promoting CMAR, she can be found reading, running, hiking, watching movies, and spending time with her husband Dennis and senior canine son Reggie.

Thomas Mazzarella

LAC
Primary Therapist

Thomas is a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) in the State of Colorado and a Licensed Addictions Specialist (LCAS) in the State of North Carolina with particular expertise in the treatment of chronic Substance Abuse Addiction and Dependency.

Thomas is dedicated to Individual, Couples, Family, and Group Counseling and Therapy for individuals with Substance Use and Mental Health issues and concerns.

James Jackman

CAS
Primary Therapist

James Jackman is a Certified Addiction Specialist and has been practicing addiction treatment in Colorado since 2015. James is pursuing his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Metropolitan State University Denver. James is a traditional CBT therapist specializing in childhood events that lead to adult addictions.

James has received special training in Family Systems, Inner Child, Maladaptive Schemas, and Adverse Childhood Experiences. James has worked in many treatment settings throughout his career and uses a client-centered treatment approach to help one recover from destructive patterns that facilitate addiction. In addition, James enjoys working with rescue animals and advocates for several local rescue organizations outside of work.

Outside of the office, Megan enjoys spending time with her two German Shepherds and her cat. She is passionate about fostering animals through various local rescues to find adoptive homes for dogs and cats in need.

Megan Hanekom

LPC, LAC, NCC
Therapist & Clinical Compliance Officer

Megan is a licensed counselor who has worked in various mental health and addiction treatment environments. She practices cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing and believes in pulling from various therapeutic approaches to best support each individual. Megan received her bachelor’s in psychology and Spanish from Concordia College. She relocated from North Dakota to Colorado where she earned a master’s in counseling psychology from the University of Denver.

Outside of the office, Megan enjoys spending time with her two German Shepherds and her cat. She is passionate about fostering animals through various local rescues to find adoptive homes for dogs and cats in need.

Maggie Coyle

MA, LPC
Primary Therapist

Maggie Coyle, MS, MA, LPP, LPCC has worked in the mental health and addictions counseling field for the past six years. She has extensive experience in working in the varying levels of mental health and addictions treatment as well as with diverse populations.

She practices cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy as primary intervention methods. She has earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology as well as a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling both from Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD. She has also earned a master’s degree in addictions counseling from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD. Maggie moved from South Dakota to Colorado in June 2020 and is excited to be a part of the CMAR team.

Michael Damioli

LCSW, CSAT
Clinical Director

Michael Damioli has been passionately working in the fields of addiction treatment and mental health since 2012. He has held a variety of different roles within the addiction recovery space, ranging from peer support to direct clinical practice. Notably, Michael was part of a leadership group that developed a small therapy practice into a nationally branded addiction treatment program, which offers multiple levels of care to recovering professionals. Michael is a strong believer in the family disease model of addiction and has focused much of his clinical work and training on supporting families impacted by addiction. He also specializes in treating individuals suffering from co-occurring chemical and process addictions.

Michael is honored to be leading the clinical care team at CMAR and believes that excellent clinical care begins by simply treating a patient with dignity and respect. Michael is a strong advocate for ethical reform within the addiction treatment field and is excited to promote CMAR as an ethical and thought leader throughout the treatment & recovery industry. Michael earned his master’s degree in social work from the University of Denver and is independently licensed as a clinical social worker with the state of Colorado. He holds an advanced post-graduate certificate in marriage and family therapy from the Denver Family Institute as well as an advanced certificate in sexual addiction counseling from the International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Professionals.

Dwight-Duncan

Dwight Duncan

Psy.D
Psychologist

Dr. Duncan was born and spent most of his early life in California. He received his doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Denver in 1987. He is a licensed psychologist as well as a licensed addiction counselor. He has had extensive training and experience throughout his professional career in medical psychology, mindfulness, integrated behavioral healthcare, and substance abuse.

Dr. Duncan is married and has one daughter, a neurologic physical therapist in Los Angeles.

Susan-Miget

Susan Miget

NP
Medical Provider

Susan has been in healthcare for more than 20 years. She was an ICU nurse for nine years, then returned to school and completed her master of nursing and family nurse practitioner degree at the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 2007. She practiced pain management for many years before developing her current passion for addiction treatment.

Susan has transitioned her practice to focus entirely on addiction treatment. She has worked in residential treatment, partial hospitalization (PHP), and intensive outpatient (IOP) programs. Susan most enjoys working with patients one-on-one in a private office to protect their confidentiality and ensure top-rate care. Knowing that addiction can affect anyone, anywhere, and at any time, Susan continues to strive to make treatment more accessible and confidential.

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Whitney Grant

MSN, FNP-BC, ARNP, RN, CPN
Medical Provider

Whitney Grant is an experienced family nurse practitioner with experience and expertise in medication-assisted treatment. Whitney earned her BSN at the University of Miami before moving on to achieve a master of science in nursing degree there as well, becoming a nurse practitioner immediately thereafter.

Whitney has since achieved board certification from the ANCC as a family nurse practitioner. After spending her entire formative and educational years in South Florida, Whitney moved to Denver in 2018 to pursue a career as a provider in family practice, sub-specializing in addictions medicine. Whitney has worked under the guidance of Dr. Nathaniel Moore, CMAR’s medical director, since moving to Denver.

Nathaniel Moore

MD
Medical Director

Dr. Nathan Moore is board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. Dr. Moore attended Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA for his undergraduate work and then attended Duke University School of Medicine and obtained his M.D. in 1995. Dr. Moore then came to Colorado and completed his residency in family medicine at the University of Colorado’s Family Medicine Program at Rose Medical Center.

Dr. Moore practices primarily at our Aurora location. He provides comprehensive family medicine services and has a special interest in addiction medicine, treating patients with opioid use disorder as well as alcohol addiction.

Dr. Moore is married with three children. He enjoys mountain biking, running, and golf.