Specialized Treatment for Chronic Addiction

Dual Diagnosis
Treatment Center for Substance Abuse & Mental Health

Burning Tree Ranch is a dual diagnosis treatment center that specializes in treating co-occurring substance abuse & mental health conditions.

Properly treating dual diagnosis requires a comprehensive approach that fully recognizes and addresses the intricate interplay between mental illness and substance abuse.

How We Manage Dual Diagnosis at Burning Tree Ranch

As the Nation’s only authentic long-term treatment provider specializing in dual-diagnosis treatment for substance abuse and mental health, we help families address the reality of chronic addiction in their loved one’s life.

Long-Term Progress-Based Mental Health And Chronic Relapse Treatment
4-Phase System Allowing For Metered Transition To Independent Living
Specialized Aftercare Designed Exclusively For Chronic Relapse Clients
Emphasis On Identifying Misdiagnosed And Undiagnosed Co-Occurring Disorders
Exclusive Focus On Treating Chronic Relapse Clients
Specialized Programming To Address Personality And Mood Disorders
Trauma-Informed Care Featuring Equine And EMDR Therapy
Neurofeedback Sessions Facilitated For The Duration Of Inpatient Treatment

What is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

Dual diagnosis generally refers to the existence of multiple mental health conditions in an individual. Such a diagnosis may also include substance use disorder or a related chemical dependency.

For families witnessing a loved one grapple with both psychological affliction and addiction simultaneously, the situation can reasonably provoke immense distress. It’s hard to watch someone you care about live through a downward spiral, and it’s emotionally taxing to be close to the vortex created by an individual trapped in a cycle of relapse.

Mental Health Disorders Common in Dual Diagnosis

Addressing Addiction & Co-Occurring Disorders In the Same Treatment Episode

We believe it is critical to address addiction and co-occurring disorders concurrently during the same treatment episode.

Our dual diagnosis treatment facility at Burning Tree Ranch includes a team of licensed professionals who specialize in recognizing and treating underlying mental health conditions for individuals struggling with chronic relapse. We address every diagnostic variable that may have prevented an earlier recovery opportunity.

Often, we discover a simple truth: previous treatment episodes lacked the necessary time, expertise, and ability to address the relationship between addiction and mental health meaningfully. As a result, relapse occurs.

We treat co-occuring disorders that have historically prevented our clients from maintaining permanent recovery in the past.

~ Jesse Earwood, Executive Director of Burning Tree Ranch

Quick Identifiers

The Burning Tree Client

Continues substance use despite increasingly grave consequences
Struggles with undiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or untreated co-occurring disorders
Fails to maintain therapeutic, medication, and self-care routines
Faces difficulties in managing anxiety, depression, and stress
Delays seeking help, minimizing the gravity of their addiction

Identifying & Understanding Dual Diagnosis

Receiving a dual diagnosis is fairly common, affecting an estimated 9.2 million adults in the United States each year. Also known as co-occurring disorders, dual diagnosis can involve any combination of mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, personality disorders, etc. along with alcohol, prescription drug, or illegal substance abuse and addiction.

Why Understanding Dual Diagnosis Matters in the Context of Chronic Addiction

For families, it’s crucial to recognize and understand how mental health disorders and substance abuse issues exist simultaneously. The existence of one condition tends to exacerbate another, creating a cyclical pattern that is incredibly difficult to break. Understanding this dynamic helps guide an integrative treatment approach targeting both issues in a coordinated effort rather than leaving one or the other unaddressed which impedes progress.

Discovery & Diagnosis Before Treatment

The initial discovery of a dual diagnosis is often challenging, as the combination of symptoms can be difficult to untangle. Mental health screening tools and comprehensive personal and family histories help identify co-occurring issues. Diagnosis also depends on ruling out any underlying medical conditions or separating independent mental health symptoms from substance-induced ones. A proper evaluation by qualified mental health and addiction professionals is essential for an accurate dual diagnosis assessment.

Interactions Between Mental Illness and Substance Abuse

The cyclical nature of relapse with a dual diagnosis means the mental health issues and substance abuse reinforce each other through processes like self-medication and increased brain disruptions. This makes integrated treatment focusing on both components simultaneously crucial for recovery.

