For those who have an addiction to drugs or alcohol, the instinct is to get treatment for the addiction. People tend to want to treat their symptoms so that they have an easier time not using, with the hope that doing so should lead to recovery, right?

Unfortunately, that is not the way it works in most cases. Many people actually have underlying issues that led to their addictions, and unless these issues are addressed completely, true recovery is not going to happen. These issues are called co-occurring disorders, and they are the reason for a countless number of relapses in patients who have been through addiction treatment every year.

It’s important to know how to get treatment for a co-occurring disorder. This is known as dual diagnosis treatment, and it is essential for those who have an addiction to drugs or alcohol.

The Benefits of Outpatient Dual Diagnosis Programs in Colorado

The fact is that not everyone is able to participate in an inpatient dual diagnosis treatment program. In today’s society, people are very busy, and they often have other responsibilities that claim their attention. Fortunately, that doesn’t mean they have to give up on getting help for their addictions altogether.

There have been some tremendous advances in outpatient treatment options for dual diagnosis treatment centers in Colorado. For a time, outpatient treatment was considered to be good, but it usually wasn’t enough to provide the help and support that most people needed. There was no middle-of-the-road option, which is where a lot of people seem to fall. Intensive outpatient treatment easily filled that need.

Dual diagnosis treatment is available during intensive outpatient programs, and this has been a great change in the way co-occurring disorder treatment is administered.

What’s the Best Way to Treat a Dual Diagnosis?

There really is no one “right” or “best” way to treat a dual diagnosis. Although research has shown that by offering patients a varied treatment plan that includes many different treatment methods, they have become markedly improved during the course of their drug or alcohol rehab.

It’s important to note that treating a dual diagnosis does not call for a cookie-cutter approach. Patients all respond differently to various types of treatment, and meeting their individual needs is often the key to long-term success in dual diagnosis treatment.

Some of the most common ways to treat a dual diagnosis include:

•         Addiction therapy to help with withdrawal symptoms and coping techniques
•         Cognitive-behavioral therapy to address the mental health issues that likely led to the addiction
•         Group therapy that provides peer support and encouragement
•         Nutritional therapy to educate on the importance of good nutrition and introduce the right vitamins and minerals
•         Family therapy to offer support to family members and ensure that they stay involved during the course of co-occurring disorders treatment

Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers in Colorado: Aftercare Matters

It’s important to steer clear of any dual diagnosis treatment centers that claim to be able to cure an addiction. By their very nature, addictions are not curable. They are treatable, and there are things that can be put into place to help avoid relapsing. In fact, it’s very important to be sure the right preventative measures are in place so that people have a better chance of staying in recovery.

The step-down approach is preferred when it comes to dual diagnosis treatment, and for those who have participated in an intensive outpatient program, transitioning into an outpatient program with a 12 Step Program is usually the preferred method of treatment. Outpatient program appointments may be weekly at first, and then they may be bi-monthly or even monthly, depending on the patient’s needs.

Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Colorado Affordable?

The affordability of dual diagnosis treatment is something that’s a major concern for everyone. These programs are not cheap, and for many years, in order to take advantage of this type of specialty addiction treatment, people had to pay for it themselves. This resulted in a lot of people forgoing the option of professional treatment and then trying to quit on their own. Addiction cycles are usually the result of this, which should be avoided because they can actually drive people deeper and deeper into their addictions.

Today, health insurance companies are required by law to help pay for dual diagnosis treatment, but not many people are aware of this significant change in our country’s healthcare laws. This change is due to the Affordable Care Act. As long as an individual has health insurance, and their chosen facility participates with their health insurance plan, their costs for co-occurring disorder treatment should be dramatically cut. There have even been cases when patients didn’t have to pay anything at all out of their own pockets.

How AspenRidge Recovery Can Help With Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders in Colorado

Regardless of what mental health issues people experience, it’s very common to self-medicate in order to find relief from those issues. Some people turn to legal or illegal drugs, while others turn to alcohol as a way to treat their disorders themselves, or at least help themselves feel better in the short term. This method is not helpful, and self-medicating almost always leads to an addiction that requires professional help before recovery can take place.

Inpatient dual diagnosis treatment is not an option that everyone is able to take advantage of. Fortunately, an outpatient option does exist, and at AspenRidge Recovery, it’s possible to get co-occurring disorder help that’s flexible enough to meet anyone’s needs.

You don’t have to continue suffering with co-occurring disorders. Self-medication is not the answer you’re looking for, and overcoming addiction doesn’t occur just by dealing with withdrawal symptoms. If you’d like help for the underlying reason behind your addiction, at AspenRidge Recovery, we can help you. Please don’t continue to suffer alone.