Dual Diagnosis
Treatment for Dual Diagnosis at Johnstown Heights Behavioral Health
Dual diagnosis, also known as co-occurring disorders, refers to the presence of both mental health and substance use issues in an individual. According to a report in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), approximately 50% of individuals with a mental health disorder will also experience a substance use disorder at some point in their lives.*
This means that someone with a dual diagnosis is struggling with two separate but interconnected conditions that require specialized treatment and care.
What is Dual Diagnosis Disorder?
At Johnstown Heights Behavioral Health, treating dual diagnosis involves an integrated and coordinated approach that addresses both the mental health disorder and the substance use disorder. Treatment is provided in a therapeutic environment managed by doctors, who are board-certified psychiatrists.
Dual Diagnosis Facts from NAMI – National Alliance on Mental Illness**
Those with mental illness are more susceptible to addiction.
Substance use is twice as prevalent among adults with mental illness—because of the desire to self-medicate symptoms.
Some people with mental illness may not even know that their substance use constitutes as a disorder.
Prolonged use of substances increases the underlying risk for mental illness.
Conditions Commonly Associated With Dual Diagnosis
Some of the most common mental health conditions associated with dual diagnosis include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, PTSD, schizophrenia and ADHD. These conditions often coexist with substance use disorders, creating unique opportunities in treatment and recovery.
People with dual diagnosis issues may use alcohol, opioids, prescription drugs and benzodiazepines to self-medicate, to attempt to control mental health issues and this creates a vicious cycle. Let Johnstown Heights help break this pattern.
Our Approach to Dual Diagnosis
Let us help and support your individualized needs, in a caring clinical environment and in a place where all your issues are understood. We want to help and provide the tools, skills for recovery and to assist with your overall wellness.
- Board Certified Psychiatrists
- Social Workers
- Nursing Teams
- Support Workers
- Recreational Therapists
- Attain stability in mental health systems
- Minimize adverse effects/outcomes related to substance use
- Enhance coping and problem-solving abilities, including managing emotions
- Improve functioning in home and work lives by addressing subjects like relationship concerns
- Maintain physical wellness
- Restore consistency and continuity in life
- Comprehensive evaluation
- Structured and Therapeutic Environment
- Individual Care Plans
- Trauma-Informed Care and Evidence-Based Programming
- Care Coordination and Discharge Planning
- Group Therapy
- Family Support and Education
- Recreational Therapy
- 24/7 Nursing Support