Treating addiction is a lengthy process, and it is one that consists of many different stages. In order to achieve maximum health and sobriety that can last, it is important to work through these various stages. Learning about the stages can help individuals get a better understanding of what recovery entails and how it will progress.

The Contemplation Stage

For many people who struggle with addiction, the first step to recovery will be what is sometimes known as the contemplation stage. This is a time when individuals will start to question their actions, their behaviors and their health.

Typically, those who are in the contemplation stage aren’t ready yet to acknowledge that they are addicted to any drug or substance. However, they may be starting to think about whether that is a possibility.

Things that might not have been noticed in the past are now beginning to stand out to people in the contemplation stage. Individuals might see that others around them act and feel differently, or they might feel frustrated with their reliance on an addictive substance.

For many people, denial is a necessary component of addiction. In order to survive, they need to deny that the addiction is real. During the contemplation stage, however, the curtain gets pulled back. People begin to be self aware about what they are and what it means.

The Action Stage

The next stage of recovery is often called the action stage or the acknowledgement stage. For individuals struggling with addiction, this is when they can first begin to say, “I am an addict.” This acknowledgement can be very freeing, and it also sets the tone for further action.

For many people, the acknowledgement of addiction is the turning point for making a change. A person who is addicted to drugs or alcohol, and can finally see that for themselves, might be ready to begin a detox and participate in addiction treatment

Sometimes, people are propelled to the action stage on their own. They might be in an accident or have a legal issue that pushes them to action, or they might have a health scare or a relationship concern that demands attention. Sometimes, however, individuals are put in the action stage by others. An intervention or a concerned word from a loved one can be what it takes for some people to decide to take action and get treatment.

The Early Treatment Stage

The early treatment stage begins with individuals who opt to formally seek help and enroll in some kind of addiction treatment program. Often, the primary focus of early treatment is helping patients break their chemical and physical ties with an addictive substance. For that reason, the early treatment stage may be known as detox or withdrawal.

The early treatment stage can be difficult, and it will often be accompanied by withdrawal symptoms. It is stressful for the body to relearn how to function without its addictive substance of choice, and it may cause unpleasant or uncomfortable side effects. The good news is that this stage only typically lasts one to two weeks, depending on the addiction in question.

It is critical that during this stage, individuals are supervised around the clock. It can be incredibly dangerous to try to detox, or go through withdrawal, without medical attention. Medical treatment does more than just increase comfort, although that is an added bonus. It can also reduce the risks of serious health problems and diagnose any extreme symptoms of withdrawal before they progress.

The Late Treatment Stage

Once individuals have detoxed from their addictive substances, the real work to maintain sobriety can begin. The late treatment stage is characterized by a range of treatment methods designed to get to the root of addiction. Some of the approaches used may include dual diagnosis, behavioral therapy, group therapy or experiential therapy.

Dual diagnosis is a critical part of addiction recovery for many individuals. Mental health and addiction are closely linked, and as many as half of those with diagnosable addictions also struggle with mental illness. Dual diagnosis treatment addresses both concerns simultaneously, ensuring that mental health won’t interfere with a full recovery from addiction.

There are many types of therapy that can be used to treat addiction. Group therapy, for instance, helps patients feel less isolated, and it can create a welcome environment of sharing experiences and tips. Individual behavioral therapy is also effective, and it can include things like cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy may try to change behavior and mindset to prevent self-destructive actions and thoughts.

Experiential therapy treatment can also help individuals confront their feelings and push the limits of what they think is possible. Through unusual and exciting activities, participants can boost their self confidence. Alternative, holistic approaches can also contribute to a bedrock of evidence-based approaches to addiction recovery during the late treatment stage.

The Ongoing Care and Maintenance Stage

It is vital to note that even after individuals complete a residential or outpatient treatment program, the recovery process isn’t over. Addiction is a lifelong illness, and it requires continuing care.

After a person is diagnosed and treated for something like diabetes or cancer, they can’t expect to live life completely normally and never need another check-up or dose of medicine. Similarly, those who struggle with addiction will need to include care and maintenance in their daily lives.

A support network is a critical element of lasting care and ongoing maintenance. For some people, family members and close friends can form a supportive network. For others, anonymous group meetings and mentors can provide that level of support. Regular meetings as well as therapy sessions can be helpful to maintain sobriety.

In addition, individuals need to understand that addiction necessitates complete sobriety. A person who was addicted to opiates or alcohol can never safely use those substances again.

In order to recover from addiction in a lasting way, individuals need to work through each of these stages of addiction recovery on their route to healthy, happy and sober lives.

