Many people entering addiction treatment are also struggling with mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder. When both are present, treating only one often leads to setbacks or relapse. That’s where dual diagnosis care becomes essential.
At First City Recovery Center, dual diagnosis admissions are designed to address mental health and substance use together—through coordinated, integrated treatment that supports long-term recovery, not just short-term stabilization.
Key Takeaways
- Dual diagnosis treatment addresses mental health and substance use disorders together, reducing relapse risk and supporting sustainable recovery.
- Early assessment and integrated care improve treatment outcomes by stabilizing mood, addressing underlying causes, and promoting healthier coping strategies.
- Coordinated care involves therapy, psychiatric management, and ongoing communication between medical and clinical teams to provide personalized, evidence-based treatment.
What is Dual Diagnosis?
Question: What is Dual Diagnosis?
Answer: Dual diagnosis refers to the co-occurrence of a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder in the same individual. Treating only one condition without addressing the other often leads to relapse or incomplete recovery. Integrated dual diagnosis care combines psychiatric evaluation, medication management, behavioral therapy, and substance use treatment into a coordinated plan. This approach ensures both mental health and addiction needs are addressed simultaneously, improving stability, engagement in therapy, and long-term recovery outcomes.
How Dual Diagnosis Admissions Work at First City Recovery Center
Dual diagnosis admissions begin with a comprehensive, confidential assessment that looks at the full picture of a patient’s health. Rather than separating mental health and substance use concerns, our admissions team evaluates how both conditions interact and affect daily functioning.
From the first point of contact, clinical and medical staff work together to determine the most appropriate level of care and begin treatment planning without delay.
How We Coordinate Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment Together
Integrated care means both conditions are treated at the same time—not in isolation. At First City Recovery in Kokomo, Indiana, coordination includes:
- Psychiatric evaluation and medication management
- Substance use treatment and relapse prevention planning
- Individual and group therapy addressing co-occurring disorders
- Trauma-informed and evidence-based therapeutic approaches
- Ongoing communication between medical and clinical teams
This coordinated approach helps patients build stability while developing healthier coping strategies.
When Is Dual Diagnosis Care Recommended for Your Recovery Journey?
Dual diagnosis care may be recommended if you or a loved one:
- Has a diagnosed mental health condition alongside substance use
- Uses substances to cope with anxiety, depression, trauma, or mood swings
- Has experienced relapse after substance-only treatment
- Has worsening mental health symptoms during sobriety attempts
- Requires medication management alongside addiction treatment
Identifying the need for dual diagnosis care early can significantly improve recovery outcomes.
When Are Patients Assessed for Both Mental Health and Substance Needs?
Assessment for co-occurring disorders typically occurs:
- During the initial admissions screening
- Upon arrival for detox or inpatient care
- Throughout early treatment, as symptoms stabilize
Because mental health symptoms can evolve once substances are removed, ongoing assessment is an important part of the treatment process.
Why Integrating Care Improves Outcomes for Co-Occurring Disorders
Treating mental health and substance use together improves outcomes by:
- Reducing relapse risk
- Stabilizing mood and emotional regulation
- Improving engagement in therapy
- Addressing root causes of substance use
- Supporting long-term recovery planning
Patients are better equipped to manage stress, triggers, and symptoms when care is fully integrated.
Why Early Identification of Dual Diagnosis Matters for Treatment Success
Early identification allows clinicians to:
- Select appropriate therapies and medications
- Prevent symptom escalation during detox
- Avoid misdiagnosis or incomplete treatment
- Create realistic, personalized recovery plans
The sooner co-occurring conditions are identified, the more effective and sustainable treatment can be.
What Steps Are Involved in the Dual Diagnosis Intake Process?
The intake process typically includes:
- Initial phone or online consultation
- Insurance verification or financial review
- Clinical and psychiatric assessments
- Substance use history evaluation
- Level-of-care recommendation
- Admission scheduling and start of treatment
Our admissions team guides patients through each step to ensure clarity and comfort.
What Documents and Assessments Are Needed to Start Dual Diagnosis Care?
To complete admission, patients are usually asked to provide:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Insurance information (if applicable)
- Current medication list
- Mental health and medical history
- Emergency contact details
If any documentation is missing, admissions staff can help identify alternatives to prevent delays.
Final Thoughts
Dual diagnosis treatment recognizes that recovery is not one-dimensional. By addressing mental health and substance use together, First City Recovery in Kokomo provides comprehensive care that supports lasting change.
If you or someone you love is struggling with both mental health challenges and addiction, reaching out for integrated treatment can be the first step toward real, sustainable recovery. Our team is here to help guide you through admissions and into care—every step of the way.
FAQ
Who should consider dual diagnosis treatment?
Individuals with a diagnosed mental health condition alongside substance use, or those using substances to cope with anxiety, depression, trauma, or mood disorders, should consider dual diagnosis care.
When are patients assessed for dual diagnosis?
Assessments typically occur during initial admissions, upon arrival for detox or inpatient care, and continue throughout treatment as mental health symptoms may evolve once substances are removed.
What types of therapies are used in dual diagnosis treatment?
Dual diagnosis care often includes individual and group therapy, trauma-informed care, evidence-based approaches like CBT or DBT, medication management, and relapse prevention planning.
How does integrated care improve recovery outcomes?
By treating both conditions simultaneously, integrated care reduces relapse risk, stabilizes mood, improves therapy engagement, and addresses root causes of substance use.
What documents are needed for dual diagnosis admission?
Typically required documents include a government-issued photo ID, insurance information, current medication list, mental health and medical history, and emergency contact details. Admissions staff can assist if anything is missing.
