If you suffer from a drug or alcohol addiction and find that your mental health has also declined, you may require co-occurring disorder (dual diagnosis) treatment.

At Nova Recovery, we specialise in addressing both challenges through integrated and comprehensive treatment programmes designed to promote long-term recovery.

For many individuals like yourself, the reality that a co-occurring disorder is impairing your life can be somewhat devastating.  Addictions alone have grave consequences.  Combined with a mental health disorder such as anxiety or depression, addictions can be life-threatening.

However, at Nova Recovery, we provide co-occurring disorder (dual diagnosis) treatment to those in need. Our private rehab centre is well-placed with leading psychiatrists and mental health nursing staff to ensure that each case is diagnosed and treated properly.

If you have reason to believe that you are a victim of both an addiction and a mental health disorder, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us as soon as possible to discuss how we can support you as you look to simultaneously overcome your addiction and seek treatment for your mental health disorder.

Email Icon Get in Touch

Our admissions team can give you expert help and advice on the best options available for treating co-occurring disorders, get in touch today to find out more.

Contact Us

What is Dual Diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis involves the coexistence of a mental health issue, such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD, alongside a substance use disorder, including alcohol or drug addiction.

Both conditions interact in ways that can complicate the path to recovery. Untreated mental health problems can exacerbate addiction, whereas substance misuse often worsens mental health symptoms. It’s essential to treat both conditions simultaneously to achieve lasting results.

The Importance of Integrated Treatment

At Nova Recovery, our dual diagnosis treatment focuses on holistic care, treating the mind and body together.

Traditional rehab services often focus on substance use alone, which may leave underlying mental health issues unaddressed. This can increase the risk of relapse and hinder long-term recovery. With dual diagnosis, our approach ensures that we treat the entire individual, addressing the root causes of both conditions.

Our Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Our treatment programme for individuals who receive a dual diagnosis is evidence-based and personalised for each client. It includes:

Comprehensive Assessment

We begin with a full mental health and substance use assessment.

This thorough evaluation helps us to understand the specific combination of challenges you face and design a bespoke treatment plan. Our team of psychiatrists, therapists, and addiction specialists work together to create a holistic plan tailored to your needs.

Detoxification

Due to substance dependence being present, a medically supervised detox is the first step.

Our team provides around-the-clock-care, ensuring that detox is safe and effective, managing withdrawal symptoms whilst also offering the emotional and psychological support needed for effective treatment.

Integrated Therapy

Dual diagnosis requires a range of therapeutic approaches, both for mental health and addiction. Some of the therapies we offer include:

  • Cognitive behavioural therapy: Helps identify and manage negative thought patterns that contribute to both addiction and mental health problems.
  • Dialectical behaviour therapy: Focuses on emotional regulation and coping strategies for individuals with severe mental health issues.
  • Trauma therapy: Addresses past trauma that may contribute to both mental illness and substance misuse.
  • Group therapy: Builds peer support networks and provides a platform for sharing experiences.

Holistic Therapies

Alongside traditional therapy, we also offer holistic treatments such as mindfulness, yoga, and meditation to promote mental well-being and encourage emotional healing.

Comprehensive Aftercare and Support

Recovery is an ongoing process. Upon completing treatment, we offer a free, 12-month aftercare package to support long-term sobriety and mental health stability. This includes continued therapy, relapse prevention strategies, and support group connections.

 

Why Choose Nova Recovery for Dual Diagnosis?

Our dual diagnosis treatment centre in Largs, Scotland, offers a serene, supportive environment where individuals can focus on their recovery.

We are one of the few facilities in the UK that provide specialist dual diagnosis treatment. Our multidisciplinary team is committed to helping clients navigate both their mental health and addiction challenges through a comprehensive and compassionate approach.

We use the latest evidence-based practices to ensure that every individual receives the care they need for successful long-term recovery.

Key Benefits of Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Personalised Care

Every individual has unique challenges and experiences when dealing with both mental health and substance use disorders.

At Nova Recovery, we take the time to assess each person’s specific needs through thorough evaluations. By understanding the particular combination of mental health and addiction struggles, we create tailored treatment plans that address both conditions comprehensively.

This personalised approach allows us to adapt therapies and interventions as needed, ensuring that the client receives the best possible care for their situation.

Holistic Healing

Dual diagnosis treatment at Nova Recovery goes beyond addressing just the mental or physical aspects of recovery.

We take a holistic approach, which means we consider all facets of the person’s well-being, including mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. This comprehensive care model incorporates a mix of therapies, from psychological support to wellness activities like yoga and meditation, which help clients achieve balance and recovery in all areas of their lives.

This broad approach ensures that the underlying issues contributing to both conditions are addressed.

Improved Outcomes

Treating both addiction and mental health issues simultaneously has been proven to lead to far better long-term outcomes. When one disorder is left untreated, it often undermines the treatment of the other, leading to relapse or incomplete recovery.

By focusing on integrated care, our dual diagnosis program helps individuals understand the connection between their mental health and substance use, equipping them with the skills to manage both. This results in more sustainable recovery as individuals learn coping strategies that work for both challenges.

