Dual Diagnosis

Annandale Behavioral Health is a luxury dual diagnosis treatment center that provides a meaningful, comprehensive approach to recovery. A significant percentage of individuals with a substance use disorder also have a co-occurring mental health disorder, which is termed a dual diagnosis. Our program focuses on healing this brokenness and restoring overall wellness within an upscale residential setting.

About Dual Diagnosis

There are two ways a dual diagnosis comes to be. One way is when a mental health disorder leads someone to self-medicate with a substance, to numb or avoid the uncomfortable symptoms. The other way a dual diagnosis develops is when the adverse consequences caused by a substance use disorder leads to a mental health disorder, such as depression.

At Annandale Behavioral Health, our compassionate team of mental health and addiction treatment professionals understands that both disorders must be addressed and treated in order to attain lasting recovery success. 

Although each individual’s dual diagnosis has a unique symptom profile, there are some common warning signs that signal co-occurring disorders are present. These include:

• Loss of control over use of the substance
• Frequent mood swings
• Impulsive, high-risk behaviors
• Doctor shopping for drugs
• Neglecting obligations
• Money problems
• Mounting legal problems
• Decline in work performance
• Relationship problems
• Has trouble completing daily tasks
• Increased substance use
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Increasingly relies on a substance to manage mood states
• Detachment
• Difficulty maintaining employment
• Increased irritability or angry outbursts

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Annandale Behavioral Health offers a comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment program that features evidence-based addiction recovery therapies in tandem with psychiatric care. We understand it is essential to identify the correct diagnosis from the outset, as this permits an effective treatment plan to be formulated. During the intake and evaluation process, the individual’s substance use disorder and mental health status are assessed, and treatment goals determined.

In most dual diagnosis cases, a medical detox is a necessary first step. The detox team provides medical and psychological support as the body rids itself of the substance, achieves homeostasis, and stabilizes. Once the detox is completed, it is time to begin treatment.

Annandale Behavioral Health treatment modalities include:

Individual psychotherapy. During the one-on-one psychotherapy sessions, our licensed therapists guide the individual in exploring their feelings, discussing difficult life events, and identifying the behaviors that require change.

Group therapy. Group therapy is highly beneficial in a dual diagnosis treatment program. The group sessions provide a safe space where the individual receives support from both a licensed therapist and their peers in recovery. 

Medication management. Psychotropic medication may be prescribed for treating and managing the mental health disorder.

Relapse prevention. Relapse prevention planning helps to prepare individuals for recovery by teaching them how to manage stress and avoid triggers.

12-Step facilitation. While the 12-Step program is introduced at Annandale Behavioral Health, individuals are encouraged to explore various recovery communities following treatment to find the best fit.

Holistic activities. Holistic activities enhance therapeutic results by connecting the mind, body, and spirit. These activities include trauma-informed yoga, meditation training, art and music therapy, grounding, and breath work.

Health and wellness. Annandale Behavioral Health places an emphasis on fitness and nutrition, seeing these as important tools that help improve the individual’s chances for recovery success.