Defining Dual Diagnosis

Dual diagnosis is exactly what it sounds like. It is when a patient is diagnosed with two separate disorders. Typically, these are a substance abuse disorder, also known as addiction, and some kind of mental health disorder.

Dual diagnosis is more common than many people expect. More than half of those with a mental illness also struggle with substance abuse at some point in their lives. Conversely, nearly half of those addicted to drugs and alcohol suffer from a mental health disorder.

Unfortunately, millions of people who suffer from both addiction and mental illness don’t get the right diagnosis or the right addiction treatment. Often, patients only receive a diagnosis once they are ready to begin addiction treatment at a quality facility. During an intake evaluation or assessment, mental health problems may be obvious to professionals trained in addiction treatment.

The Link Between Mental Illness and Addiction

Clearly, the statistics show that there is an undeniable link between mental health disorders and addiction. However, it is not always clear why that is. There are several theories, and each may be correct for some patients.

One very likely possibility is that those who struggle with mental illness turn to substance abuse as a means of self-medication. This is more pronounced among those who do not have a proper medical diagnosis and who are not using prescribed medication to manage mental illness.

When mental illness is present, it can be incredibly challenging. Without the tools to manage conditions such as bipolar disorder or anxiety, alcohol and drugs can appear to be the easiest and most accessible solution. Unfortunately, adding substance abuse or addiction will only serve to make life harder for many of these individuals.

Another potential cause for the link is that those who abuse substances and struggle with addiction may exhibit mental health conditions as a result of that addiction. This is certainly plausible, because many substances can lead to severe mental illness over time.

For example, alcohol is a depressant and can absolutely lead to depression. Stimulants can cause severe anxiety once the drugs begin to wear off. Many drug users also report paranoia, often as a result of criminal activity or because of their illicit drug use.

Sometimes, both mental illness and addiction are caused by a separate, third factor. This may be the case for patients who have suffered some sort of trauma in their past. Military personnel, for example, may struggle with aspects of their time overseas. This could lead to both PTSD and alcohol abuse.

Treating the Cause, Not Just the Symptoms

One of the biggest mistakes in addiction treatment is focusing on the physical symptoms rather than their cause. It is common for patients to complete a detox and then head straight back to everyday life. Unfortunately, a detox addresses only the immediate chemical dependence. It can’t prevent addiction from taking hold again.

Getting to the root cause of addiction is easier said than done. However, those who struggle with mental illness have a good place to start. Through dual diagnosis treatment, mental health will get the attention that it deserves.

It is not enough to treat addiction for a month or two and then have patients get help for mental health conditions. The two need to be addressed side-by-side in a simultaneous fashion. This way, patients can start to link the two and understand how mental health and substance abuse are connected. Understanding this connection is just one of the ways that the root of addiction can be targeted.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment Reduces the Risk of Relapse

Relapse is a concern for most patients who have struggled with addiction in the past. Statistically, a staggering number of people who receive treatment will eventually use drugs or alcohol again. Some of the more effective ways to prevent relapse include creating a support system and completing a high-quality addiction treatment program. For those with mental health conditions, however, the best tactic will be completing dual diagnosis treatment.

During dual diagnosis treatment, patients will learn how to manage their mental health conditions. In many cases, that means pharmacological treatment. Taking medicine for certain conditions means that patients can completely eliminate some of the most traumatic symptoms.

Mental illness, simply put, is stressful. Since stress is one of the major reasons for relapse, there is clearly a problem. Patients who only get addiction treatment, and have unresolved mental illnesses, won’t be equipped to deal with upcoming stress.

There are many different coping mechanisms that can be created and learned to help handle mental health problems. For example, a person who struggles with depression, and turns to alcohol for help, can instead join a support group or even participate in daily fitness classes. The specifics depend on each individual patient, but they can truly make a world of difference.

What Dual Diagnosis Treatment Looks Like

Dual diagnosis is not a set protocol. However, it often includes a significant amount of individual talk therapy. This is the bedrock of addiction treatment and a key part of addressing mental illness. Therefore, it should come as no surprise to find talk therapy making up the bulk of dual diagnosis treatment.

Dual diagnosis might also include medical treatment, particularly for those with a severe mental illness. This could mean pharmacological treatment. Group therapy can also be helpful, and a range of alternative or holistic approaches have the potential to be beneficial.

Many of the people who struggle with addiction also have an undiagnosed or untreated mental health disorder. Treating both simultaneously through dual diagnosis treatment is the only truly effective way to combat relapse and end addiction for good.