Commonly Abused Substances

In dual-diagnosis cases, some of the most frequently abused substances include alcohol, prescription medications, opioid painkillers, benzodiazepines, stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine, and marijuana. Different mental health issues may be susceptible to the abuse of other substances based on their effects.

Self-Medication Hypothesis

The self-medication hypothesis suggests that individuals with mental illness may abuse substances as a way to cope with uncomfortable psychological symptoms. For example, depressants like alcohol to dull emotional pain or stimulants to overcome low motivation from depression.

Mental Illness Increasing Addiction Vulnerability

Specific mental health issues increase the biological and psychological vulnerability to developing substance use disorders. Conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and conduct disorders are risk factors for addiction. Poor impulse control, emotion dysregulation, and maladaptive coping mechanisms play a role.

Substances Worsening Mental Health Symptoms

While substances may temporarily mask or numb symptoms, they ultimately end up worsening the underlying mental illness. Substance-induced psychosis, increased anxiety/depression, cognitive impairments, and disruption of adequate mental health treatments are everyday negative interactions.

Challenges for Families in Treating Dual Diagnosis

Receiving an Accurate Diagnosis

Obtaining an accurate dual diagnosis assessment can be difficult. The complex interplay between mental health symptoms and substance abuse effects often creates a confounding picture. Mental health professionals must work to distinguish substance-induced issues from those stemming from an underlying psychiatric condition. Comprehensive medical, psychological, and substance use histories are essential for an appropriate diagnosis. Even then, dual diagnosis may go undetected or be misdiagnosed. Any dual diagnosis related to substance use must be given or confirmed by a licensed mental health professional.

Finding a Reliable Facility for Integrated Treatment

Historically, mental health and addiction treatment services have operated in siloed settings with limited communication. This dated model poorly serves those with co-occurring disorders who require a unified treatment approach addressing both issues in a coordinated, multidisciplinary fashion. Truly integrated dual diagnosis programs providing combined psychological and medical management are still lacking in many regions.

Many programs and facilities that tout dual diagnosis treatment are unequipped, understaffed, or simply not designed to address the relationship between addiction and mental health in any meaningful, lasting way. Short-term solutions offer only reprieve for individuals where there is a sustained pattern of crisis and relapse.

The challenges lie in getting an accurate evaluation from professionals adept at untangling the complexities and locating and utilizing programs fully equipped to provide integrated, tailored dual diagnosis treatment matching the individual’s needs.

Overall, the nature of dual diagnosis prevents a “one-size-fits-all” solution. That’s why Burning Tree emphasizes an authentic long-term treatment approach that considers each individual’s unique circumstance and that of the entire family.

What Does Progress Look Like?

Recovery Outlook & Aftercare for Successful Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Managing Dual Conditions Long-Term through Personal Accountability

Successful long-term management of co-occurring disorders hinges on individuals embracing personal responsibility for their recovery journey. While professional treatment provides foundational skills and support, sustainable progress is driven by the client’s daily commitment to wellness.

This involves owning one’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors – achievements and setbacks. Cultivating self-awareness to recognize stressors, monitor symptoms, and proactively employ coping strategies is crucial. When challenges arise, it’s essential to self-advocate and independently pursue solutions, whether that’s adjusting medications with a psychiatrist, processing emotions with a therapist, or utilizing relapse prevention techniques. Recovery is an ongoing, active process requiring personal accountability.

Relapse Prevention

Maintaining hard-won progress means immersing oneself in the daily disciplines of recovery. Regularly attending 12-step support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous provides peer encouragement and structure to stay on track.

Engaging with sponsors, peers, and fellow AA members who emphasize personal accountability helps prevent complacency and regression. Working in a recovery program, including the 12 steps, reinforces vital spiritual principles like honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness. Practicing holistic self-care, managing stress, and avoiding high-risk situations are essential preventative strategies. Vigilance and a daily re-commitment to recovery are imperative.

Improved Quality of Life

The ultimate goal of dual diagnosis treatment is not just the absence of substances and psychiatric symptoms but the presence of a fulfilling life.

Individuals in recovery can achieve financial independence through stable employment and money management skills. Emotional freedom comes from healing relationships, setting healthy boundaries, and practicing self-acceptance.

