What to Look for in Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Swansea, IL

Over 8 million people in the United States alone struggle with mental illness and a co-occurring substance use disorder. Some people use drugs or alcohol to ease the emotional pain of a mental health issue. For others, long-time misuse unlocks symptoms commonly associated with mental illness. The best way to help both conditions is to treat them simultaneously. At Gateway Foundation in Swansea, IL, we offer dual diagnosis treatment for addiction to help those battling co-occurring conditions.

What Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

A dual diagnosis is when someone suffers from both a substance use disorder and a co-occurring mental health issue. Addiction and mental health share a strong bond. Too often, individuals drink or use drugs to self-medicate. The only way they can think to help the emotional pain of conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression is to numb them. Other times, the illicit use of drugs or alcohol can alter a person’s brain chemistry, producing psychological symptoms.

Yet, whichever comes first — mental illness or addiction — these two issues become entwined and can worsen each other. Dual diagnosis treatment is a comprehensive approach that utilizes medical care coupled with evidence-based clinical services to address both an individual’s addiction and underlying mental health issues at the same time.