What to Expect From an Opiate Withdrawal

Before diving into the ways that opiate withdrawal symptoms can be eased, it’s important to paint a realistic picture of the withdrawal process. Also called a detox, the withdrawal is a process that can last anywhere from one to two weeks. This is the phase where people who are addicted to opiates quit their consumption altogether.

As a direct response to the cessation of opiate consumption, individuals struggling with this addiction will begin to immediately notice some discomfort. Withdrawal symptoms are both physical and psychological, and they can begin in as little as six hours after the last dose is taken. Just a few of the most common withdrawal symptoms during an opiate detox might include:

• Muscle aches and pains
• Uncontrollable shaking or tremors
• Runny nose
• Diarrhea and abdominal cramping
• High heart rate and increased blood pressure
• Severe temperature fluctuations
• Extreme sweating and dehydration

Because of the severity of these withdrawal symptoms, many individuals addicted to opiates find the best chance at a complete withdrawal happens in a professional detox or rehab facility. There, patients can receive expert treatment that eases the pain of withdrawal and holds them accountable to their ultimate goal of lasting sobriety.

Medically Assisted Detox

One of the most effective ways to ease the discomfort of opiate withdrawal is by implementing a medically-assisted detox. Essentially, this is a detox where patients are provided with a substitute drug that tricks the body and brain into thinking it’s receiving a dose of heroin, prescription painkillers or any other opiate-based substance. While these drugs can substantially reduce withdrawal symptoms in an opiate detox, they don’t deliver a high to patients.

Using synthetic drugs is a hot-button issue for a number of reasons. The first is because when administered improperly, these synthetic drugs and opiate substitutes can themselves become addictive. The second concern is that through a weaning process, patients are simply dealing with a longer period of withdrawal and dependence. However, there’s no denying that medically assisted detoxes can help to make the withdrawal process less uncomfortable.

There are two primary substances used in an opiate withdrawal that can activate the opioid receptors among patients without creating a high. The first and most common is Suboxone, which features a unique property that ensures the drug can’t be misused. Another is Methadone, which works in a similar way and is now a staple of detox in many recovery facilities.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Unlike in an alcohol detox, where there’s the risk of long-term damage to health as a result of the body breaking ties to its addiction, an opiate detox is largely about managing the pain and discomfort of the process. Many individuals who have gone through an opiate detox compare it to a very bad case of the flu.

As a result, some of the most effective means of combating things like diarrhea or a runny nose are ordinary, over-the-counter medications. Antihistamines, aspirin and similar products can make a difference to those suffering from opiate withdrawal symptoms. Imodium, in particular, is effective as a way to prevent diarrhea and cramping because it’s actually a form of mild opiate.

While these over-the-counter medications are readily available, only medical professionals familiar with the detox process will be able to administer them appropriately. Dosing is an important concern, as is the mixing of contraindicated medications. Therefore, it’s always best for those ready to withdrawal from opiates to seek help in a licensed, regulated recovery facility.

Providing Physical Comforts

Don’t underestimate the value of comfort during treatment, particularly in an opiate withdrawal. The process is a challenging one, but it can be made easier when individuals are in a hospitable climate and surrounded by people who care about their well-being.

Trying to detox from home, for instance, might mean sleeping in sweat-soaked sheets because the idea of doing laundry is such a daunting task. In a rehab or detox program, patients will have all of their basic needs met. Having warm, nutritious meals available, medical staff on-call 24/7 and a comfortable bed can sometimes make all the difference.

Most of the symptoms that prove to be uncomfortable during an opiate withdrawal are physical in nature. However, it should be noted that many of the symptoms are psychological. Things like depression and anxiety are common as the body begins to break its dependence on opiates.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Some patients are also dealing with underlying mental health issues that demand treatment. Bipolar disorder, severe depression or schizophrenia are major concerns that could inhibit proper recovery.

As a result, dual diagnosis treatment can and should be implemented in these cases. Dual diagnosis acknowledges the role of mental health in the process of recovery and treats mental health disorders at the same time as the addiction itself.

Support and Personalized Attention

Finally, one of the overlooked but important ways to ease withdrawal symptoms during an opiate detox is by offering patients personalized attention and care. Addiction, as well as withdrawal, can feel very isolating. Patients may feel frustrated and alone, and at times they may not be sure whether the pain of detox is worth it. It’s during times like this that support, understanding and motivation can be instrumental to the recovery and positivity of patients.

Opiate withdrawal can be a difficult, but necessary, part of recovering from addiction. Some of the key ways to ease the discomfort of opiate withdrawal can include things like synthetic drugs, individualized care, over-the-counter medications and mental health treatment.

