Dual diagnosis treatment is crucial when an individual is coping with both addiction and mental health issues. At The Bridge Montclair, dual diagnosis treatment helps individuals recover from substance use disorders while addressing any underlying mental health conditions that can worsen addiction. This approach ensures patients receive care for both issues at the same time, improving the chances of lasting recovery and well-being.
What Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
When a person has both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition, it's referred to as dual diagnosis, or co-occurring disorders. These problems are very closely related. If you don't receive help for your mental health problems, you might start using drugs or alcohol to feel better, which can make your mental health problems worse. Treating both aspects together is a critical part of recovery at The Bridge Montclair.
The Bridge Montclair uses a tailored approach to dual diagnosis treatment, meaning that each person’s care plan is built around their specific needs. This may include psychotherapy, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and other evidence-based therapies delivered by licensed professionals.
Common Mental Health Disorders Treated
At The Bridge Montclair, the team often treats several mental health disorders that commonly occur alongside addiction. These conditions can have a powerful impact on behavior, mood, and the overall recovery process if left untreated.
1. Depression
Depression is one of the most common co-occurring disorders seen in dual diagnosis programs. Individuals may feel persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and low energy. These symptoms often drive people toward substance use as a way to numb emotional pain. Treating depression alongside addiction helps break this cycle and supports emotional stability during recovery.
2. Anxiety Disorders
Panic disorder, social anxiety, and generalized anxiety are examples of anxiety disorders. These conditions can cause intense worry, restlessness, or fear that interferes with daily life. Many individuals use drugs or alcohol to ease anxious feelings, which can quickly lead to dependency. In dual diagnosis treatment, therapists use strategies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to teach healthier coping mechanisms.
3. Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is when you have episodes of depression and mania or hypomania. These changes in mood and energy might be hard to understand and get in the way. When paired with substance addiction, bipolar symptoms can become more severe. Integrated care at The Bridge Montclair helps stabilize mood with appropriate therapy and medication while treating addiction simultaneously.
4. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD occurs when someone goes through a stressful event and then continues to have very strong stress symptoms. People with PTSD sometimes turn to drugs or alcohol to try to dull flashbacks, nightmares, or hypervigilance. In dual diagnosis treatment, trauma-informed care helps patients process past experiences in a safe environment while reducing reliance on substances.
A Pathway to Healing
The Bridge Montclair's dual diagnosis treatment starts with a full evaluation that helps doctors understand both the addiction and any mental health issues. From there, patients benefit from evidence-based therapies, supportive peer environments, and opportunities to practice new life skills. Aftercare resources help people keep making progress outside of the facility after they leave.
There is support available if you or a loved one is dealing with addiction and mental health concerns. Contact The Bridge Montclair to initiate the process of receiving comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment that considers the entire individual.
