Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program in Maine

A dual diagnosis means you’re struggling with both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder. This condition can often be on a spectrum with some individuals dealing with a single mental illness and using multiple substances or vice versa. These diagnoses affect people from all age groups, backgrounds, and walks of life. The high comorbidity between substance and mental health disorders doesn’t necessarily mean one causes the other. However, when one of these issues worsens, it tends to have a significant negative impact on the other disorder. Factors that may affect your risk of a dual diagnosis include high stress, past trauma, and genetics.  

In 2020, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration found that 17 million people suffered from a co-occurring substance use disorder and mental illness. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with this condition, it can be difficult to determine the next steps you should take. Here’s what you need to know about comorbid disorders and how to find the best dual-diagnosis treatment in Maine.  

Types of Dual Diagnosis 

Those dealing with a mental illness are twice as likely to use substances during their lifetimes. Additionally, the more severe the mental disorder, the greater the possibility of heavy substance use. In the United States, those with an existing mental illness consume upwards of 38% of all alcohol and more than half of the country’s opioid prescriptions. These substances are typically used in an attempt to self-medicate symptoms. However, inappropriately using prescriptions or illicit substances will only worsen your long-term mental and physical health. 

Dual diagnosis, formerly known as co-occurring, means that the treatment program helps clients who are diagnosed both with a substance use and mental health disorder. This can refer to any combination of the two issues. Some examples include:

• ADHD treatment center
• Depression treatment center
• Anxiety treatment center
• Schizophrenia treatment program
• OCD treatment center
• Codependency treatment center
• Mood disorder treatment center
• Bipolar disorder treatment center
• Personality disorders treatment center

Major depressive disorder is the most common co-occurring condition with alcohol use disorder. Those who have an alcohol use disorder are two times more likely to have struggled with depressive symptoms in the past year. Additionally, more than 60% of those affected by opioid use have reported struggling with a lifetime anxiety disorder.  

When treating these dual diagnoses, it can be difficult to determine which issues relate to the individual’s mental illness and which ones come from substance use. Your healthcare professional has to keep in mind the higher risk of adverse reactions when prescribing medications. It’s also important to consider the additional social stigma of these conditions and how it can affect the individual’s support network.  

Dual Diagnosis Statistics in Maine 

In Maine, it’s estimated that almost 10% of the population above the age of 12 suffers from a substance use disorder. More than 200,000 adults in the state grapple with a mental illness. In recent years, substance-related deaths in Maine have reached record highs. 

Untreated dual diagnoses can lead to substance intolerance and addiction. The main risks include more dangerous self-destructive behaviors as well as violent tendencies toward oneself and others. The individual may experience memory loss, persistent fatigue, weight fluctuations, and more. There’s also a heightened risk of contracting infectious diseases or grappling with suicidal ideation. These symptoms can make it impossible for the affected individual to socialize, complete schoolwork, or hold employment. The variety of related social issues may ultimately result in homelessness and higher suicide rates.  

Dual Diagnosis Therapy Approaches 

The best way to treat a dual diagnosis is by addressing your substance use and mental illness at the same time. Without effective psychiatric treatment, a substance use issue will typically only worsen. As it grows more dangerous, the individual’s mental health will decline faster.  

Psychotherapy is a type of treatment that involves helping you or your loved one cope without the use of substances. Motivational interviewing, for example, can bolster your motivation for a significant behavioral change. This process creates a trusting relationship between a medical professional and client and leads them toward making healthier life decisions. 

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective way to treat various mental illnesses and substance and drug use disorders. This type of treatment involves changing an individual’s underlying thinking patterns. A professional will help you recognize distortions in your reality and better understand your behaviors. CBT’s core tenets include building self-confidence and learning more effective problem-solving skills. Unlearning your harmful habits and behaviors will make it easier to resist future substance use and episodes of mental decline. 

Dialectical behavior therapy is a form of psychotherapy related to CBT. It’s best suited to those who frequently experience intense emotions. This care focuses on helping you or your loved one accept the reality of your behaviors and life. By learning better coping methods, you’ll be less inclined toward substance use to self-medicate.  

Why Treatment Is Crucial for Dual Diagnosis 

Integrated dual diagnosis treatment is key to long-term health improvements. Only tackling one at a time makes it easier to fall into relapse, which could quickly create a domino effect. Without effective care, a substance use disorder can ultimately lead to cancer, organ damage, and harm to the brain. Depending on the substance, you may experience dental problems, destroyed nerve cells, or blood diseases. Developing an addiction will greatly increase your chances of stroke, HIV/AIDS, lung disease, and cardiovascular disease. 

Frequent illicit drug use or overuse of prescription medications may boost your risk of motor vehicle accidents. Impaired driving results in dangerous weaving across lanes and decreased reaction time. Additionally, those with dual diagnoses are at high risk of exhibiting suicidal behavior. For example, an individual with bipolar and alcohol use disorders is at twice the risk of suicide as someone who only has bipolar disorder. Indicators of suicidal behavior can include withdrawal, mood swings, generally dangerous behaviors, and talking about self-harm. 