The Link Between Mental Health and Addiction

There’s an undeniable link between mental health conditions and addiction. In some studies, more than half of those individuals struggling with addiction also struggle with a mental illness. In addition, half of those who have been diagnosed with a mental illness have had trouble with addiction. Whether mental illness is the cause or a result of addiction, there’s no doubt that these two conditions are intertwined.

Mental health concerns and addiction can be thought of as a chicken-and-egg scenario. In some cases, it’s the mental health condition that appears first. This causes individuals to seek relief, often in the form of drugs or alcohol. Conversely, individuals who struggle with addiction may develop mental health conditions that arise precisely because of their addictions.

Why Dual Diagnosis is Necessary

For anyone who suffers from both a mental health illness and addiction, dual diagnosis should never be optional. This treatment is necessary in order to help patients solve two major problems. Isolating the illnesses and treating them separately won’t be as effective, and it could limit the success of patients in rehab.

Patients who are diagnosed with a mental illness can’t fully benefit from rehab if they are struggling with depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia while receiving treatment. Treating addiction patients with mental health problems may be a waste of time if their mental health isn’t properly addressed. Why? Because the patients won’t be able to absorb new information properly or create a realistic plan for recovery and relapse prevention.

Similarly, patients who are receiving therapy, treatment or medication for their mental health disorder can’t make progress if they are also battling an addiction to drugs or alcohol. An addiction alters brain chemistry, so it will be impossible to tell whether treatment is actually successful until patients are able to maintain their sobriety.

Furthermore, there’s evidence to suggest that both mental health problems and addiction can arise from the same source. For example, patients with childhood trauma in their past, or who have served in the military, might be dealing with PTSD. Simultaneously, these experiences might be driving their addictions. By getting to the root of the problem and addressing it head on, patients may be able to resolve both their mental health concerns and their addictions.

Identifying the Need for Dual Diagnosis Treatment

In addition to understanding the importance of dual diagnosis treatment, it’s vital that the patients actually receive the dual diagnosis to begin with. In some cases, mental health issues can go undetected, which can be problematic throughout the addiction recovery process.

To start, it’s important for patients to receive a thorough assessment or evaluation before being admitted into a rehab program for addiction. This assessment shouldn’t focus exclusively on physical health or the pattern of addiction, but should include key questions that can help identify mental health problems. It’s also integral that admissions staff are trained and familiar with mental health disorders, helping them to identify and diagnose key issues that need to be treated.

Identifying the need for dual diagnosis can be improved by knowing which mental health disorders are most common and which are closely connected to addiction. Depression may be one of the most common mental health conditions linked to addiction, but it’s far from the only one. Other common mental health conditions that need to be monitored include things like anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and PTSD.

What to Expect After Receiving a Dual Diagnosis

The only way to receive dual diagnosis treatment and break free from both mental health disorders and addiction is to seek professional help at a reputable rehab facility. When patients receive a dual diagnosis, they can expect treatment to include a number of different elements. Each combines to transform patients into healthy, sober individuals.

A key part of dual diagnosis treatment is receiving 24-hour care. Medical supervision is necessary as those with mental health concerns may be more volatile, and addiction recovery is an already challenging time. In addition, patients may need to take certain medicines that alleviate their symptoms and restore chemical balance in the brain.

In a residential rehab setting, which is considered to be ideal for dual diagnosis treatment, patients will also be able to foster relationships with staff, therapists and other patients. They will have accountability around the clock, individual and group therapies and access to holistic and alternative therapies that can contribute to recovery.

Tailoring Dual Diagnosis Treatment to the Disorder

Often, the kind of treatment required will depend both on the addiction and the specific type of mental disorder. Individuals with an anxiety disorder, for example, may benefit from small group counseling or even one-on-one therapies if the thought of large groups makes them uncomfortable and unable to focus on the key aspects of recovery.

Those with depression may benefit from specific therapies that boost self-esteem, or they may need antidepressants that can lift the fog. Of course, it’s important for physicians prescribing these medications to understand any risks of addiction to prevent any improper use of the medicine. Skill and fitness-based therapies, such as yoga therapy or art therapy, can be helpful in developing confidence and making progress.

Personality disorders, which can include narcissism, histrionic personality disorder or borderline personality disorder, often benefit from dialectical behavioral therapy. These individual therapy sessions target behavioral changes without confrontation or negativity, which can inhibit progress and improvement.

When mental health and addiction are simultaneously present, patients need dual diagnosis treatment. Isolating either mental health or addiction at the risk of the other factor can lead to greater problems down the road. The treatment of co-occurring disorders is vital in helping patients overcome illness successfully, and this treatment can be made available in many respected rehab facilities.

