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Chronic Pain and Depression

A Comprehensive Guide to
Inpatient Drug Rehab for Co-Occurring Disorders

Inpatient drug rehab at Wellness and Recovery offers a structured environment with therapy, medication, and holistic therapies to treat dual diagnosis.

Table of Contents

What is Dual Diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis, also known as co-occurring disorders, refers to the simultaneous presence of a mental health condition and a substance use disorder (SUD) in an individual. These disorders often interact in ways that complicate treatment.

For example, someone battling depression may use alcohol or drugs as a form of self-medication. However, substance use can worsen mental health symptoms, creating a cycle of ongoing struggle that is difficult to break.
inpatient drug rehab

The Need for Integrated Treatment

A key challenge in dual diagnosis is that one disorder may mask the symptoms of the other, making the diagnosis more challenging.

Additionally, substance use can hinder the effectiveness of treatments for mental health conditions. This makes it essential for treatment plans to address both issues at once.

Without integrated care, these disorders often intensify over time, increasing the risk of long-term health complications and decreased quality of life. Inpatient drug rehab can provide options for holistic, comprehensive care.

Common Mental Health Conditions Linked to SUD

Individuals with SUD are up to three times more likely to experience mental health issues. Here are some of the most common conditions that co-occur with substance use:1

Anxiety Disorders

According to research, about 1 in 5 people with an SUD also have an anxiety or mood disorder.2

People with anxiety disorders may turn to drugs or alcohol in an attempt to reduce their overwhelming feelings of fear, stress, or worry. While substances might temporarily alleviate anxiety symptoms, they ultimately worsen the condition in the long term.

Depression

Depression is another common condition that often co-occurs with substance use. In one study, 72% of people with substance use issues reported depression at a severe level.3

Individuals with depression may turn to substances as a way to cope with feelings of:
  • Sadness
  • Hopelessness
  • Emotional numbness

Behavior Changes During Depression

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by extreme shifts in mood, ranging from manic highs to depressive lows. Individuals with bipolar disorder may use substances to either cope with the depressive lows or to fuel the high energy associated with mania.
Studies indicate that SUDs affect at least 40% of individuals with bipolar I disorder over their lifetime.4

What is Bipolar Disorder?: An Overview

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Research shows that between 30% and 60% of individuals seeking treatment for SUDs have also experienced PTSD in their lifetime.5
Traumatic events such as abuse, accidents, or violence can trigger PTSD, leading to:6
  • Flashbacks of the traumatic event
  • Nightmares that disrupt sleep and well-being
  • Severe anxiety that affects daily life

Many individuals with PTSD turn to substances as a way to numb emotional pain. While this may offer temporary relief, it ultimately reinforces the cycle of trauma. As a result, healing and long-term recovery become more difficult.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

According to research, nearly 25% of individuals with an SUD also meet the criteria for BPD.7
Characterized by intense emotional instability and a deep fear of abandonment, BPD often drives individuals to use substances as a coping mechanism. Unfortunately, substances often amplify emotional instability, creating a cycle that makes recovery even more challenging.

Criteria for BPD

Why Inpatient Drug Rehab is the Best Option for Dual Diagnosis

Inpatient drug rehab provides the structure, medical care, and therapeutic support needed to heal both mind and body.
Below are the key reasons why this approach is often the most effective for dual diagnosis treatment:

24/7 Medical and Psychiatric Care

Individuals with dual diagnosis often experience withdrawal symptoms that can be physically exhausting. In an inpatient drug rehab setting, medical professionals provide 24/7 supervision to manage these symptoms and ensure a safer detox process.
Withdrawal can also intensify underlying mental health conditions, potentially leading to anxiety, depression, or other crises. Immediate access to psychiatric care is essential in these moments. The integration of medical and psychiatric teams within inpatient drug rehab offers a critical safety net.8
If a patient experiences severe distress, such as panic attacks or suicidal thoughts, trained professionals can intervene immediately. This comprehensive approach not only stabilizes individuals but also reduces the risk of relapse and long-term complications.

Structured Environment that Promotes Stability

Each day in an inpatient drug rehab typically follows a set schedule that includes:
  • Therapy sessions
  • Medical care
  • Group activities
  • Time for rest
For those navigating the emotional ups and downs of mental health disorders, this structure provides a vital sense of safety and predictability. Knowing what to expect each day can ease anxiety and reinforce healthy habits that support long-term recovery outside of inpatient drug rehab.

Removal of Triggers

The early stages of recovery require a space where healing takes priority. Inpatient drug rehab centers offer a supportive environment that is free from:
  • Harmful relationships
  • Daily life stressors
  • The temptation of substance use
Without these external pressures, individuals can focus entirely on their mental and physical well-being. This sense of security allows them to gain clarity and develop the tools necessary for long-term recovery.

