Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers Denver Locals Can Trust

Are you or your loved one looking for dual diagnosis treatment centers Denver locals can trust? Mile High Recovery Center is here to help you heal.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers Denver: Mile High Recovery Center

Located in the heart of Denver, Colorado, Mile High Recovery Center (MHRC) isn’t just another rehab facility. We’re a community dedicated to helping people heal from both substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions.

Since 2016, we’ve been one of the top dual diagnosis treatment centers Denver locals can trust. We empower people to reclaim their lives through personalized, evidence-based treatment plans that address the mind, body, and spirit.

dual diagnosis treatment centers denver

Manifestation of Dual Diagnosis

Dual diagnosis can manifest in various ways, with common co-occurring conditions including:
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Trauma
  • ADHD
  • Substance use disorder (SUD)
It’s crucial to seek treatment that addresses the unique needs of each person, regardless of their specific diagnoses.

Why Dual Diagnosis Treatment Matters

7.7 million people with a substance use disorder also struggle with a mental health condition.1 Further, substance abuse is twice as prevalent among adults with mental illness.2
This phenomenon is known as dual diagnosis. It requires specialized treatment that addresses both issues at the same time. Neglecting one can significantly hinder recovery in the other.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers Denver: Understanding Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Dual diagnosis refers to a condition in which a person experiences both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder at the same time. This term is often used in the context of mental health and addiction treatment.3

For example, someone with dual diagnosis might have depression and also struggle with alcohol dependence. In another case, they might have anxiety disorder and misuse opioids.

Dual diagnosis can present unique challenges in diagnosis and treatment because the symptoms of one disorder can worsen the symptoms of the other. This can lead to a cycle of self-medication and worsening both conditions.

Symptoms of Dual Diagnosis

The types of conditions in a dual diagnosis can vary greatly. But, there are some common symptoms of both mental health conditions and substance use disorders.

Mental Health Disorder Symptoms

These symptoms can vary widely depending on the specific disorder. But, the most common symptoms can include:
  • Persistent sadness, anxiety, or irritability
  • Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  • Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
  • Mood swings or extreme highs and lows

Substance Use Disorder Symptoms

These can also vary depending on the substance being misused. Symptoms may include:
  • Loss of control over substance use
  • Cravings for the substance
  • Continued use despite negative consequences
  • Tolerance (needing more of the substance to get the same effect)
  • Withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance

Risk Factors for Dual Diagnosis

Some common risk factors for dual diagnosis include:
  • Genetics and family history: Having a family history of mental illness or substance misuse can increase the risk.
  • Trauma: Childhood trauma can increase the likelihood of developing both mental health and substance use disorders. Examples include abuse or neglect.
  • Environmental factors: Stressful life events, poverty, and exposure to substance abuse in the community can contribute to the development of dual diagnosis.
  • Brain chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters and brain chemistry can predispose people to both mental health and substance use disorders.

Impacts of Dual Diagnosis

While the impact of a dual diagnosis is different from person to person, some common effects can include:
  • Diminished treatment outcomes: People with dual diagnosis often have more complex treatment needs. This can lead to less favorable outcomes if both disorders are not addressed at the same time.
  • Increased risk of suicide: The presence of both mental health and substance use disorders significantly increases the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
  • Chronic health issues: Substance abuse can lead to various physical health problems. Untreated mental illness can worsen existing health conditions.
  • Social and occupational impairment: Dual diagnosis can interfere with relationships, employment, education, and general functioning in daily life.

Common Co-Occurring Disorders

Some common co-occurring conditions include:
  • Depression and alcohol use disorder
  • Anxiety disorders (such as PTSD, OCD) and substance use disorder (SUD)
  • Bipolar disorder and substance use disorder
  • Schizophrenia and substance abuse
  • Personality disorders (such as borderline personality disorder) and substance use disorder

Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers Denver: Challenges in Addressing Co-Occurring Disorders

Treating dual diagnosis presents unique challenges due to the complex interaction between the two conditions.
Some of the key hurdles include:
  • Misdiagnosis: One condition may be misdiagnosed or overlooked. This can lead to ineffective treatment.
  • Fragmented care: Traditional systems often treat SUDs and mental health separately, hindering holistic recovery.
  • Stigma: Shame and discrimination can prevent people from seeking help.
  • Lack of trained professionals: Finding specialists equipped to handle both conditions at the same time can be difficult.

