Dr. Thompson

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Thompson

Last Updated on:
July 31, 2024

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For people who are struggling with a substance use disorder, it can feel like every part of their life is being negatively impacted by addiction – including their mental health. 

For those with a dual diagnosis, also called a co-occurring disorder, healing from addiction requires more specialized treatment. This is because a dual diagnosis means you have deeper, more serious mental health issues, which makes the risk of relapse much higher if your mental health disorder isn’t addressed. 

At Arbor Wellness, our dual diagnosis treatment centers in Tennessee can help individuals struggling with co-occurring mental health and addiction issues. Call us now at 629-217-2658 or verify your insurance.

You are not alone. You deserve to get help.

Arbor Wellness is an industry leader in mental health treatment. Our team of top medical experts specialize in dual diagnosis treatment and are committed to ensuring that each patient is treated as an individual. Call us today, we’re available 24/7.

What is a dual diagnosis disorder?

A dual diagnosis is a disorder in which a person with a substance use disorder also has at least one mental health condition. In the world of addiction treatment, dual diagnoses are actually quite common because substance abuse and mental health issues often go hand in hand. A third of people who abuse alcohol, and over half who abuse drugs, also experience mental illness. What’s worse is that substance abuse can actually make a person’s mental health symptoms even more severe.

There are three different things that researchers find can contribute to dual diagnosis.  The first is that both substance abuse and mental health conditions can be caused by trauma, stress, and genetics. The second is that certain mental health conditions can make you more likely to use and abuse substances. This, in turn, can lead to becoming addicted to them. The third is that substance abuse can lead to a mental health condition due to the way that it changes how the brain works.

signs and symptoms of a dual diagnosis disorder

A dual diagnosis often presents different signs and symptoms from person to person. This is because there are so many different side effects of addiction, depending on what substance you are abusing and how much you typically use. A variety of symptoms can occur as part of mental illnesses, too. In general, however, the signs of a dual diagnosis in someone with an addiction can often include:

  • Sudden changes in the way that you think, feel or behave
  • Withdrawing from friends or family
  • Having no control over how often you use substances and how much you ingest
  • Doing things like stealing in order to get money for substances
  • Feeling like you need substances in order to function

Someone experiencing these types of symptoms may be in need of dual diagnosis treatment centers in Tennessee. A full diagnosis can be made in order to determine if assistance is required.

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Why Are Dual Diagnosis Disorders So Common?

Dual diagnosis disorders happen more often than a lot of people might think. One of the most common reasons for this has to do with the act of self-medicating. This can occur when someone is going through a trying experience like divorce, job loss, illness, or the death of a loved one. They may use drugs or alcohol in order to deal with the emotional pain that comes with such trying life events. 

The person may also abuse substances to cope with the effects of having a mental health disorder. While it may cause temporary relief of symptoms, it also puts the person at risk of developing a substance use disorder. 

As well, the act of using drugs and alcohol regularly can affect the brain. When people develop an addiction, it can change their moods, and even contribute to developing a mental health disorder. The disorders include depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and more. A qualified dual-diagnosis treatment center can perform an assessment to determine if a person has a dual diagnosis in place.

Common Dual Diagnosis Disorders

Dual diagnosis disorders can affect people from all backgrounds, ages, races, genders, and income brackets. This condition also has a major negative impact on a person’s world, often leading to serious issues within their personal and professional lives. This is because mental illness, even when not further complicated by addiction, can cause major changes in the way that someone acts, thinks, and feels. When it comes to co-occurring disorders, some mental health issues are more commonly experienced than others. These can include:

– Anxiety Disorders  –

– Bipolar Disorders  – 

– Depression –

– Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder –

– Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder –

– Schizophrenia – 

Self-Harm

Borderline Personality Disorder

Avoidant Personality Disorder – 

Complicated Grief

How Do We Determine Whether You Need Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

Anytime someone enters our treatment program, we perform a detailed assessment of their condition and needs. This includes determining if they have a dual diagnosis. Because we are a dual diagnosis treatment center, the person can receive care for both their addiction and mental illness at the same time. 

We will discuss any previous and current alcohol and drug usage. This includes what substances have been or are being used, for how long, and the amount typically taken. If it is determined the individual has a dual diagnosis, we implement a treatment plan to help them.

Our residential treatment center in Nashville offers the best option for those who need long-term care. Our facility provides a homelike environment conducive to relaxing and getting away from the daily stressors of life. Residential care provides the most intensive care available. Each person has access to support around the clock, which can be quite advantageous for those who need it.

How Is Dual Diagnosis Treated in Tennessee?

Arbor Wellness offers programs in our dual diagnosis treatment centers in Tennessee that address both addiction and mental health disorders. Each person’s path in treatment will depend on their individual needs and experiences. Our programs include:

Services Offered at Our Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center in Tennessee

Arbor Wellness offers multiple services at our dual diagnosis treatment centers in Tennessee. Each service offers a way proven to help many who deal with dual diagnosis and help them make progress in recovering. Our services include:

Red Light Therapy

Psychiatry

Biosound Therapy

Genetic Testing

EMDR Therapy

Holistic Therapy

Alpha-Stim Treatment

Spravato Treatment

Find Dual Diagnosis Treatment In Tennessee Today

If you or someone you love suffers from both addiction and a mental illness, you may not know where to turn for help. Arbor Wellness provides dual diagnosis treatment centers in Tennessee that help you take that first step to a new, sober life. We provide an in-depth assessment to understand your unique needs. From there, we work to design an individualized recovery plan to maximize your success.

Contact us today at 629-262-5616. Get started living the good life you deserve.

More on Dual Diagnosis Disorders

Don’t hesitate to contact us immediately. In the case of a medical emergency please contact 911 or visit your local emergency department.

We Work With Most Major Insurance

Did you know most major health insurance plans with out-of-network benefits can help cover most of the costs associated with our program? Click below to find out your coverage and treatment options right now.

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