What to Expect In an Inpatient Drug Rehab Program

Managing addiction alongside a mental health disorder demands specialized care that promotes healing on multiple levels.
Here are the essential elements of an inpatient drug rehab program for dual diagnosis at Wellness and Recovery:

Group Therapy for Peer Support and Shared Healing

At Wellness and Recovery, group therapy provides a compassionate setting for individuals to explore the complexities of dual diagnosis.

Led by experienced therapists, these sessions cover essential topics, including:
  • Practical coping techniques for everyday challenges
  • Strategies for relapse prevention and long-term success
  • Building self-esteem and personal empowerment
  • Understanding and managing emotions effectively
Actively participating in these discussions helps individuals take meaningful steps toward recovery.

Skill-Building

Group therapy also teaches valuable social skills, such as:
  • Conflict resolution
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Effective communication
  • Teamwork and collaboration
These skills are essential for maintaining healthy relationships both during treatment and after completing inpatient drug rehab.

Family Therapy

Addiction and mental health disorders often create distance and misunderstandings between individuals and their loved ones. This is why inpatient drug rehab at Wellness and Recovery often includes family therapy to help repair these relationships.
During family counseling sessions, we provide a structured space where open communication can take place under the guidance of a trained therapist.
The goal is to create a healthier dynamic that supports the individual’s recovery while also addressing the impact of addiction and mental health disorders on the entire family.

Individual Therapy Using Evidence-Based Approaches

Individual therapy in an inpatient drug rehab helps individuals explore the root causes of their substance use and mental health issues in a safe, one-on-one environment.
Our licensed therapists use a range of evidence-based approaches during these sessions. The most common among them are:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps individuals recognize thought patterns that fuel addiction and mental health struggles.
Through guided therapy at an inpatient drug rehab, individuals can:
  • Reframe self-defeating thoughts into healthier perspectives
  • Build effective coping strategies for stress and triggers
  • Replace destructive behaviors with positive, goal-oriented actions
By addressing both cravings and emotional challenges, CBT empowers individuals to take control of their recovery and build a foundation for lasting change.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

For individuals who struggle with intense emotions, DBT offers a powerful framework for achieving balance and stability.
The therapy incorporates CBT strategies and mindfulness to teach:
  • Emotional regulation for managing mood swings and impulsivity
  • Distress tolerance techniques to handle crises without harmful reactions
  • Interpersonal skills to build and maintain healthy relationships
  • A mindset that embraces both self-acceptance and positive change
By helping individuals develop these skills, DBT enhances their ability to regulate emotions and behaviors. This creates a strong foundation for improved mental health and sustained recovery.

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

In an inpatient drug rehab for dual diagnosis, MI helps individuals explore the benefits of making lasting changes.
Key features of this therapy include:

Building Trust and Rapport

MI is built on a foundation of empathy, trust, and respect. The therapist will create a safe space for individuals to express their feelings without judgment. This is essential for individuals who may be hesitant to acknowledge their mental health or addiction struggles.

Exploring Ambivalence

MI recognizes that individuals may experience conflicting emotions about their recovery. For example, they may desire sobriety but also fear the changes it entails.
The therapist helps the individual explore these conflicting feelings and work through the ambivalence, enabling them to make a clearer commitment to change.

Empowering the Individual

MI emphasizes the individual’s autonomy in the recovery process. Rather than imposing solutions, the therapist encourages the person to reflect on their own values and goals. This empowerment allows them to make choices that align with their vision for a better life.

The Role of Medication in Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Dual diagnosis treatment at Wellness and Recovery integrates medication to help regulate mood, reduce cravings, and support long-term recovery.

How Psychiatric Medications Help Stabilize Mental Health Conditions

Mental health challenges can severely impact a person’s ability to engage in recovery efforts, and psychiatric medications are often necessary to help stabilize these conditions.
These medications work by:
  • Enhancing concentration and cognitive function
  • Improving emotional regulation and impulse control
  • Promoting better sleep patterns and overall restfulness

For example, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often used to treat depression and anxiety disorders.9

For bipolar disorder, mood stabilizers, such as anticonvulsants, help regulate mood swings.10

The Use of Medications for Addiction Treatment

Medications designed for addiction treatment support recovery by managing withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings.
Some of the medications that our team at Wellness and Recovery may use in our inpatient drug rehab for dual diagnosis include:

Buprenorphine and Methadone for Opioid Addiction

Buprenorphine (Suboxone) and methadone are commonly used to treat opioid addiction.11
Buprenorphine works by partially stimulating opioid receptors in the brain, providing relief from withdrawal without producing the same intense high as other opioids. Methadone works similarly, though it is typically used in more severe cases of opioid addiction.12

Naltrexone for Alcohol and Opioid Cravings

Naltrexone is a medication that is commonly used to help individuals manage cravings associated with both alcohol and opioid use.13

Naltrexone works by blocking the opioid receptors in the brain, which reduces the pleasurable effects of alcohol and opioids. As a result, individuals are less likely to relapse, as they are not experiencing the rewarding sensations that often trigger substance use.

