10 Benefits of Dual Diagnosis Treatment in South Carolina

Medically Verified: 2/1/24

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All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

Living with drug and alcohol addiction can impact a person’s life in many ways, including damaging their mental and physical health, straining their relationships, and interfering with functioning on a day-to-day basis.

Living with an untreated mental illness can also keep people from living their chosen lifestyles. People may struggle with physical and emotional symptoms of mental illness that can impact their day-to-day lives and lead to long-term consequences.

But what about people with drug and alcohol addiction and mental illness? Living with both conditions is known as having a dual diagnosis. There are approximately 4 million people in the United States who require dual diagnosis treatment. However, fewer than 1 in 10 get the help they need to recover from addiction and mental illness.

Going without dual diagnosis treatment can cause severe, sometimes life-threatening complications. Without treatment, mental illness symptoms typically worsen over time, and without addiction treatments, many people will continue to struggle with substance abuse.

If you or a loved one lives with a dual diagnosis, you are not alone. Reach out to the South Carolina Addiction Treatment specialists now to learn about dual diagnosis treatment in South Carolina or to find support at any stage of your addiction recovery.

What is Dual-Diagnosis Treatment?

Dual diagnosis treatment is similar to other types of substance abuse treatment programs but includes specialized treatment for those with mental health needs. Dual-diagnosis treatment programs offer the same high-quality substance abuse therapies and incorporate mental health treatment into the program.

Like other substance abuse treatment programs, dual-diagnosis treatment programs typically begin with an assessment that allows the treatment team to tailor a program to meet each person’s needs, and many people in dual-diagnosis treatment programs receive medically supported detox services.

Dual diagnosis treatment is available in many settings and several levels of care to meet people’s different needs. Dual-diagnosis treatment is available in inpatient, residential, and outpatient settings. The level of care you need will depend on the severity of your addiction, mental illness, general health, and other personal factors.

6 Benefits of Dual Diagnosis Treatment in South Carolina

Dual diagnosis treatment provides comprehensive treatment for those with mental illness and addiction. People with a dual diagnosis must receive specialized treatment in order to recover from addiction and learn to manage their mental health symptoms.

There are many benefits of receiving dual diagnosis treatment in South Carolina. Here are six of the most significant benefits of this type of treatment.

1. Individualized Treatment

Addiction and mental illness are not one-size-fits-all conditions. People with a dual diagnosis must receive individualized treatment that can help them address their specific needs and work toward their unique goals. Dual-diagnosis treatment programs begin with a thorough mental health and substance abuse evaluation, allowing the treatment team to create a tailored treatment plan that is most likely to be successful.

2. Evidence-based Treatment

Dual diagnosis treatment relies on evidence-based therapies proven safe and effective at treating mental illness and addiction. These include:

•  Education
•  Medications
•  Mental health therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy
•  Group and family therapy
•  Coping skills

Aftercare planning is another essential aspect of most dual-diagnosis treatment programs.

3. Evaluation

A mental health and addiction evaluation is essential to creating a specialized treatment plan for each person in a dual-diagnosis treatment program. As people move through treatment, medical and support staff will regularly evaluate their progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

4. Medically-supported Detox

Addiction and mental health are complex conditions often rooted in a person’s physical health, behaviors, emotions, and environment. Before addressing the complex aspects of a person’s addiction, starting with a clean slate is crucial. A medically-supported detox program allows people to detox safely and completely before beginning a comprehensive treatment program.

5. Holistic Treatment

After completing detox, people in a dual-diagnosis treatment program work with therapists, medical specialists, and other support staff to identify and heal the roots of their substance abuse and learn how to manage the symptoms of their mental illness. Evidence-based and holistic therapies can nurture a person’s body, mind, and spirit as they work to recover.

6. Aftercare Planning

Addiction and mental illness are often lifelong conditions requiring continuous care and treatment. During a dual-diagnosis treatment program, people will learn how to stay sober, avoid relapse, and manage their mental health symptoms. They will also create an aftercare plan that will keep them engaged in recovery-related activities, such as support groups, regular medical and mental health care, and additional forms of treatment if necessary.

Recovering from addiction and learning to manage mental health symptoms are possible.

People with a dual diagnosis deserve holistic, effective treatment to help them live the fulfilling, healthy life they deserve.

Find Dual Diagnosis Treatment in South Carolina

If you or someone you love requires dual-diagnosis treatment in South Carolina, contact the South Carolina Addiction Treatment specialists now. Our caring professionals can help you find the treatment you need so that you can live the life you choose. Call today to learn more about the benefits of dual diagnosis treatment or to schedule an intake appointment.