Liberty Bay Recovery: The Best Choice for Treatment 

The Liberty Bay Recovery Center in Portland, Maine, offers a leading dual-diagnosis recovery program. Our dedicated and highly skilled team understands the complexities of managing addiction and mental illness. We offer a comprehensive drug and alcohol detox program as well as a structured residential program, intensive outpatient program, and partial hospitalization program . These initiatives allow you or your loved one to be immersed in the recovery process while under close observation by our elite staff.  

At a minimum, all of our licensed clinical staff are certified alcohol and drug counselors. Our staff members’ qualifications range from master’s and bachelor’s degrees to medical doctorates. More than 90% of those who begin a Liberty Bay program complete the treatment. You can also trust our staff to personally relate to your struggles since about 80% of our professionals are in recovery themselves. 

Successful Client Testimonials 

Consider these real-life client testimonials about Liberty Bay: 

• “The staff at Liberty Bay is incredible. They’re kind, understanding, and truly invested in your recovery journey. The treatment programs are comprehensive and tailored to individual needs, making it a truly personalized experience. The facility itself is clean, comfortable, and offers a welcoming environment for healing.” – Brian Cahill 

• “I truly believe that Liberty Bay saved my life. I have been to many other treatments in the past eight years and [have] never experienced the level of care that I received at Liberty Bay. The clinical staff, medical staff, and support staff had such an abundance of compassion and knowledge for us clients. I stayed for almost three months and would recommend the Therapeutic Community approach to anyone that seeks help for any addiction.” – Kathy Ruiz 

• “I knew that my drinking was way out of control, and I knew that I had to do something about it. When I got there, just like a lot of people, I immediately wanted to leave. I was depressed and scared as hell. The staff set me down and helped me realize just how much I needed to be there. They were kind, caring, and understanding. [They] talked me into staying and to at least give it a chance.” – Mark Stover 

Specialized Care for Dual Diagnosis 

The clinicians at Liberty Bay will simultaneously work to improve your mental health while addressing your substance use. One of the first steps is to join our inpatient detox program. The level of care needed can vary depending on the substance, but you can expect between three and seven days of around-the-clock care. This program allows our clients to get away from the stressors of everyday life while recovering from withdrawal in a safe environment. While withdrawal itself often isn’t lethal, there’s a high risk of unintentionally overdosing to alleviate the symptoms. Inpatient care ensures you get the medical attention and care you need to stay healthy while in this vulnerable state. 

Our programs are specialized to meet your unique physical and mental health needs. We use a multidisciplinary approach of medication, therapy, and hands-on outpatient and inpatient care to manage your dual diagnosis. You may require medication-assisted treatment to decrease your cravings for heroin, opioids, or alcohol. While going cold turkey shows strong initiative, it’s not as effective as working with professionals with access to clinically tested solutions.  

Other program options also include partial hospitalization, which gives you time to visit your family and friends. This effective combination of hospitalization and outpatient care effectively treats your condition while enabling you to continue your life.  

The flexible outpatient program has 10 hours of clinical time split between three days. While most of the program is spent in group therapy, you’ll also engage with a skilled staff member one on one.  

Holistic Approach to Dual-Diagnosis Recovery 

With accessible counseling sessions, our clients can safely tackle their emotional and mental concerns while on the way to recovery. Many of our therapy programs include group sessions, physical exercises, and individual counseling. Our experts teach clients valuable life skills and coping mechanisms to avoid future substance use. You’ll also learn to incorporate grounding self-care routines into your daily life, like journaling, yoga, and meditation.  

Benefits of Choosing Liberty Bay Recovery 

The professionals at Liberty Bay can give you the valuable tools you need to improve your quality of life. Expert individualized care will alleviate your symptoms and ensure your long-term recovery. With skilled psychological support, our clinical staff can address the underlying psychological concerns impacting your substance use and mental health. 

We believe in a dignified recovery approach that emphasizes your lifelong health. While in our care, our staff will strive to balance your body’s physical nutrition needs with your equally important emotional and mental needs. The vital skills and tools you gain at Liberty Bay will help you avoid relapse and take control over your life.  

Aftercare and Continued Support 

Once you’ve completed our treatment program, you’ll work with our discharge planners to determine the best way forward. If you need continuing care arrangements, we’ll make plans with one of the trusted facilities in our treatment center network.  

Participating in ongoing therapy and support groups can further bolster your strength against relapse. You can take part in self-help meetings with organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous, SMART Recovery, and Narcotics Anonymous. You’ll benefit from a better social support network by making connections with others with similar life stories.  

Empowering Your Dual-Diagnosis Recovery 

Seek integrated dual-diagnosis treatment for the best long-term health results. Tackling both your mental illness and substance use disorder can help you manage your symptoms and learn coping mechanisms. A multidisciplinary approach is the most effective way to get clean and improve your mental health. Count on us to tailor your clinical care to your specialized health needs. 

Now’s the time to start your healing journey and prioritize your future emotional, physical, and mental health. Contact the certified professionals at Liberty Bay Recovery Center today for co-occurring disorder treatment in Maine.