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Co-occurring Disorders

Almost 40 percent of individuals struggling with alcoholism or drug addiction also suffer from mental health disorders. Substance abuse and mental health disorders often go hand-in-hand, creating a complex web of challenges for individuals seeking recovery. These co-occurring conditions, or “dual diagnosis,” require a comprehensive, integrated treatment approach that addresses each person’s unique needs. Mountainside understands the profound impact of co-occurring disorders and has developed a holistic, evidence-based approach to help individuals reclaim their lives and achieve lasting wellness.

What Are Co-Occuring Disorders?

Mountainside’s holistic treatment approach dramatically improves five of the top mental health issues that plague addicted individuals:

Co-occurring Disorders Co-occurring Disorders

  • At Mountainside, clients’ anxiety decreases by 56% after 15 days in treatment and remains well below clinically relevant levels at discharge.
  • Depression decreases by 62% after 15 days in treatment and remains well below clinically relevant levels at discharge.
  • Substance cravings decrease by 52% after 15 days in treatment and remains well below clinically relevant levels at discharge.
  • Insomnia decreases by 43% after 15 days in treatment and remains well below clinically relevant levels at discharge.
  • Inability to focus decreased by 52% after 15 days in treatment and remains well below clinically relevant levels at discharge.

At Mountainside, we pay utmost attention to addressing the key mental health issues that our clients face. By effectively improving multiple dimensions of our clients’ mental health, Mountainside enables clients to better succeed in addiction treatment and long-term recovery.’

Our Treatment Approach

Holistic Care: Nurturing the Mind, Body, and Spirit

Recovery is not just about abstaining from substances; it’s about reclaiming one’s overall wellbeing. That’s why our treatment approach incorporates a range of holistic therapies designed to address our clients’ multifaceted needs. From mindfulness-based practices like yoga and meditation to creative outlets like art and music therapy, we empower individuals to cultivate the skills and resilience needed to manage their symptoms and prevent relapse.

Specialized Therapies: Tailoring the Approach to Individual Needs

At the heart of our co-occurring disorders treatment is a comprehensive, evidence-based approach that draws from a variety of therapeutic modalities. Our team of dedicated clinicians utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and modify the thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to their substance use and mental health challenges. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) teaches essential emotion regulation and interpersonal skills, while medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can provide additional support for those struggling with opioid or alcohol addiction.

Building a Strong Foundation for Recovery

Aftercare Planning: Ensuring Long-Term Success

Recovering from co-occurring disorders is a lifelong journey, and we recognize the importance of providing ongoing support to our clients. As part of our comprehensive treatment plan, we work closely with each individual to develop a personalized aftercare strategy that addresses their unique needs and goals. This may include connecting them with local support groups, mental health resources, sober living communities, regular check-ins, and follow-up care. We also offer long-term inpatient care, intensive outpatient (IOP) programs, and recovery coaching

Family Involvement: Strengthening the Support System

Addiction and mental health disorders don’t just impact the individual; they also profoundly affect the lives of loved ones. That’s why we strongly emphasize family involvement throughout the treatment process. By educating families on the nature of co-occurring disorders and equipping them with the tools to provide adequate support, we empower them to participate actively in their loved one’s recovery journey.

Community Resources: Cultivating a Network of Support

Recovery is something one can navigate with others. Mountainside connects our clients with various community resources and support services, from our clinic and support groups to vocational training and housing assistance. By fostering these connections, we help individuals in recovery build a robust and sustainable network that can carry them through the ups and downs of their journey.

Addressing the Symptoms of Co-Occurring Disorders

Anxiety

Anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and social anxiety, are common co-occurring conditions with substance abuse. Our treatment approach helps clients develop healthy coping mechanisms and relaxation techniques to manage their stress, reducing the temptation to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol.

Depression

Major depressive disorder (MDD) and substance abuse often go hand-in-hand, with each condition exacerbating the other. Through a combination of evidence-based therapies, medication management, and holistic practices, we help clients address the root causes of their depression and build the resilience needed to maintain their recovery.

Substance Cravings

Intense cravings for drugs or alcohol can be a significant obstacle to recovery, particularly for those with co-occurring disorders. Our treatment program equips clients with strategies to identify and manage their cravings, including the use of medication-assisted treatment and relapse prevention techniques.

Insomnia

Disrupted sleep patterns are a common challenge for those with co-occurring disorders. By addressing the underlying causes of insomnia, such as anxiety or depression, and incorporating evidence-based sleep hygiene practices, we help our clients achieve the restorative rest they need to support their overall wellbeing.

Inability to Focus

Co-occurring disorders can make it difficult for individuals to maintain focus and concentration, which can hinder their progress in treatment and recovery. Our clinicians work closely with clients to develop strategies for improving attention and cognitive function, such as mindfulness exercises, cognitive remediation therapy, and assistive technologies.

At Mountainside, we are committed to providing comprehensive, compassionate care for those struggling with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders. We are changing the narrative and demonstrating that true, whole-person wellness is possible by addressing each client’s unique needs and empowering them with the tools and support they need to achieve lasting recovery.

If you are a loved one suffers from addiction and mental health disorders, call us today. We can help.

 

Data for anxiety, depression, substance craving, insomnia and inability to focus was obtained from clients who entered Mountainside’s residential treatment facility in 2016. Scores for each parameter were obtained from standardized questionnaires administered at specified times. Only clients who scored above the point of clinical concern for individual assessment parameters at admission to the residential facility were included in the analysis. A total of 165 clients were included in the anxiety and depression analysis, 109 clients for substance craving, 125 clients for insomnia and 45 clients for inability to focus.

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