It’s possible that you’ve never heard of dual diagnosis treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) or substance use disorder (SUD), also known as alcohol or drug addiction. This approach to addiction treatment can save lives – especially for people who’ve had significant problems with alcohol or substance use for most of their adult lives.

If you have an alcohol use disorder and/or substance use disorder (AUD/SUD) and a mental health disorder, you have co-occurring disorders and a dual diagnosis. The most effective way to treat co-occurring mental health and addiction disorders is by treating both at the same time with dual diagnosis treatment that follows the integrated treatment model.

Our expert clinical and medical staff will design a personalized treatment plan that includes therapy, counseling, medication, and various complementary treatment approaches that promote long-term, sustainable recovery. At CCI, we use the integrated, holistic treatment model recommended by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to support people with co-occurring disorders.

Integrated, Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders

The 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) shows the following rates of co-occurring disorders among adults in the U.S.

  • Adults with any mental illness (AMI) and substance use disorder (SUD):
    • 18-25: 13.5% (4.5 million people)
    • 26-49: 10.2% (10.5 million people)
    • 50+: 3.7% (4.4 million people)
  • Adults with serious mental illness (SMI) and substance use disorder (SUD):
    • 18+: 2.5% (6.4 million people)
    • 18-25: 5.4%
    • 26-49: 3.3%
    • 50+: 1.0%

Here’s the NSDUH data on adults with past year AMI or SMI who used illicit drugs in 2021:

  • Adults 18+ with AMI or SMI: 2% used illicit drugs in the past year
  • Adults 18+ without AMI or SMI: 17.7% used illicit drugs in the past year

That last bullet point tells us that people with a mental health disorder used illicit drugs at three times the rate of people without a mental health disorder. The key to treating co-occurring disorders and addiction is integrated care. It’s imperative to treat both conditions at the same time, in a way that acknowledges the effect that each condition has on the other. Which one came first is not important: what’s important is treating them both at the same time.

Research tells us that more than 50 percent of the time, one of the following mental health disorders plays a role in an active alcohol or substance use disorder:

  • Depressive disorder
  • Anxiety disorder or panic disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Schizophrenia
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Eating disorders
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder

How CCI Treats Dual Diagnosis Integrated Treatment for Co-Occurring  Disorders

Crownview Co-Occurring Institute offers specialized, fully integrated treatment for dual diagnosis and co-occurring alcohol and/or substance use disorders. We understand the critical importance of treating mental health disorder and alcohol/substance use disorders at the same time: evidence shows that when patients receive treatment for mental health disorders and addiction disorders at the same time, outcomes improve. When one is treated and the other is not, outcomes do not improve: both the mental health disorder and the alcohol/substance use disorder escalate, and cause unnecessary and ongoing harm to the individual who need treatment.

Our multidisciplinary team is experienced in assessing, diagnosing, and treating dual diagnosis patients with co-occurring disorders. Every patient at CCI receives a comprehensive mental health evaluation upon intake an admission. That’s how we ensure a complete and accurate diagnosis. Once we complete an evaluation and arrive at a diagnosis of a mental health disorder, and addiction disorder, or both, we help patients manage or overcome the symptoms of both their mental health and/or alcohol/substance use disorder. We treat both at the same time, because evidence shows that’s the most effective approach.

The Benefits of Treatment for Dual Diagnosis and Co-Occurring Disorders

  • Patients learn about the situations and people that might exacerbate their mental health symptoms and/or influence their use of alcohol or substances
  • Patients work closely with their counselors to identify the underlying cause of their mental health disorder and their alcohol/substance use disorder
  • Patients learn practical skills to manage their symptoms
  • Doctors monitor medication and make the appropriate adjustments while keeping a close eye on patient progress
  • Staff members can offer consistent, daily support when it’s needed most

Learn More Today

If you or someone in your family experiences the acute symptoms of a mental health disorder, an addiction disorder, or both, Crownview Co-Occurring Institute may have a program that meets your needs. Contact us today to learn how we can help.