It’s very common for those with mental health problems to begin struggling with addiction, and just as common for those who are addicted to various substances to begin experiencing mental health problems. Therefore, the best addiction treatment will be one that understands the role of dual diagnosis and the clear link between mental health and addiction recovery.

Determining if Dual Diagnosis is Necessary

The first step creating a treatment plan that deals with mental health and addiction is determining whether dual diagnosis truly is necessary. In some cases, patients who are struggling with mental health concerns are only doing so because these symptoms are a side effect of addiction. For instance, patients addicted to strong sedatives may be depressed, but that could be a common symptom of the drug rather than a pre-existing concern.

To determine whether patients are eligible candidates for dual diagnosis treatment, the first step is a complete evaluation upon admission to a detox program. However, this shouldn’t be the only time dual diagnosis is analyzed. After detox, and before rehab begins, is the optimal time to take a closer look at the mental health of patients. Since there won’t be any physical symptoms of drug or alcohol use to contend with at this stage, it will be easier to pinpoint any standalone mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.

Getting a Comprehensive View of Health and Recovery

Patients who begin down the road to recovery are often focused on one goal—getting sober. Achieving and maintaining sobriety is an admirable objective, but focusing on the physical symptoms alone may not be enough. A more comprehensive approach to wellness means taking mental health into consideration as well. Often, that means pinpointing and treating mental health problems in addition to addictive behaviors.

There are many different theories on what links mental health disorders and the frequency of addictive behaviors. Some research suggests that those struggling with mental health disorders, and who aren’t getting the medical help they need, are more likely to turn to drugs or alcohol as a means of self medication. Of course, suffering from addiction is likely to exacerbate the symptoms, making the situation worse.

Conversely, addiction itself can lead to mental health disorders. When individuals become addicted to drugs or alcohol, they can experience feelings like guilt or shame, which can in turn create internal stress and serious mental health problems. In environments where addiction is common, individuals may also be at higher risk for crimes like rape or physical abuse, and that can further increase the likelihood of trauma.

How Dual Diagnosis Can Prevent Relapse

One of the primary objectives of any rehab program is to help patients prevent a relapse. A relapse is anytime that the addictive substance is used again after treatment, and it’s a common problem. However, there are ways to reduce the likelihood of relapse, one of the most effective being dual diagnosis treatment.

A few common triggers for relapse are things like stress, guilt, shame, unhappiness or anger. Many mental health professionals will immediately recognize that these are common emotions among those who also struggle with things like PTSD, anxiety, bipolar disorder and depression.

When patients are dealing with the effects of a mental health problem, relapse is far more likely. When patients receive the right treatment for their mental health challenges, however, they will be more cognitively aware, better prepared and generally more able to fight back against cravings. Dual diagnosis treatment can help patients realize that staying sober is truly the best choice in the long run.

Treating Addiction and Mental Health Disorders Simultaneously

When medical professionals at addiction treatment centers know that patients require attention for both their addictive behavior and their mental health, they can offer simultaneous treatment. Often, this involves some form of prescription medication. Certain medications can lessen or even eliminate the symptoms of mental health problems, such as anxiety. When patients have resolved their mental health issues, they may find that they are no longer as emotionally reliant on their addictive substance of choice.

There are also a number of behavioral therapies that can be effective in treating both addiction and mental health disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for instance, seeks to alter behaviors and make positive changes that benefit patients. Dialectical behavioral therapy emphasizes the value of self and helps patients see their worth and why staying sober is something they deserve. Group therapy can also be effective in limiting feelings of isolation and helping patients to understand there are many other people who share their emotions and their experiences.

Revealing the Underlying Causes

Mental health disorders and addiction can be linked through underlying causes, and in some cases triggers may be partially to blame for both. Past trauma, and in particular PTSD, may be the root of some problems. Children who were victims of assault, for example, could grow up with mental health disorders as well as feelings of inadequacy. Or, they may wish to stop reliving painful memories.

In these cases, drug or alcohol abuse is a way for patients with mental health problems to seek peace. In reality, of course, addiction rarely solves a problem, and usually only adds to it. Often, patients with both mental health disorders and problems with addiction can undergo therapy that confronts underlying causes and helps tackle both issues at the same time. EMDR, or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, has shown to be effective for this purpose.

Dual diagnosis is integral for patients in need of addiction treatment who also have mental health concerns. By treating both issues simultaneously, with the goal of comprehensive health, patients are more likely to achieve lasting sobriety and more likely to find happiness, health and fulfillment in daily life.