Navigating the world of recovery for dual diagnosis can be a daunting task. A dual diagnosis refers to an individual who is living with both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder. Finding the right recovery program that meets an individual’s needs is critical in their journey to long-term sobriety, improved mental health, and overall wellness. Let’s explore what aspects to look for in a dual diagnosis program, as well as the steps involved in finding the best possible program for you or your loved one when you are in need of dual diagnosis treatment in Atlanta.
What to Look for in a Dual Diagnosis Program
When seeking out the services of dual diagnosis treatment in Atlanta, there are certain criteria that should be taken into consideration. First and foremost, it’s important to determine if the program has been accredited by an agency such as the Joint Commission or The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP). Such accreditation indicates that a program meets or exceeds the standards set forth by governing bodies.
A quality dual diagnosis program should provide comprehensive care that addresses both the addiction and the mental health aspects of the illness. This often includes psychological evaluations, individualized care plans, access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and referrals for aftercare services such as 12-step meetings and outpatient counseling.
It’s important to ensure that the staff members at the treatment center you are considering are qualified professionals who are knowledgeable when it comes to treating co-occurring disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, etc. The professionals who will be in charge of your dual diagnosis treatment in Atlanta should possess certifications such as Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
It would be beneficial to find out if there are additional support services available to you during your treatment. These could include holistic therapies such as yoga and art therapy or even family education classes. Such services can be very helpful in providing extra support during times of struggle or relapse prevention planning after discharge.
Step 1: Understand Your Needs
Before beginning a search, it is important to have an understanding of your particular needs as they relate to treatment and recovery. When choosing a program some questions that should be taken into consideration are: what type of facility would be best suited, what types of therapies are available, and what level of care would be most beneficial to my unique needs? It is also important to consider if there are any additional aspects of treatment that are important to you, such as gender-specific treatment plans, religious affiliation, or holistic healing methods.
Step 2: Research & Reach Out
Once you have a better understanding of your needs, it is time to start researching potential programs that meet those requirements. Many programs will provide more information about their service offerings on their website but do not hesitate to reach out directly with any specific questions or concerns. Feel free to ask about staff qualifications as well- medical professionals such as nurses, psychiatrists and psychologists should all have certain credentials and levels of experience in order for them to effectively treat you or your loved one’s condition(s).
Step 3: Learn About Different Types of Care
While researching different programs for dual diagnosis treatment in Atlanta, it is also important to understand the various levels of care that are available at certain addiction and mental health treatment centers. Inpatient care provides structured living environments with 24/7 access to medical professionals while outpatient services offer less structured options such as day treatment programs or intensive outpatient programs (IOP). IOPs provide support while allowing individuals flexibility so they can continue working and attending school while receiving treatment.
Step 4: Prioritize Your Needs & Follow Through
Once you find a program that meets your needs and priorities, it’s important to follow through with your decisions. Make sure that you take some time to review all the paperwork before signing any contracts with providers and if necessary speak with family members or trusted friends before committing to anything specific. Remember that this process can be overwhelming but finding the right recovery program for dual diagnosis does not have to be an intimidating experience if you take everything one step at a time.
When you gain a better understanding of your unique, individualized needs, researching potential treatment programs will become a much easier process. Utilizing these four steps: understanding your needs, researching & reaching out, learning about different types of care, and prioritizing your needs- will ensure that you will find the best possible option for yourself or your loved one during this difficult time in life. With dedication and quality care anyone can achieve long-term sobriety and improved mental health.
Dual Diagnosis Programs That Help Our Patients with Lasting Sobriety
For those suffering from both a mental health disorder and substance abuse issues, finding the right treatment plan is important. Programs for dual diagnosis treatment in Atlanta provide integrated options for both conditions that can help individuals develop healthier coping skills and lasting sobriety. Understanding what to look for in a quality program is essential and not all dual diagnosis recovery plans are created equal.
When faced with an addiction and mental health disorder, the professionals at Diamond Recovery will help you find the right dual diagnosis recovery program that is essential to your successful long-term sobriety. We take the time to help you select a program that meets your needs while also providing you with professional care and support throughout your journey towards lifelong recovery.
With proper guidance, resources, and commitment to self-discovery through treatment– Diamond Recovery can help you achieve lasting wellness! Contact us today to learn more about our services.
