From Surviving to Thriving: Why Dual Diagnosis Treatment Matters for Trauma and Substance Use
When individuals struggle with both substance use disorders and trauma, the treatment journey ahead may seem unpredictable and overwhelming.
It may even be impossible for the person to imagine a future when they will recover and overcome these struggles.
These are all normal feelings to have, particularly when the road ahead seems uncertain and filled with more questions than answers.
Traditional treatments often address substance abuse and trauma separately, overlooking the complex interplay between the two disorders.
Dual diagnosis treatment provides an integrated approach to recovery, where substance abuse and mental health disorders like trauma are treated simultaneously, leading to more favorable, lasting outcomes for those in recovery.
This article explores why dual diagnosis treatment matters for those struggling with trauma and substance abuse.
In the meantime, if you would like further information and support regarding The Lighthouse Bali’s trauma and substance abuse treatment programs, please get in touch with our professional team today, who will be happy to assist you.
How We Can Help
At The Lighthouse Bali, we offer individualized, one-on-one treatment programs led by qualified international clinical psychologists and trauma-informed professionals from Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand.
Our multidisciplinary team provides treatment through our bespoke residential programs or through private sessions at our Sanur office, or online via Zoom.
We treat a wide range of mental health issues, including substance addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other co-occurring conditions, using evidence-based modalities tailored to each individual and their needs.
These include behavioral therapy, trauma-informed treatment, bespoke inpatient substance abuse recovery programs, and comprehensive aftercare to support you after treatment ends.
At The Lighthouse Bali, we recognize that you are a unique individual with your own vision and goals for recovery, which is reflected in our personalized treatment approach.
Why Dual Diagnosis Treatment Matters for Trauma and Substance Use
Also known as co-occurring disorder, dual diagnosis refers to the presence of both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder in the same individual.
For instance, an individual may grapple with alcohol addiction and anxiety disorder at the same time.
On the other hand, someone may struggle with opioid use disorder and depression simultaneously.
These conditions often interact in complex ways, with one worsening the symptoms or impact of the other, making recovery more complicated and challenging.
Too often, treatment focuses solely on the addiction, overlooking the underlying mental health issues that may be
driving these behaviors.
This can lead to incomplete recovery or relapse for the individual further down the line.
For recovery outcomes to be successful and long-lasting, the psychological and substance-related aspects must be treated and addressed together with a tailored approach that
addresses the individual’s unique needs and preferences.
Dual diagnosis treatment combines various therapeutic approaches to help address not only a person’s substance use but any unresolved trauma and other mental health issues that may be fueling their addiction – leading to higher recovery rates and minimal risk for relapse.
Dual Diagnosis Symptoms
Symptoms can vary from person to person and can depend on the type of dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder a person has.
However, some common symptoms associated with co-occurring substance use and trauma disorders may include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD symptoms (such as flashbacks and hypervigilance)
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Cravings
- Mood swings
- Paranoia
- Sleep disturbances
- Fatigue
- Social withdrawal
- Financial difficulties
- Physical health issues, including liver and heart disease
- Tolerance (the need to increase higher doses of a substance to achieve the desired effect)
Understanding the Link Between Trauma and Substance Use
Much research shows a profound link between trauma and substance use.
Trauma, which is an emotional response caused by a distressing event or sequence of events, can lead to a dysregulated nervous system, increasing a person’s vulnerability to addictive behaviors like drinking and drug use.
Other complications arising from trauma include dissociation and depersonalization, which can also increase vulnerability to substance addiction and other dependencies such as compulsive gambling or gaming.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Many people turn to substances as a coping mechanism, leading to a cycle of dependency, which can be difficult to break without professional help and support.
Dual diagnosis treatment helps break this pattern by addressing both disorders at the same time using the following approaches:
Behavioral Therapy
Treatment for dual diagnosis may include behavioral therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which teach you to manage and change unhelpful patterns of thinking.
Trauma Treatment
Trauma-informed treatment such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) is a pioneering therapy often used in substance abuse recovery programs to treat issues like alcoholism, trauma, drug addiction, and depression.
EMDR utilizes bilateral stimulation (side-to-side eye movements) and other techniques, enabling you to process difficult memories or traumas that were previously unable to be processed properly at the time of the event.
Once effectively processed, you will no longer feel the same level of distress or intensity when thinking about your past, making it less likely for you to turn to unhealthy coping patterns such as drinking or drug use.
Depending on the severity of a person’s symptoms and other factors, dual diagnosis treatment may also involve:
- Medication
- Inpatient care
- Support groups
- Medical detox
- Sober companion program
- Aftercare and support
Integrated Treatment Approaches
Integrated treatment methods, which address both substance use disorders and trauma concurrently, continue to show promising results.
For instance, research shows that treating both disorders simultaneously yields improved outcomes, reduced relapse rates, and an increase in overall health and well-being for individuals with dual diagnosis.
Holistic Healing
In addition to evidence-based approaches, holistic practices such as nervous system emotional regulation sessions, yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and physical movement play a vital role in recovery.
These approaches help regulate the nervous system, promoting emotional balance and a deeper sense of connection and belonging to oneself and the world.
Dual diagnosis treatment typically focuses on nervous system regulation using the above approaches as part of an integrated recovery program.
At The Lighthouse Bali, we work with clients grappling with a range of mental health issues, including trauma and substance use disorders.
By combining evidence-based treatment with experiential approaches, we help individuals maximize their recovery potential through a holistic program that addresses all aspects of addiction, including mind, body, and spirit.
Long-Term Recovery and Aftercare
Sustained recovery goes beyond inpatient or outpatient
treatment.
Individuals with dual diagnosis greatly benefit from comprehensive aftercare programs that provide ongoing care and support after completing their initial treatment.
Aftercare programs help you stay on track with your recovery once you return to daily life and are often included as part of dual diagnosis and substance abuse treatment.
They can include continued therapy, support programs, sober companion services, and relapse prevention strategies.
These resources ensure you remain supported as you navigate life after treatment, helping to reduce your risk of relapse and promote long-term sobriety and well-being.
From Surviving to Thriving
Treating mental health and addiction issues together offers profound benefits for those in recovery.
Dual diagnosis care takes an integrated approach, addressing both conditions simultaneously – which can significantly reduce the risk of relapse by addressing the root causes and overlapping symptoms.
With a coordinated team of professionals, including psychiatrists, therapists, and addiction experts, individuals receive consistent, well-rounded support and care.
This often results in minimal relapse rates and better day-to-day functioning.
Beyond clinical outcomes, individuals in dual diagnosis treatment often experience significant improvements in their emotional well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life.
By learning how to manage their mental health while maintaining sobriety, they can build a strong foundation for lasting recovery, which, in time, not only allows them to survive but also thrive.
Next Steps
To learn more about dual diagnosis treatment and how The Lighthouse Bali team can help, contact our treatment centre in Bali for further support and information.
Remember, you are not alone.
Our team is here to guide you through recovery and transformation in a compassionate, confidential and peaceful environment away from the distractions and triggers of everyday life.
Please speak to our professional team today and begin your journey to lasting wellness and recovery.