Macon Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Simultaneously Addressing Addiction and the Factors That Drive Substance Abuse in Georgia

While addiction does not cause mental illness (or vice versa), many people who struggle with substance abuse also have a mental health disorder that can lead to behavioral health problems. At the Georgia Recovery Campus, our Macon dual diagnosis treatment program allow us to get to the heart of what is driving a patient’s addiction and help them reduce the possibility of relapse and achieve long-term healing.

What Is a Dual Diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis, also known as co-occurring disorders, is a term used to describe when an individual suffers from both a mental health disorder and a substance abuse disorder. This can also be referred to as having two separate diagnoses at the same time. While having a mental health disorder is not a prerequisite for developing an addiction, the reality is that many people turn to drugs to manage the sometimes-overwhelming symptoms of their mental illness. This can create dangerous feedback loops as users increasingly rely on addictive substances to keep their mental illness at bay. 

Separately, some especially dangerous drugs change the structure and chemistry of the brain, potentially triggering mental health disorders in users who previously have not dealt with these issues. In either of these cases, it is important to determine what specific factors are driving an addiction and what specific consequences substance abuse may be causing. 

Risk factors for dual diagnosis include:

• Genetic Predispositions. Research has shown that individuals with a family history of mental health disorders or substance abuse are more likely to struggle with similar issues themselves.
• Environmental Factors. Exposure to drugs, alcohol, or other substances at an early age has been linked to an increased risk of developing both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder.
• Trauma. Trauma can have a significant impact on an individual's mental health, and it can also be a major factor in the development of dual diagnosis. Traumatic events such as physical or sexual abuse, neglect, or violence can cause deeply rooted feelings of guilt and shame which can lead to depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health issues.

What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

“Cognitive behavioral therapy” (CBT) focuses on exploring and modifying the individual's thought patterns and behaviors in order to reduce symptoms of mental health disorders. This approach helps individuals identify, challenge, and replace negative thoughts and beliefs so they can better cope with stressful situations or emotions. CBT also emphasizes developing skills to help manage emotions, improve communication, and build healthier relationships. 

Our healthcare professionals will often use techniques such as role-playing, self-monitoring, problem-solving strategies, journaling, and exposure therapy to help individuals recognize how dysfunctional thought patterns or behaviors can enable and drive their addictions. By doing this, they can learn how to modify their behavior to avoid relapses and stay sober. The focus on goal setting is important for helping individuals overcome any challenges they may face during treatment. CBT has been proven effective in treating substance abuse disorders, and it can also be used to treat a variety of other mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), phobias, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, relationship conflicts, anger management problems, and more.

Our compassionate team offers no-judgment support to people struggling with addiction. Call (478) 216-1110 or contact us online to learn more about our treatments.