Erlanger Behavioral Health Hospital is an acute care hospital for patients who require intensive healthcare and psychiatric support. As a fully integrated behavioral health hospital, we also offer rehab services to combat co-occurring substance abuse.
Understanding Dual Diagnosis
Learn more about the dual diagnosis program at Erlanger Behavioral Health in Chattanooga, TN
Mental health concerns and psychiatric illnesses often go hand in hand with substance abuse. The reason for this is twofold. Sometimes, having an untreated mental health condition causes a person to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. This is usually an attempt to numb or lessen painful symptoms, but often results in chemical dependence.
On the other hand, abusing certain substances can alter the mind and body significantly. This can cause the onset of serious mental health concerns, or can exacerbate symptoms of existing problems.
Common Examples of Dual Diagnosis
Learn more about common examples of a dual diagnosis
Erlanger’s dual diagnosis program treats patients who have a primary mental health diagnosis and a secondary substance use disorder diagnosis. We address many types of chemical dependence, including addictions to the following substances:
- Alcohol
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Cocaine
- Various narcotics
- Prescription opioids
Some of the more common mental health conditions this program addresses include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Schizoaffective disorder
- Eating disorders
- Behavioral disturbances related to dementia
- Delusional disorders
- Psychosis
- Posttraumatic stress disorder
- Personality disorders
Treatment Modalities
Learn more about treatment modalities offered at Erlanger Behavioral Health
During your time in the dual diagnosis program at Erlanger, you’ll have access to focused, specialized care from a highly skilled treatment team. You can expect to engage with many of the following therapies and supports:
- Detox services (as needed)
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Experiential therapy
- Family therapy
- Medication management services
Detoxification
Detox can be an essential first step in your recovery from addiction to alcohol or other drugs
When you’ve become addicted to alcohol or another drug, trying to end your substance use can trigger a variety of distressing withdrawal symptoms. Depending upon which drugs you’ve been using, withdrawal can involve both physical and psychological pain. When you try to stop using alcohol or other addictive drugs on your own, the intensity of withdrawal can be a significant obstacle to recovery.
At Erlanger Behavioral Health Hospital, we can help you get through the withdrawal process with maximum safety and minimal discomfort. When you enter treatment at Erlanger, you can begin your time with us in our detoxification, or detox, program.
During detox at Erlanger, you’ll be under the care of psychiatrists, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, social workers, and other experienced professionals. These dedicated and compassionate men and women can provide therapeutic support, as well as certain prescription medications, to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. While you’re in detox, you can also begin to participate in the types of therapy that will be incorporated into your personalized addiction treatment plan when you transition into our dual diagnosis unit.
Detox at Erlanger Behavioral Health Hospital typically lasts three to seven days. As with all elements of our programming, the time you spend in detox with us will be determined solely by what’s best for you. Once you’ve completed detox, you’ll be prepared to fully engage in our dual diagnosis program.
Don’t let withdrawal prevent you from overcoming addiction and living the healthier life that you deserve. Completing detox at Erlanger Behavioral Health Hospital can be a significant step toward long-term recovery from addiction to alcohol or other drugs.
Learn More
Contact us today to learn more about the dual diagnosis program
If you have questions about the dual diagnosis program at Erlanger Behavioral Health Hospital, contact us today. A knowledgeable member of our staff is always available to provide the information you need to determine if our hospital is the right choice for yourself or a loved one.
