It is common for a person to develop an addiction to more than one substance. For instance, a user may develop an opiate and alcohol addiction at the same time, struggling with each condition in different ways. Treatment for polysubstance abuse usually includes a dual diagnosis with different levels of care for each type of addiction. Overcoming an opiate and alcohol addiction can be an uphill battle. The user must overcome psychological and physical dependency and severe withdrawal symptoms that cause pain and discomfort. Cravings are intense and can last for several weeks after all other symptoms have tapered off. However, with the right addiction treatment program, no addiction is too challenging to overcome.
What Are Co-Occurring Disorders?
Co-occurring disorders are two or more mental disorders or addictions that occur simultaneously. In most cases, therapists work with clients who have an addiction and a mental health condition. An example would be a client who suffered from opiate addiction and depression or anxiety. Common mental disorders associated with addiction include anxiety, depression, PTSD, or borderline personality disorders.
Co-occurring disorders can also imply that a person has more than one addiction. Substance use may involve abusing opiate and alcohol substances at the same time. Whether the client is suffering from addiction or mental disorders, recognizing co-occurring is vital to recovery. For this reason, addiction treatment centers in Las Vegas provide treatment through dual diagnosis.
What is Dual Diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis is a type of treatment that is focused on addressing co-occurring disorders. It is often prescribed after a therapist conducts a comprehensive assessment of the client. An assessment may involve interviewing the client, looking at their medical history, speaking with their family, or giving them a physical. Once the assessment is complete, the treatment specialist may recommend a dual diagnosis to ensure that the client is provided with the necessary treatment to avoid relapsing after rehab.
There are several benefits to dual diagnosis:
- The therapist can identify the root causes of the addiction.
- The therapist can explore the relationship between addictions.
- The client can develop skills to cope with both addictions.
- A wide variety of evidence-based treatment is available.
- It increases the chances of a sustainable recovery.
- It is a more holistic form of addiction treatment.
Dual diagnosis can also be used in a pain recovery program if a person has an opiate and alcohol addiction because of coping with chronic or severe pain.
Treatment Available for Opiate and Alcohol Addiction
A comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment program is available for polysubstance abuse. Treatment programs often include:
- Medically-monitored detox
- Inpatient rehabilitation
- Partial hospitalization programs
- Intensive outpatient program
Las Vegas Recovery Center offers a full addiction care package that guides the client through each stage of recovery. Detox facilities include medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and emergency care. Rehab involves one-on-one therapy and support groups. Aftercare provides extended support through alumni programs and sober living houses or residential recovery programs.
Detoxing from Polysubstance Abuse
It is important to understand that detoxing from opiates and alcohol at the same time can be risky. Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild irritations to life-threatening side effects. Also, the cravings are far more intense because the body is adjusting to the absence of multiple substances.
For the safety and well-being of the user, it is important to seek professional help at a drug and alcohol detox center. Detox centers offer 24/7 monitoring and care, a fully-licensed medical staff, and medication to treat the withdrawal symptoms.
Get Help for Polysubstance Abuse at Las Vegas Recovery Center
If you or a loved one have an opiate and alcohol addiction, contact Las Vegas Recovery Center. Our addiction treatment center has all you need to get off drugs and alcohol and stay clean for life. Call Las Vegas Recovery Center at 844.332.2076 to find out more about your treatment options.
