Co-occurring disorders, often known as dual diagnosis, arise when a person has two or more disorders, such as a drug use disorder and a mental health issue. Co-occurring difficulties are important in therapy as they may have a significant influence on a person’s health and well-being. In 2018, more than 9.2 million adults in the United States had co-occurring disorders, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
When dealing with people who have co-occurring disorders, effective counseling tactics are essential. These solutions may involve a variety of evidence-based methods of treating both concerns simultaneously for better results. Here is a look at some of the most effective counseling tools and how to use them with patients who have co-occurring disorders.
The model of integrated dual diagnosis treatment
The Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment (IDDT) approach is one of the most extensively used methodologies for counseling individuals with co-occurring illnesses. This method entails treating both the mental health condition and the drug use disorder concurrently.
IDDT is founded on the idea that drug use disorders and mental health issues are interconnected and that treating both at the same time may lead to better results. It combines cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and medication-assisted treatment.
Studies have found to be an effective treatment for co-occurring disorders. According to 2018 research published in the National Library of Medicine, individuals who underwent IDDT saw significant improvements in both their mental health symptoms and drug use when compared to those who received standard treatment.
Unlike standard therapy paradigms, which may address one problem at a time or individually, IDDT takes a more holistic and integrated approach. Addressing both illnesses at the same time may lead to better results and a lower likelihood of recurrence.
Dealing with negative thoughts and behaviors
Another popular strategy for treating people with co-occurring illnesses is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT focuses on altering negative beliefs and behaviors that lead to both mental health and drug use disorders.
It involves recognizing and challenging negative thinking patterns, acquiring coping strategies to deal with triggers and urges, and creating behavioral change objectives. CBT may contain components of psychoeducation and relapse prevention for treating co-occurring disorders.
CBT is one of the most widely used evidence-based therapy approaches to treating mental health disorders, including co-occurring disorders. Unlike conventional therapy methods, which may only target one condition at a time, CBT takes a comprehensive approach to treating both illnesses. It targets the underlying thoughts and behaviors that contribute to both diseases, resulting in long-term behavior change and a lower likelihood of relapse.
In CBT, the therapist and client work together to identify and challenge the thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to the co-occurring disorders. The therapist then helps the client develop and practice new, more adaptive thought patterns and coping skills. CBT has been shown to be effective for a range of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, substance use disorders and PTSD, making it a versatile treatment option for clients with co-occurring disorders.
Providing clients with the ability to drive their change
Motivational interviewing (MI) is a client-centered strategy that tries to improve a person’s motivation and commitment to change. It understands that clients may be hesitant or ambivalent about making changes, and it aims to overcome this ambivalence by investigating and addressing the client’s motives for change.
MI may be used in treating co-occurring disorders to investigate the client’s motivation for change in both their mental health and drug use. The therapist collaborates with the client to define their objectives and values, in addition to building a behavior modification plan.
MI has been found in studies to be a successful treatment for co-occurring disorders. According to 2021 research that was published in the National Library of Medicine, people who underwent MI had better results than those who were given normal therapy in terms of drug use and mental health.
In contrast to traditional therapy approaches, which may depend on a therapist or treatment program to inspire the client, MI emphasizes the individual’s motivation and commitment to change. The likelihood of relapsing is decreased, and long-lasting behavioral change rises as a consequence.
Using a damage-informed approach
Evidence-based studies back up the efficacy of Trauma Informed Care (TIC). For example, studies show that TIC may enhance client outcomes by improving treatment adherence, decreasing mental illness symptoms, and enhancing general functioning.
Individuals with co-occurring disorders require specialized care due to the complexity of their conditions. Pursuing an online degree in mental health counseling at the American International College can help counselors gain the necessary expertise to effectively employ evidence-based strategies such as IDDT, CBT, MI, and TIC in treating clients with co-occurring disorders. This type of course teaches these approaches while offering the flexibility and convenience of online education.
In addition to the foundational knowledge and skills provided by AIC’s master’s degree in mental health counseling, online education offers opportunities to stay up to date with new research, technologies, and trends in mental health care. Mental health apps, teletherapy and other digital tools are increasingly being incorporated into counseling practices, and pursuing an online degree can prepare counselors to effectively integrate these tools into their practice. This can improve the quality of care they provide to clients with co-occurring disorders.
Conclusion
The Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment (IDDT) model, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) are efficient counseling techniques for clients with co-occurring disorders, according to evidence-based research. Patients with co-occurring illnesses may benefit from these methods, which provide a more thorough approach to therapy than conventional techniques.
By using evidence-based counseling methods, consistently developing new techniques and working with clients to empower them to drive their change, counselors can help individuals with co-occurring disorders improve their overall well-being and quality of life. As the field of mental health evolves and new research is produced, practitioners must stay on top of the most current approaches and recommended procedures for treating co-occurring disorders to help their patients enjoy successful long-term recovery.