Private and Supportive Environment

Recovery can be overwhelming, but a supportive, calm environment can make all the difference.

At Nova Recovery, we’ve created a serene and comfortable setting where clients can focus solely on their recovery without the distractions and stressors of everyday life. Our facility provides a peaceful retreat, encouraging healing and allowing individuals to engage fully with the therapeutic process. The nurturing environment helps people to feel safe and supported throughout their stay.

Comprehensive Aftercare

Recovery doesn’t end once treatment is complete. Our aftercare program ensures that clients continue to receive support as they transition back into their lives outside of inpatient rehabilitation.

As touched on earlier, our aftercare services at Nova Recovery are comprehensive. We typically include ongoing therapy sessions, support groups, and frequent check-ins to monitor progress. We believe this continued, high level of care is essential in preventing relapse and helping clients maintain their mental health, which is why we offer our packages free of charge.

We stay with you every step of the way, ensuring that the tools and strategies learned during treatment are reinforced long after the initial program ends.

How Long Does Co-Occurring Disorder (Dual Diagnosis) Treatment Last For?

Knowing how long it will take you to complete co-occurring disorder (dual diagnosis) treatment is tricky.  This is because the severity of your addiction and mental health disorder will essentially determine how you respond to treatment and how well you make headway. However, the recommended time frame to allow for treatment is 28 days.

Throughout your time in our rehab, we will continue to monitor your progress, and we will approach you when we believe that you are ready to leave rehab.

Please remember that your recovery cannot be rushed.  Recovering from a co-occurring disorder is life-long progress, and you must be fully committed to this if you are to complete co-occurring disorder (dual diagnosis) treatment successfully.

Contact Nova Recovery Today

If you would like to find out more about our co-occurring disorder (dual diagnosis) treatment, please contact us.

Likewise, if you would like to refer yourself for treatment, you can do so by calling 01475 303998.

Our admissions team will provide you with the information you need and will be on hand to ensure that you can commence treatment as soon as possible.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment FAQs

What types of mental health disorders are commonly treated alongside substance use disorders in Dual Diagnosis?

At Nova Recovery, we frequently address conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and schizophrenia. Each and every case is unique. So, our treatment plans are personalised to address the specific combination of mental health and substance use challenges an individual faces.

How is the treatment approach for dual diagnosis different from standard addiction treatment?

Dual Diagnosis treatment differs as it simultaneously addresses both the substance use disorder and the underlying mental health condition. This integrated approach is essential because untreated mental health disorders can contribute to relapse. We utilise a combination of therapies, including cognitive-behavioural therapy, medication management, and holistic therapies, to ensure both conditions are managed together for long-term recovery.

What role does trauma play in dual diagnosis, and how is it addressed?

Trauma is a common underlying factor in both mental health disorders and substance use disorders. At Nova Recovery, we take a trauma-informed approach, meaning we recognise the impact of trauma on each individual’s mental health and substance use. Through specialised therapies or trauma-focused CBT, we help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences while managing their addiction.

Will I need to take medications for both my mental health condition and substance use disorder?

Medication management can be an essential part of dual diagnosis treatment, but it depends on your specific situation. Some individuals may benefit from medications like antidepressants or mood stabilisers to manage mental health symptoms. Others might use medications such as naltrexone or buprenorphine for addiction recovery. Our medical team works closely with you to find the right balance, always considering your comfort and long-term recovery.

How do you ensure that the treatment for mental health doesn't trigger substance use relapse?

Treating both conditions simultaneously helps reduce the risk of one condition triggering the other. For example, untreated depression or anxiety can lead to substance use as a form of self-medication. By addressing both disorders at the same time, we help individuals build resilience and coping skills through therapy, reducing the likelihood of relapse. Consistent monitoring, support groups, and aftercare plans are also essential parts of preventing setbacks.

Is dual diagnosis treatment suitable for someone with a severe mental health disorder?

Yes, dual diagnosis treatment is often necessary for individuals with severe mental health conditions - especially because these disorders can exacerbate substance use. Our team includes psychiatric professionals who specialise in managing severe mental health issues, ensuring that treatment is safe and effective. The comprehensive, integrated care model is designed to address both the intensity of the mental health condition and the addiction, creating a balanced, supportive environment for recovery.

John Gillen - Author - Last updated: October 23, 2024

John has travelled extensively around the world, culminating in 19 years’ experience looking at different models. He is the European pioneer of NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) treatment to Europe in 2010; and recently back from the USA bringing state of the art Virtual Reality Relapse Prevention and stress reduction therapy. His passion extends to other metabolic disturbances and neurodegenerative diseases. The journey continues. In recent times, John has travelled to Russia to study and research into a new therapy photobiomudulation or systemic laser therapy working with NAD+ scientists and the very best of the medical professionals in the UK and the USA, together with Nadcell, Bionad Hospitals own select Doctors, nurses, dieticians and therapists. Johns’ passion continues to endeavour to bring to the UK and Europe new developments with NAD+ Therapy in preventive and restorative medicine and Wellness. In 2017 John Gillen was made a visiting Professor at the John Naisbitt university in Belgrade Serbia.