Understanding the Role of the Dual Diagnosis 12 Steps Program in Recovery
Read on to learn about the role of the dual diagnosis 12 steps program in addiction recovery and mental health management at Rise Above Treatment.
What Is the 12-Step Program?
The 12-step program is a structured approach to addiction recovery and personal growth. This program has been used and adopted by various mutual support groups. It was initially developed by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in the 1930s. Utilizing a dual diagnosis 12 steps program can help during recovery.1
The 12-step program has since been adopted by support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Cocaine Anonymous (CA) to address different types of addictions. At Rise Above Treatment, we use the 12-step program to address typical concerns and needs of those in recovery.
This structure can be important in supporting treatment plans for dual diagnosis patients during recovery.
Coordinating Treatments to the 12-Step Program
The 12-step program provides structure for many treatment modalities. Rise Above Treatment can work with you to adapt the program to meet your needs during dual diagnosis care.
This approach provides comprehensive recovery treatment for individuals suffering from one or more addictions. It can also benefit those with a dual diagnosis of an addiction and a mental health challenge.
Core Principles of the 12-Step Program
The 12-step program is based on a set of principles and practices. These are designed to guide individuals through a process of recovery and transformation.
The importance of Group Meetings in the 12-Step Program
Meetings provide a safe space for the following:
- Talking about recovery
- Receiving guidance from more experienced members
- Maintaining sobriety
- Addressing underlying issues
- Developing coping skills
- Fostering personal growth
At Rise Above Treatment, individuals share their experiences and provide support at group meetings. The dual diagnosis 12 steps are complemented by regular attendance.3
How Does Our Facility Incorporate the Principles of the 12-Step Program?
Rise Above Treatment has incorporated the principles of the 12-step program. We help our patients incorporate the following in their recovery journey:
- An honest approach
- Moral inventory
- A willingness to change
- A desire to make amends
- A willingness to help others
An Honest Approach
An honest approach to recovery from a dual diagnosis is necessary. This can mean acknowledging that an addiction has become unmanageable.
Recognizing the need for help and support is a positive approach. This enhances the benefits of the dual diagnosis 12 steps program.
Self-Reflection and Moral Inventory
In addressing where we’ve fallen short, we can open up to personal growth and change. Conducting an honest and thorough self-examination helps in identifying the following:
- Personal shortcomings
- Character defects
- Past mistakes
A Willingness to Change
A willingness to change opens us to personal growth and transformation. It is helpful to let go of the following:
- Negative behaviors
- Poor attitudes
- Unhealthy habits
Making Amends
Addiction affects those around us as well as ourselves. Whenever possible, we should identify the people who have been affected by our addiction. We should express a readiness to rectify the damage the addiction has caused them.
Service and Helping Others
Carrying the message of recovery to others struggling with addiction can enhance the healing principles of the 12-step program.
How Does The 12-Step Approach Benefit Individuals With Co-Occurring Issues?
In dual-diagnosis treatment, the focus is on co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. The dual diagnosis 12 steps program can benefit those in recovery. It offers the framework for dual diagnosis treatment and recovery care.4
A Holistic Approach
The dual diagnosis 12 steps approach recognizes that mental health and substance use disorders are interconnected. A holistic understanding of an individual is necessary for recovery that addresses the following underlying issues:
- Emotional dysregulation
- Psychological issues
- Lack of spiritual awareness
Mutual Support
The dual diagnosis 12 steps approach also encourages individuals to participate in group meetings. Group meetings offer the following benefits:
- Understanding
- Empathy
- Support from others
This sense of community can be valuable for individuals with co-occurring disorders.
Stigma and Self-Disclosure
Individuals with dual diagnosis often face stigma. Our treatment center creates a safe, non-judgmental atmosphere so that individuals can feel comfortable sharing their experiences.
It is essential to build trust and foster open communication with qualified professionals. Dual diagnosis 12 steps programs can help reduce stigma and encourage holistic healing. This facilitates more effective treatment.