Anti-Craving Medications

Even after withdrawal ends, addiction-related changes in the brain can trigger intense cravings. Anti-craving medications target these neurological imbalances to help individuals maintain sobriety.
For example, acamprosate works by stabilizing overactive brain circuits disrupted by long-term alcohol use, reducing the likelihood of relapse.14
Topiramate, another option, helps curb cravings by affecting neurotransmitter pathways involved in impulse control and reward processing.15

Importance of Medical Supervision in Medication Management

In inpatient drug rehab, medical professionals regularly assess the effectiveness of the medications and make necessary changes to the treatment plan. Close medical supervision ensures that the medications are having the desired effect without causing adverse side effects.
It also allows for the timely adjustment of dosages if a person’s condition changes during treatment. This flexibility is key to providing care that fosters recovery and supports long-term success.

Transitioning from Inpatient Drug Rehab to Long-Term Recovery

While inpatient drug rehab provides a strong foundation for sobriety, lasting recovery depends on continued support.

Here is how we provide the tools and support needed for long-term sobriety:

Comprehensive Aftercare Planning

At Wellness and Recovery, aftercare planning begins early in the inpatient drug rehab program to provide individuals with the tools they need to maintain their progress. This plan outlines strategies for continued growth, relapse prevention, and long-term wellness.

At Wellness and Recovery, we have a range of outpatient aftercare programs tailored to different recovery needs.

These usually include:

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

A PHP is designed for individuals who need structured support but do not require 24/7 inpatient care.

These programs typically involve attending the treatment center for several hours a day, where individuals engage in:
  • Group therapy
  • Individual therapy
  • Medical supervision
This level of care ensures that individuals receive the intensive care they need while gradually reintegrating into daily life.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

An IOP is a step down from a PHP and offers a less intensive level of care. However, it is still designed to provide substantial treatment, typically involving several sessions per week. This program is ideal for individuals who have made progress in their recovery and are prepared for more autonomy.

An IOP focuses on reinforcing the coping skills learned during inpatient rehab while allowing individuals to start adjusting to life outside of a clinical environment.

Outpatient Drug Programs

Outpatient drug programs provide continued therapy and support on a less frequent basis than an IOP. These programs are best for individuals who are further along in their recovery journey and no longer need intensive therapy.
Outpatient drug programs typically offer weekly sessions for managing triggers and other challenges that arise during recovery.

Psychiatric Care for Mental Health Stability

Psychiatric care is also an important element of our aftercare services.
Regular check-ins with a psychiatrist help individuals:
  • Manage medications
  • Adjust dosages if needed
  • Monitor any mental health symptoms that may arise
With consistent psychiatric support, individuals can adapt to their evolving mental health needs with confidence.
inpatient drug rehab

Your Recovery Journey Starts Here

At Wellness and Recovery, the focus is on providing comprehensive, compassionate, and evidence-based care that supports long-term recovery.
Here’s why patients with dual diagnosis should choose our inpatient drug rehab program:

Experienced Medical and Mental Health Professionals

The team at Wellness and Recovery consists of highly trained and experienced professionals, including:
  • Medical doctors
  • Psychiatrists
  • Addiction counselors
  • Registered nurses
Each team member is skilled in understanding the complex interaction between substance use and mental health disorders within inpatient drug rehab, allowing for more effective treatment.

Customized Treatment Plans

At Wellness and Recovery, no two treatment plans are the same. We understand that each individual is unique and that their treatment should be as adaptable as their path to healing.
Upon admission, each individual undergoes a thorough assessment to determine their specific needs. This assessment takes into account a range of factors, including:
  • Substance use history
  • Mental health conditions
  • Medical history
  • Personal preferences
This information forms the foundation of a personalized treatment strategy designed to address the specific challenges and aspirations of the individual.

A Holistic Approach to Healing

True recovery involves more than just sobriety; it’s about restoring mental, physical, and spiritual balance.
That’s why our inpatient drug rehab incorporates diverse healing practices, including:
  • Yoga for grounding and physical well-being
  • Meditation to build emotional resilience
  • Art therapy as a channel for self-expression
  • Music therapy to inspire and uplift
By engaging in these therapeutic activities, individuals cultivate healthier coping mechanisms, manage stress effectively, and reconnect with their inner strength.

Small Boutique Facility with Private Accommodations

Recovery is more than a process; it’s a profound transformation, and the right environment makes all the difference. Our intimate setting fosters a deep sense of safety and belonging, allowing individuals to explore healing without fear or distraction.
With private accommodation options designed for rest and reflection, individuals can reconnect with themselves in a space that nurtures both comfort and renewal.

Ready to Start Recovery?

Addiction and mental health challenges can feel overwhelming, but they don’t have to define your future. At Wellness and Recovery, our inpatient drug rehab program provides the care, support, and resources needed to heal from within.
Whether you’re seeking a new beginning for yourself or helping someone you care about, our expert team is here to offer the encouragement and tools needed for lasting transformation.

Reach out today and start the process of rebuilding a better tomorrow.

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