By Michael Burke
January 5, 2025
Co-occurring disorders are characterized by experiencing addiction and a mental health condition at the same time. Having an untreated mental illness is a risk factor for developing substance abuse issues, which means co-occurring disorders are pretty common. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 21.5 million people struggled with co-occurring disorders in 2022.[1]
If you have mental health issues and struggle with drug or alcohol abuse, you need dual diagnosis treatment. To explain, dual diagnosis rehab centers combine traditional addiction treatment methods with clinically proven mental health recovery techniques. In other words, these programs help you recover from both of your co-occurring disorders at the same time.
If you are interested in attending a dual diagnosis treatment center in Florida, you might be wondering how to pick the right one for you. When choosing a program, you should look for qualities like individualized treatment plans, evidence-based therapies, medication-assisted treatment, insurance or payment options, and flexible program lengths.
In this article, you will learn:
- What dual diagnosis rehab is
- Why it’s important to recover from mental illness and addiction simultaneously
- How to choose a dual diagnosis rehab program in Florida
What is a Dual Diagnosis Rehab?
Dual-diagnosis treatment centers are designed to help people struggling with co-occurring conditions. They offer a comprehensive treatment program that includes services for both addiction and mental health. You will engage in a variety of medical, psychological, and behavioral services to ensure you achieve long-term recovery.
Some of the services offered during dual diagnosis treatment programs include:
- Medical detox to help you overcome drug and alcohol withdrawal
- Behavioral therapies that teach you coping mechanisms to prevent addiction relapse
- Individual and group therapy that is targeted to treat your specific mental health condition
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid and alcohol addiction
- Trauma-informed care in the form of 24/7 support, individual counseling, and group therapy
- Holistic services like yoga, meditation, or art therapy to help you recover spiritually, mentally, and physically
- Relapse prevention planning and aftercare services
These programs treat a wide variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and more. No matter what type of mental health symptoms you struggle with, a dual-diagnosis rehab program can help you recover.
The goal of dual diagnosis rehab is to help you learn how to overcome substance abuse by treating your mental health condition and offering you healthy coping mechanisms. You will also learn how to identify negative patterns of thought and behavior, which makes it easier to engage in healthy habits. There are multiple levels of care available, including inpatient and outpatient programs. While it can be difficult to recover from substance use and mental health at the same time, dual diagnosis treatment in Florida makes it possible.
Qualities to Look For in Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Florida
If you are looking into dual diagnosis rehab in Florida, you might be wondering how to tell which programs are trustworthy. Thankfully, there are qualities you can look for that indicate whether the facility you are looking at is right for you.
The qualities you should look for when choosing a dual diagnosis rehab in Florida include:
Individualized Treatment Planning
Some treatment centers use a one-size-fits-all approach, which means everyone receives the same type of treatment and services. While this is effective for some people, it is not the best approach for everyone. Because each person is different, it is best to opt for a program that uses individualized treatment planning.
Individualized treatment planning means that the dual diagnosis rehab uses in-depth assessments to determine your specific needs and goals for recovery. You might be asked questions about your physical and mental health as well as your history of substance abuse. The information gathered will be used to create a specialized treatment plan that suits your needs.
Options for Program Length
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “participation for less than 90 days is of limited effectiveness, and treatment lasting significantly longer is recommended for maintaining positive outcomes.”[2]
To sum this up, most people need addiction treatment services for at least 90 days to maintain long-term sobriety. When you also struggle with a mental health condition, you might need an even longer program to fully recover. Because of this, it is best to choose a dual-diagnosis rehab center that has flexibility in terms of the length of the program.
Evidence-Based Therapies
Both addiction and mental health disorders require therapy to recover. When you are attending a dual diagnosis rehab center, you want to make sure the program is offering the highest standard of care. The most reputable programs use evidence-based therapies to treat their client’s conditions.
Evidence-based therapy is therapy that has been researched and proven effective in managing a certain condition. For example, therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and contingency management (CM) are evidence-based for treating addiction.[3] There are evidence-based therapies for each type of mental health condition you could be suffering from as well.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Another thing to consider is whether the program offers medication-assisted treatment for opioid and alcohol use disorders. This type of addiction treatment involves the use of medication to lessen withdrawal symptoms or prevent cravings. MAT can be used during detox and throughout long-term recovery to lessen the chances of relapse.
According to research, MAT provides the following benefits:[4]
- Improved client survival and decreased mortality related to opioid use.
- Improved treatment retention.
- Decreased opioid use and criminal activity.
- Improved ability to obtain and maintain employment.
- Improved birth outcomes for pregnant women with substance use disorders.
- Decreased risk of contracting HIV or hepatitis B or C.
- Reduced potential for relapse.
- Enhanced social functioning.
Insurance and Payment Options
Lastly, you want to pick a program that accepts your insurance or offers payment plans. Most reputable dual diagnosis programs accept a wide range of insurance plans to ensure their clients have affordable access to care. If you do not have insurance, you should pick a program that offers payment plans like sliding scale fees, which only require you to pay what you can afford based on your income.
Get Connected to a Top-Rated Dual Diagnosis Rehab Center in Florida
If you or a loved one suffers from co-occurring disorders, it’s time to seek professional help. Dual diagnosis rehab centers like Solutions Healthcare can provide the tools and support you need to recover from mental health and addiction at the same time.
Contact us today for more information on our dual diagnosis treatment center in Florida.
info@shc.health 
