Co-occurring disorders, also known as dual diagnosis, refers to the presence of both a mental health disorder and a substance abuse or addiction disorder in an individual. These conditions can occur together for a variety of reasons, including genetic and environmental factors, and can have a significant impact on an individual’s health, well-being, and quality of life.
Examples of co-occurring disorders may include:
- Depression and alcoholism
- Bipolar disorder and cocaine addiction
- Anxiety disorder and opioid addiction
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and marijuana use disorder
Co-occurring disorders require specialized treatment that addresses both the mental health and substance abuse components of the condition. This can involve integrated therapy and medication management, as well as support from a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals. Effective treatment can improve an individual’s outcomes and overall functioning, and help them to achieve and maintain recovery.
Evidence-based treatments for substance abuse are interventions that have been rigorously tested and shown to be effective in reducing substance use and related problems. These treatments are based on scientific research and are recommended by organizations such as the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Here are some examples of evidence-based treatments for substance abuse:
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Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This is a form of therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to substance abuse. It can be used to address a wide range of substance use disorders, including alcohol, opioids, and cocaine.
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): This is a treatment approach that involves using medications to help individuals manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with substance use. It can be used to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders.
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Motivational interviewing (MI): This is a client-centered counseling approach that focuses on increasing an individual’s motivation to change their substance use behaviors. It can be used to treat a wide range of substance use disorders.
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Family therapy: This is a type of therapy that involves working with a person’s family to address substance use issues. It can be effective in treating substance use disorders in adolescents and young adults.
SMART Recovery
SMART Recovery is a treatment method that we us to help individuals self-motivate to maintain their Recovery. Because major changes can be overwhelming, SMART has developed practical tools and social supports proven effective in supporting and sustaining successful long-term life changes from all self-destructive behaviors.
Vero Beach Recovery Center focuses on addictions to alcohol and other drugs, however, activity addictions (to behaviors like sex, relationships, spending, gambling, eating, exercise, and self-injury) can also be addressed through SMART Recovery. No matter your harmful habit, SMART can help you change it.
SMART is not just any mutual-support program. Our science-based approach emphasizes self-empowerment and self-reliance. There’s no lifetime commitment; you decide when the time is right to move on. You choose how to personalize your own plan for successful change. SMART can be used both as a stand-alone program or in combination with other recovery paths. SMART Recovery recognizes the only one who can become truly expert on your recovery is you.
Neurofeedback Brain Training and Substance Use Disorder
Neurofeedback is an innovative type of therapy that involves measuring brain activity and providing feedback to a person in real-time in order to teach them to regulate their brain function. There is evidence to suggest that neurofeedback can be a helpful tool in the treatment of substance abuse.
Studies have shown that neurofeedback can be effective in reducing cravings for drugs and alcohol and improving cognitive and emotional functioning in people with substance use disorders. Neurofeedback can also help individuals improve their ability to manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional states that often contribute to substance abuse.
- A 2014 systematic review and meta-analysis of neurofeedback for substance abuse found that neurofeedback was effective in reducing substance use and improving other clinical outcomes, such as anxiety and depression. The review examined 22 studies with a total of 602 participants.
- A more recent study published in 2019 in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment found that neurofeedback was effective in reducing cravings and improving cognitive control in individuals with cocaine use disorder.
- Other studies have also found promising results for the use of neurofeedback as a treatment for alcoholism, opioid use disorder, and other types of substance abuse.
While neurofeedback can be a useful tool in the treatment of substance abuse, it is typically used in conjunction with other evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication-assisted treatment. It is important to work with a qualified Neurofeedback provider who can help you determine whether neurofeedback is an appropriate treatment option for your individual needs.
If you would like to schedule a consultation or to learn more about our evidence-based treatment for Substance Abuse and C-occurring Mental Health conditions, contact us today at (772) 584-3083.