The Importance of Integrated Treatment in Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers Denver

Effective dual diagnosis treatment requires an integrated approach that addresses both the SUD and mental health conditions at the same time.
This involves:
  • Comprehensive assessment: Identifying the specific needs and diagnoses of each person.
  • Tailored treatment plan: Combining evidence-based therapies for both SUD and mental health disorders.
  • Collaborative team: Psychiatrists, therapists, addiction specialists, and other professionals working together to provide holistic care.
  • Support systems: Individual, group, and family therapy to address underlying issues, build coping skills, and prevent relapses.
Providing dual diagnosis treatment centers Denver residents can trust is the mission of Mile High Recovery Center.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers Denver: The Mile High Difference

At Mile High Recovery Center, one of the top dual diagnosis treatment centers Denver has to offer, we go beyond simply treating symptoms. We understand that dual diagnosis requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes and empowers people to heal on all levels.

Here’s what sets our Denver treatment center apart:

Our Approach to Dual Diagnosis Treatment

At Mile High Recovery Center, our approach to dual diagnosis treatment is rooted in compassion, understanding, and personalized care.
We recognize that each person’s journey to recovery is unique. Because of this, we’re dedicated to providing comprehensive support that addresses the complex interplay between substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions.

Multidisciplinary Team Expertise

Our multidisciplinary team brings together expertise from various fields, including:

  • Addiction medicine
  • Psychiatry
  • Psychology
  • Counseling
  • Nursing
  • Holistic therapies
With a staff-to-client ratio that ensures individualized attention and support, our team is committed to guiding clients through every step of their recovery journey.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers Denver: Tailored Treatment Plans for Individual Needs

We understand that each person’s needs and preferences are different. This is why we emphasize the importance of tailored treatment plans at Mile High Recovery Center.
Upon admission, each client undergoes a thorough assessment to identify their unique:
  • Needs
  • Challenges
  • Strengths
  • Goals
Based on this assessment, our team collaborates with the client to develop a customized treatment plan that addresses their specific mental health and substance use concerns.

Holistic Care and Evidence-Based Practices

Holistic care and evidence-based practices are at the core of our treatment approach at Mile High Recovery Center. We believe in treating the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – and offer a wide range of therapeutic modalities to support holistic healing.
We use evidence-based practices that have been proven effective in promoting long-term recovery. These include:
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) 
  • Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
  • Trauma-focused therapies
  • Holistic interventions such as meditation, art therapy, and outdoor adventure therapy

Impactful Strategies in Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers Denver

At Mile High Recovery, we use a diverse array of impactful strategies to address the specific needs of those facing dual diagnosis, making us one of the dual diagnosis treatment centers Denver locals can count on.
Here are some key approaches we incorporate:

Integrated Therapies for Healing

Our team uses a range of evidence-based therapies along with a holistic approach, carefully selected to address individual needs and diagnoses. These may include:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

CBT identifies and helps modify negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to both SUD and mental health concerns.
CBT provides practical strategies for:4
  • Managing cravings
  • Addressing triggers
  • Developing healthier coping mechanisms

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

DBT teaches skills critical for managing emotional distress and preventing self-destructive behaviors. These include:

  • Emotional regulation
  • Mindfulness
  • Interpersonal effectiveness
DBT enhances coping skills and fosters resilience in people with co-occurring disorders by promoting acceptance.5

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR can be helpful in addressing trauma-related symptoms often co-occurring with SUD. EMDR facilitates the processing and resolution of traumatic memories. This helps reduce their impact on mental health and substance use outcomes.6

Group Therapy

Group therapy provides a supportive environment for:
  • Sharing experiences
  • Learning from peers
  • Practicing coping skills

Group therapy fosters a sense of belonging and connection while promoting social skills development and peer support networks crucial for recovery.

12-Step Support

This approach incorporates the valuable principles of 12-Step programs while respecting individual beliefs and preferences. 12-Step support groups offer a structured framework for spiritual and personal growth. This provides a sense of community and accountability in the recovery journey.

