The concept of dual diagnosis treatment is often at the forefront of discourse surrounding addiction. All mental health and addiction professionals understand that, much of the time, addiction does not occur in isolation. Rather, there are underlying or co-occurring mental illnesses which may be the cause of – or caused by – the addiction.
Treating one illness in isolation can be very ineffective. If the person tries to treat addiction first, the untreated mental illness may continue to trigger the person to use substances as a coping mechanism. On the other hand, if they try to treat the co-occurring mental illness first, addictive behaviors may undermine their efforts. This is why dual diagnosis treatment is so important.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most common co-occurring disorders with addiction. When treating these illnesses, the dual diagnosis approach is crucial. Here is how dual diagnosis treatment helps with PTSD and addiction.
The Connection Between PTSD and Addiction
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. A person with PTSD experiences intrusive memories or flashbacks, avoids reminders of the trauma, is on heightened alert and is overly-reactive, and goes through negative changes in mood or thinking. PTSD can develop in response to events like combat exposure, natural disasters, sexual or physical assault, or serious accidents.
Since PTSD is relatively common and severely impacts the wellbeing of people suffering with it, appropriate treatment is urgently required. Unfortunately, many people suffer in silence or without access to mental healthcare. While untreated, they turn to different coping mechanisms that may be harmful.
Addiction as an Unhealthy Coping Mechanism for PTSD
People with PTSD often turn to substances as a way to self-medicate and numb the emotional pain associated with their trauma. For example, alcohol or drugs might provide temporary relief from flashbacks, anxiety, or insomnia, creating an illusion of control over symptoms.
However, this coping mechanism exacerbates the problem. Substance use can amplify the symptoms of PTSD by disrupting sleep, increasing anxiety, or impairing judgment, which can lead to further traumatic experiences. Over time, a vicious cycle develops: PTSD drives substance use, and substance use worsens PTSD symptoms. Studies show that people with PTSD are significantly more likely to develop substance use disorders compared to those without PTSD, highlighting the need for integrated treatment.
What Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
Dual diagnosis treatment is an approach designed for people experiencing both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder. It stems from the principle, based in academic research, that these conditions are deeply connected and exacerbate one another. Dual diagnosis is about integrated treatment which addresses both issues at the same time.
For people with PTSD and addiction, dual diagnosis treatment provides a comprehensive framework to address the root causes of their struggles. It leads to recovery from both illnesses so that recovery is not left incomplete.
Key Components of Dual Diagnosis Treatment
- Integrated Care: Teams in rehab are composed of mental health and addiction specialists who work together to create a unified treatment plan.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Every person’s experience with PTSD and addiction is unique. Therefore, dual diagnosis programs are tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of each person.
- Evidence-Based Therapies:Treatments include a combination of psychotherapy (such as CBT), non-addictive medication (if deemed necessary), and holistic practices which improve the person’s mental and physical resilience.
Dual Diagnosis in the Treatment of PTSD
Dual diagnosis treatment for PTSD requires the implementation of trauma-informed care. This approach ensures that the entire treatment process is conducted in a way that acknowledges and respects the person’s history with trauma. Trauma-informed care avoids re-traumatization, creating a safe and supportive environment for healing.
Techniques such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are effective ways for people to process their trauma and reduce the intensity of PTSD symptoms. The person learns to confront and manage their trauma rather than using substances as a crutch.
Addressing PTSD Triggers
It is necessary for dual diagnosis treatment programs to help the person identify and manage the triggers that exacerbate their symptoms of PTSD. They learn to recognize how certain environments, sounds, stresses, or social interactions provoke anxiety or flashbacks. Through therapy, they develop coping mechanisms such as mindfulness, grounding techniques, and stress reduction strategies, that allow them to navigate these triggers effectively.
Holistic Support
Holistic therapies are not often the primary treatment for addiction and PTSD, but comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment programs implement them with great effect. Activities like yoga, meditation, art therapy, and group therapy have all been shown to be effective tools for healing from mental illness and addiction. They help the person rebuild their sense of self and regain control over their lives, which is essential for overcoming the lasting effects of trauma.
Conclusion
PTSD and addiction often co-occur, making it more difficult to treat each condition. One may be triggered by the other and both are exacerbated by each other over time. Treatment which only addresses one of the conditions is generally ineffective, as the symptoms of the one continue to undermine the person’s recovery from the other.
Dual diagnosis treatment is crucial for recovery from co-occurring PTSD and addiction. The best rehabs base their treatment on dual diagnosis principles. If you or a loved one are suffering from PTSD and addiction, get in touch with Seasons in Malibu today to begin dual diagnosis treatment.
