Why Dual Diagnosis Treatment Is Used for SAD

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is just one of many types of mental illnesses that often pairs with addiction as part of a dual diagnosis. However, with the right help from dual diagnosis treatment programs, you can gain a successful, lasting recovery from both of these conditions. This isn’t something you can handle on your own. Without a dual diagnosis treatment center at your disposal, you live each day with a higher risk of continuing the cycle of substance abuse in an attempt to silence the discomfort of your SAD.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Seasonal affective disorder is one type of depression. This type causes more symptoms in the winter months than at other times of the year.

With SAD, you experience your most profound depression with the coming of cold and gray weather. In addition, the shorter days and increased indoor living that the winter months bring add to the effects that you may feel.

You possibly feel better as the days get longer as the calendar moves toward spring. However, some people actually grow even more depressed with the next change of season. Your unique condition requires you to seek help from an individualized treatment plan.

The most common symptoms of SAD include:

• Broken or damaged relationships
• Work problems
• Self-care problems
• Neglected household responsibilities
• Sadness and depression
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Lack of personal enjoyment in favorite activities

Because of your SAD struggles, you possibly turned to drugs or alcohol in order to cope. This method of self-medicating is actually quite common. However, instead of helping you feel better, drugs and alcohol only make your SAD symptoms worse in the long run. Self-medication also leads to addiction and the need for dual diagnosis substance abuse treatment.

Treating Addiction and Seasonal Affective Disorder in Rehab

Dual diagnosis of addiction and depression treatment programs provide the help you need to end both of your troubling conditions. Also, through dual diagnosis treatment, you learn about your addiction and SAD, how to prevent relapse, and ways of coping with your triggering symptoms. Through all of this treatment and education, you gain a real chance of a better life in recovery.

Programs and treatments you need for lasting recovery include:

• Medical detox program
• Dual diagnosis treatment
• Individualized care
• Talk therapy and behavioral therapy
• Experiential therapy activities like art, fitness, equine, music, and hiking
• 12-step or non-12 step approaches to rehab

You also need treatment that engages you through the therapies and methods you enjoy. Therefore, seek an agreeable climate offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. You also need one with experience in the treatment of SAD, preferably an accredited rehab treatment program. If you want to recover, you need the right people helping you do it.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment For SAD

Dual diagnosis treatment can treat people with both a mental health disorder and substance use disorder. It focuses on helping individuals recognize and manage the individual symptoms of each disorder, while also helping them develop healthy coping skills. Dual diagnosis treatment typically includes components such as psychological counseling, group therapy, family support, medication management, and lifestyle modifications.

The goal of dual diagnosis treatment is to help individuals manage both the mental health and substance use disorder, as well as any related issues such as physical health concerns or employment difficulties. With an effective treatment plan and support system in place, individuals with a dual diagnosis can lead healthy and productive lives.

De-stigmatizing dual diagnosis treatment is essential for individuals to get the help they need. It’s important to remember that a dual diagnosis does not define a person, and recovery is possible. With the right support system in place, individuals with a dual diagnosis can learn how to manage both of their conditions in order to lead a healthier life.

Finding the Dual Diagnosis Program for Your SAD and Addiction Treatment Needs

For your best chance of recovery from SAD and addiction, look for a treatment program providing individualized treatment planning. You should also seek a program offering an array of levels of care, such as residential, PHP, IOP, OP, and aftercare. For a sober lifestyle to last, you need a customized approach to your recovery.

SAD and addiction don’t have to call all the shots in your life. There are reliable treatment options available that can help you conquer your symptoms and live a happy and sober life.

In Jacksonville, Florida, Beaches Recovery provides all of these dual diagnosis programs and treatment methods for addiction and seasonal affective disorder. At Beaches, you spend sunny days learning about your two conditions and how to build a better life that you deserve. All of this treatment takes place with acceptance of your Aetna, BCBS, Humana, Magellan, VA CCN, or insurance benefits. Call Beaches Recovery at 866.605.0532 for more information about how to beat SAD and addiction at the same time.