Meditation

Meditation encourages mindfulness practices to promote relaxation, stress management, and self-awareness.
It cultivates present-moment awareness and emotional regulation, empowering people to:
  • Cope with cravings
  • Manage triggers
  • Enhance well-being

Equine Therapy

Equine therapy offers emotional connection, trust-building, and communication skills development through interactions with horses.

Equine-assisted therapy promotes:
  • Self-awareness
  • Empathy
  • Emotional regulation
This provides a unique experiential approach to healing and personal growth.

Adventure Therapy

Adventure therapy encourages teamwork, challenges, and personal growth in an outdoor setting. It promotes resilience, self-efficacy, and problem-solving skills while fostering a sense of adventure and empowerment in recovery.

Art Therapy

Art therapy provides a creative outlet for self-expression and emotional processing. Art therapy:
  • Enhances self-awareness
  • Promotes emotional healing
  • Facilitates insight into underlying emotions and experiences
This approach offers a non-verbal means of communication and self-discovery.

Medication Management and Monitoring

For some people, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can be a valuable tool in managing both SUD and mental health symptoms. Our medical professionals carefully assess each case and, if appropriate, provide MAT in conjunction with therapy and other support services.

We ensure close monitoring and regular adjustments to optimize the effectiveness and safety of medication.

Relapse Prevention Strategies

Relapse is a possibility in any recovery journey. We don’t shy away from this reality; instead, we actively equip clients with relapse prevention strategies such as:
    1. Identifying triggers: We help people recognize situations, emotions, or substances that could lead to relapse and develop coping mechanisms to navigate them safely.
    2. Building a support network: We emphasize the importance of connecting with supportive people and communities that encourage healthy choices and provide accountability.
    3. Developing healthy lifestyle habits: We promote activities like exercise, healthy eating, and mindfulness practices that contribute to well-being and reduce vulnerability to relapse.
    4. Creating a relapse prevention plan: We collaborate with clients to develop personalized plans outlining steps to take if they experience urges to use substances again.
dual diagnosis treatment centers denver

Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers Denver: Levels of Care at Mile High Recovery Center

At Mile High Recovery Center, we understand that each person’s journey to recovery is unique. That’s why we offer a range of levels of care to meet our clients’ diverse needs, ensuring they receive the appropriate level of support at every stage of their recovery journey.
Our levels of care include:

Residential Treatment

Our residential treatment program provides a structured and supportive environment where clients can focus on their recovery full-time. With 24/7 supervision and comprehensive therapeutic interventions, clients receive intensive care to address their dual diagnosis needs.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Our PHP offers a step-down level of care for clients transitioning from residential treatment or for those who need more intensive support than outpatient care. Clients attend programming during the day and return home or to a sober living environment in the evenings.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Our IOP is designed for clients who need ongoing support but can benefit from greater flexibility. Clients attend therapy sessions several times a week while gradually reintegrating into their daily lives and responsibilities.

Outpatient Treatment

Our outpatient treatment program offers flexible scheduling and individualized care for clients who have completed higher levels of care or for those who need less intensive support. Clients attend therapy sessions on a part-time basis while maintaining their daily routines.

Sober Living

For clients transitioning from higher levels of care or seeking support in a structured environment, our sober living residences offer a safe and supportive living environment. Here, clients can practice the skills they’ve learned in treatment while gradually reintegrating into the community.

Find Your Path to Healing at Mile High Recovery Center

If you or a loved one is struggling with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, we encourage you to take the first step toward healing by reaching out for comprehensive care at Mile High Recovery Center.
We pride ourselves in being one of the best dual diagnosis treatment centers Denver has to offer.

Contact us today at 303-268-2144 or fill our contact form for assistance. Our compassionate team is here to provide support, guidance, and personalized treatment to help you achieve lasting recovery and reclaim your life. Don’t wait to seek help – your journey to wellness begins here.

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Reach Out Today to See How Mile High Recovery Center Can Help You Heal

If you or a loved one are ready to regain autonomy over your lives and well-being, recovery starts here. Let us guide you toward sustainable wellness and sobriety through our personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs and experiences. We look forward to hearing from you!