Structure and Accountability
The dual diagnosis 12 steps program provides a structured framework for recovery. This can be especially beneficial for individuals with a dual diagnosis.Â
Our step-by-step progression helps individuals with the following:
- Setting goals
- Tracking progress
- Taking accountability for actions
- Maintaining a sense of responsibility
- Feeling empowered to make changes
Self-Awareness
The dual diagnosis 12 steps approach emphasizes self-reflection. This leads to a deeper understanding of the following:
- Mental health issues
- Addiction issues
- Problematic behaviors
Coping Strategies
The 12-step programs also provides coping strategies and tools to help with the following:5
- Managing cravings
- Relieving stress
- Coping with risk factors
Creating Comprehensive Treatment Plans
Our treatment center integrates the dual diagnosis 12 steps program as a core component of our philosophy. Our center addresses the unique needs of dual diagnosis individuals. This stresses the importance of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Flexibility in the 12-Step Approach
Treatment centers may make changes to the 12 steps program to include mental health aspects. In a dual diagnosis, this can involve tailoring the following aspects of the program:
- Language
- Content
- Structure
This flexibility ensures that the 12-steps approach remains relevant. This also ensures the effectiveness of the program in the context of co-occurring disorders.
Treatment Collaboration
It is important to address the interplay between mental health and substance addiction. At Rise Above Treatment, professionals with expertise in both areas will collaborate. This ensures the development of comprehensive treatment plans.
Medication-Assisted Therapy
Medication may be prescribed to manage mental health symptoms in the dual diagnosis 12 steps program. It is important to ensure proper medication management, as some substances can interact adversely with certain medications.
Ensuring Safety in Medication-Assisted Therapy
Our facility involves collaboration between the following individuals to ensure safe and effective medication treatment:
- Mental health professionals
- Addiction specialists
- Medical personnel
Dual-Focused Groups and Therapies
Traditional 12 step programs often focus on one substance addiction. This is without considering other components in treatment.
Rise Above Treatment integrates the dual diagnosis 12 steps program into the recovery process. This is to supplement addiction therapies with mental health therapies.
Dual-focused therapies offer a comprehensive approach. This helps create a supportive environment for recovery.
Why Is Coordinated Care Important?
Our treatment center involves a multidisciplinary team that collaborates closely. This ensures a coordinated approach to addressing several conditions at once. Regular communication and information sharing helps prevent fragmented care.
Relapse Prevention
Dual diagnosis individuals may be at higher risk of relapse. This is due to the complex interaction between mental health and substance addiction.
Rise Above Treatment can utilize a dual diagnosis 12 steps treatment focus for individuals who need it. We focus on providing the following relapse prevention strategies:
- Ongoing support
- Therapy
- Risk education
- Coping mechanisms
Dual Diagnosis Treatment Recovery Plan With the 12-Steps Program
The 12-step approach combines evidence-based therapies and treatment modalities. Our approach tailors the 12-step program to fit individual needs. This includes the needs of those suffering from addiction and mental health disorders.
This can enhance the effectiveness of dual diagnosis treatment. Our patients develop coping strategies for the challenges specific to dual diagnosis.
Comprehensive Treatment
Dual diagnosis treatment requires a comprehensive approach. Treatment must address mental health and addiction simultaneously.
In the dual diagnosis 12 steps program at our facility, evidence-based therapies are integrated. It is important to use proven modalities in dual diagnosis treatment.
We provide a comprehensive and holistic treatment experience. This combination allows for a broader range of interventions. We can address the specific needs of individuals with co-occurring disorders.
Individualized Care
Our integrated approach tailors the 12-step intervention to each individual’s unique needs. There are various evidence-based therapies that we use, including the following:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Motivational interviewing (MI)
How Does the 12-Steps Program Help Structure Therapies?
