Agape Detox offers dual diagnosis addiction treatment for underlying mental health conditions.

In many instances, individuals who suffer from an untreated mental illness will turn to drugs and/or alcohol as a means of self-medication. While the individual may experience temporary relief from his or her symptoms, substance abuse will ultimately exacerbate and worsen existing symptoms. On the other hand, substance abuse may precede mental health issues.
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Co-occurring disorders are diagnosed often for men and women that are affected by substance abuse. For example, one who suffers from severe and long-term alcoholism may begin to experience symptoms of depression (seeing as alcohol is a depressant, and long-term overuse can cause irreparable brain damage). Regardless of which came first – the mental illness or substance abuse – it is crucial that both disorders are treated simultaneously. If they are not, the symptoms of one disorder will likely cause a return to the second.

Agape Detox and Co-occurring Disorders

Dual diagnosis disorders are extremely prevalent. According to the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 8 million adults (3.4 percent of all adults) suffered from both a mental illness and a substance use disorder within the past year. Additionally, 2.6 million adults had co-occurring serious mental illness and substance use disorders within the past year. Because dual diagnosis disorders are so prevalent, many integrated treatment options are available. One of those programs is our Port St. Lucie dual diagnosis treatment center.

We at Agape Detox understand the importance of treating all existing disorders simultaneously. Our team of experienced and dedicated professionals is made up of men and women who have been in the addiction field and the mental health field for years – we know that in order for drug or alcohol treatment to be truly effective, all underlying disorders must be adequately addressed. We understand the complex ways in which one diagnosis affects another, and we provide thorough and comprehensive care, designed to successfully treat each of our patients on a highly individualized basis.

More About Dual Diagnosis Disorders

How exactly is dual diagnosis treated? First of all, every existing disorder must be successfully identified. At Agape Detox, we begin with an in-depth evaluation of each individual patient. It is important to understand the ways in which one condition affects the other. For example, an alcoholic may indulge in heavy drinking to combat symptoms of anxiety – symptoms that may worsen significantly when the alcoholic runs out of liquor or must make a public appearance.
Someone struggling with bipolar disorder may turn to opiates in order to alleviate severe mood swings, irritability, or manic episodes. Because the symptoms of dual diagnosis will vary so greatly on a personal basis, treatment plans will depend entirely on the individual patient. However, most treatment plans will follow the same basic structure: detoxification, inpatient treatment, and ongoing psychological care.

Dual Diagnosis Addiction Treatment

During the detoxification process, an individual will undergo intensive, 24-hour care. He or she will be closely monitored, and all existing symptoms of withdrawal will be treated. It is important that drug and alcohol-addicted individuals undergo the detox process in a medically monitored environment, seeing as complications of withdrawal can be extremely dangerous – in some instances, deadly. In most cases, detox facilities will evaluate each individual patient, and help place them in an appropriate inpatient treatment center based on their specific needs. Those who suffer from both addiction and mental disorders will need to be placed in a facility that provides psychological care.

At Agape Detox, we understand that in order to live a life of fulfilled recovery, one must tackle all existing conditions. Our team of qualified and experienced professionals will treat each individual thoroughly, focusing on mental health, physical health, and a return to emotional well-being. If you or someone you love has been struggling with addiction and untreated mental illness, we are available to help. Please feel free to give us a call today to learn more about our dual diagnosis treatment program in Port St. Lucie, FL.