Nearly half of all addicts experience mental health disorders — including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) — alongside their addiction. This is what is known as a dual diagnosis, addiction and a co-occurring mental health disorder.
Oftentimes, these mental health disorders are the underlying cause of the addiction, and substance abuse serves as a way to self-medicate and deal with the effects of their disorder. The addiction and disorder are intertwined like a symbian and host. Because of this, it’s impossible to effectively treat either the addiction or the underlying mental health disorder on their own. They must be treated together.
The first step in treatment is accurate diagnosis. On admission to Wyoming Recovery, our medical team goes through your medical history and medical records, looking for any past diagnosis, signs or symptoms of mental or behavioral health disorders. A full medical evaluation is also performed to identify disorders that may have been missed or misidentified. Accurate diagnosis is critical, as it is used to create your personalized treatment plan.
To get started, fill out this online form or by call (307) 265-3791 to speak with a case manager.
Understanding Dual Diagnosis
Medical studies have revealed a direct correlation between mental health disorders and addiction. Individuals with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) — among others — are prone to using alcohol or drugs to self-medicate and deal with the effects of their disorder.
The substance abuse can evolve into an addiction which is more difficult to overcome than an addiction alone.
That’s because the underlying mental health disorder serves as a constant trigger. Even after quitting a panic attack or a depressive episode can quickly cause relapse. That’s why it’s so important to treat not only the addiction itself, but the underlying mental illness.
At Wyoming Recovery, we have medical health counsellors and addiction treatment therapists trained to treat dual diagnosis patients. They will create a personalized plan — based on sound medical- and evidence-based programs — to provide addiction treatment alongside your behavioral or mental health disorder.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Wyoming Recovery
Wyoming Recovery provides residential inpatient and intensive outpatient programs to treat patients with co-occurring addiction and mental illnesses.
Our Residential Inpatient Program provides 24/7 care and support at our 16-bed campus in Casper, WY. Learn more about our Residential Inpatient Program.
Our Intensive Outpatient Program allows patients to continue with their work and family lives while still getting treatment. Learn more about our Outpatient Treatment Programs.
There are many reasons why either inpatient or outpatient treatment would be a better fit for you, your life situation, and your treatment needs. Inpatient treatment is generally faster and more effective, while outpatient treatment allows patients to continue working, living with family, and being part of the community.
There is no easy answer, so the best way to make a decision is to speak with one of our case managers at Wyoming Recovery. They can help you weigh your options and make recommendations. To speak with a case manager, fill out this form or call (307) 265-3791.
Wyoming Recovery’s Holistic Approach to Patient Treatment
At Wyoming Recovery, we use medical- and evidence-based treatments, along with a holistic approach to patient care to treat both your addiction and your mental illness — anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental health issues — concurrently. You customized treatment plan might include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) — CBT helps change a patient’s thought processes and develops coping skills for dealing with triggers. Learn More.
- Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) — MET helps patients form a plan to make improvements, build confidence, and acquire the tools they need to change their behaviors. Learn More.
- Marital and Family Counseling — Incorporating spouses and family members can help repair and improve family relationships, while also introducing a support system to help patients. Learn More.
- Individual Therapy — Our therapists meet with patients one-on-one to help tackle their addiction and mental health issues in a private setting. During the sessions, patients can discuss their triggers, symptoms, or problems openly. Learn More.
- Family Therapy — Allowing family members to join in therapy sessions can help patients connect on a deeper level to friends and family on whom they will rely on for support. Learn More.
- Group Therapy — Wyoming Recovery offers scheduled recovery-related group therapy sessions at our campus. It allows patients to connect with their peers — other patients battling similar issues — and share motivations, success stories, and support. Learn More.
- Nutrition Management — Healthy eating is an important part of staying healthy overall, but the foods you eat also cause chemical reactions in your body and brain. Our licensed nutritionist can help you make food choices that will improve your health and reduce your addiction cravings. Learn More.
- Exercise Management — Medical studies have shown that exercise can be effective in the treatment of some mental health disorders, like anxiety and depression. Those studies have shown that exercise modulates chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, which provide therapeutic relief for many mental health disorders. Learn More.
- Acupuncture — Wyoming Recovery offers acupuncture as a proven technique to help patients manage pain and mental illness, as well as reduce cravings for substances. Learn More.
Get Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Wyoming Recovery
Are you ready to take the first steps on your journey toward recovery from drug or alcohol addiction? Start the admissions process by filling out this online form or call (307) 265-3791 to speak with a case manager.