Making amends to loved ones, offering forgiveness, and rebuilding trust fosters meaningful connections. Finding purpose through service work, mentoring others, and contributing to society enhances self-esteem. Living with integrity, aligning one’s actions with their values, and being a positive role model are the hallmarks of long-term recovery. While setbacks may occur, each challenge is an opportunity for growth and resilience. With commitment and support, a rich, rewarding life in recovery is within reach.

GET ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions About Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Our legacy of service to families has led us to a deep understanding of how mental health disorders and addictive behaviors interact with one another – particularly when it comes to chronic relapse. Find answers to some of the questions we commonly get about dual diagnosis treatment. If you can’t find the answers you’re looking for, please contact our admissions team for assistance.

What is a dual diagnosis, and why is it important in addiction treatment?

Dual diagnosis refers to the co-occurrence of a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder. It’s crucial in addiction treatment because addressing both conditions simultaneously is essential for lasting recovery.

How does dual diagnosis treatment differ from standard addiction treatment?

Dual diagnosis treatment at Burning Tree integrates mental health care with addiction treatment, addressing both issues concurrently. This comprehensive approach targets the complex interplay between mental health and substance use.

How do you determine if someone has a dual diagnosis?

We conduct thorough assessments using clinical interviews, psychological testing, and medical evaluations to identify co-occurring disorders. Our clinical team carefully distinguishes between substance-induced symptoms and underlying mental health conditions.

What if the client has already received a dual diagnosis before long-term treatment?

We review previous diagnoses and conduct our own comprehensive assessment to ensure accuracy. This helps us tailor our treatment approach to the client’s specific needs and adjust any existing treatment plans as necessary.

What types of therapies are used in dual diagnosis treatment?

We use a range of evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR trauma-informed care, and specialized treatments for specific mental health disorders alongside addiction-focused interventions.

How do you manage medications for both mental health and addiction in dual diagnosis treatment?

Our medical team carefully manages medications, balancing the treatment of mental health symptoms with addiction recovery needs. We regularly monitor and adjust medication plans to minimize risks with chronic relapse clients while we work on confirming an accurate dual diagnosis.

What are the biggest challenges in treating co-occurring disorders?

The largest challenges include accurately diagnosing intertwined symptoms, addressing complex interactions between disorders, and tailoring treatment to each individual’s unique needs. Our specialized approach is designed to overcome these challenges.

How effective is dual diagnosis treatment compared to treating addiction alone?

Dual diagnosis treatment at Burning Tree is generally more effective for clients with co-occurring disorders, as it addresses the root causes of addiction and provides comprehensive care for both conditions simultaneously.

How does addiction affect mental health?

Addiction can exacerbate existing mental health issues or trigger new ones. Substance use often masks underlying mental health symptoms, making accurate diagnosis and treatment more challenging.

How do mental health disorders impact and contribute to substance abuse?

Mental health disorders can increase vulnerability to substance abuse, often as a form of self-medication. This creates a feedback loop where each condition worsens the other, necessitating intervention & integrated treatment.

How do you handle clients that are already taking medication as prescribed by another doctor or treatment professional?

We carefully review all current medications and work collaboratively with the client’s previous healthcare providers. Our medical team assesses the effectiveness and appropriateness of existing prescriptions, making adjustments as needed for optimal dual diagnosis treatment.

Who Refers to Burning Tree?

Since 1999, we have supported countless referring professionals in delivering ethical, high-quality solutions to the clients and families they represent.

Family & Financial Advisory Services

Healthcare Providers

Legal Professionals

Short Term Inpatient Rehab Covered by Insurance

Our intensive short-term inpatient program at Burning Tree Lodge offers a transformative recovery experience over 30, 60, or 90 days.

Burning Tree Lodge offers all of our clients and their families:

Check Your Insurance Get Fully In-Network Care

“Burning Tree not only saved my sons life they gave him a life we could have only imagined. It was his last chance since all other programs had failed. Our lives had been a living hell with stints in jail, rehabs, outpatient programs, homelessness and hospitalizations. They educate the entire family and you will never find a more understanding or compassionate group of people dedicated to your loved ones recovery.”

Lisa M.
Family of Burning Tree Alumni