These therapies can be incorporated in the 12-steps program to address specific mental health symptoms. They help individuals to develop coping strategies and change unhealthy behaviors.
The dual diagnosis 12 steps approach complements these therapies. It does so by offering a framework and becomes an important tool. Our treatments provide ongoing support and ensure relapse prevention.
The Expertise Offered at Rise Above Treatment
It is necessary to integrate evidence-based therapies with the dual diagnosis 12 steps approach. This requires a multidisciplinary team of professionals.
These professionals should have expertise in both addiction and mental health. This allows for a comprehensive treatment approach.
Rise Above Treatment specializes in dual diagnosis. We have staff trained in various therapeutic modalities. Our expertise ensures that individuals receive appropriate care.
Skill-Building and Coping Strategies
Evidence-based therapies offer practical tools, skills, and coping strategies. These help individuals manage the following:
- Mental health symptoms
- Addiction cravings
- Stressors
Our strategy integrates the principles and practices of the dual diagnosis 12 steps program. Through this approach, individuals develop a broader repertoire of skills to navigate challenges.
Addressing Underlying Issues
Substance addiction and mental health challenges often have underlying root causes. Evidence-based therapies explore and address underlying issues that can include the following:
- Trauma
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Distorted thinking patterns
The Importance of a Dual-Focus in Treatment
Our center realizes the importance of a dual focus in treatment when the diagnosis involves more than one addiction. Mental health is often a factor in addiction. Treatment plans often fail to incorporate the fact that a connection exists between mental health and substance addiction.7
It is vital to make this connection during treatment. This can be done through combining therapies with the dual diagnosis 12 steps approach. This leads to more comprehensive healing and personal growth.
Support and Community
The 12-step approach emphasizes peer support and community involvement. Evidence-based therapies along with the dual diagnosis 12 steps provides individuals with a wider support network that includes the following:
- Therapists
- Counselors
- Peers
What Are the Effects of Support and Community in Recovery?
An integrated approach to addiction recovery aids in the following:
- Fostering a sense of belonging
- Reducing isolation
- Promoting social connections
Long-Term Maintenance
Dual diagnosis treatment aims to provide individuals with the right tools and support which are needed for long-term recovery. Our treatment center equips individuals with a range of resources to help with the following:
- Maintaining recovery progress beyond the structured treatment period
- Ongoing engagement in the 12-steps community
- Using coping skills to sustain recovery over time
How Rise Above Treatment Can Help
At Rise Above Treatment, we understand the connections between mental health and addiction. We provide addiction rehabilitation services that address interplay between mental health and addiction. Our rehab center is home to caring and supportive staff that can help you.
Our California rehabilitation center offers the ideal location for healing and transformative recovery.
Substance Addiction Recovery at Rise Above Treatment
We offer dual diagnosis treatment involving addictions to the following substances:
- Alcohol
- Fentanyl
- Benzodiazepine
- Amphetamine
- Cocaine
Our Compassionate Team
Rise Above Treatment offers a variety of services. At our treatment center, you will find a team of compassionate and experienced professionals. We can help you heal from addiction and transform your life.
Reach Out to Learn More
Recovery is possible with the right support and guidance. That’s why Rise Above Treatment is dedicated to empowering you to overcome addiction and build a better future for yourself and your loved ones.
We are proud to welcome you or someone you love into our community of healing. Contact us today to learn more about how we can integrate the dual diagnosis 12 steps program in your recovery.
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Are you ready to Rise Above your mental health and addiction challenges?
Reach out to us today. Let us provide the support and guidance needed for sustainable recovery and wellness, allowing you to lead the happy, healthy, and fulfilling life you deserve.
Resources
- 1https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/12-step-program
- 2https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3753023/
- 3https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0740547299000203
- 4https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2968703/
- 5https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4768745/
- 6https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/03/the-surprising-failures-of-12-steps/284616/
- 7https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.4073/csr.2017.2
