Dual Diagnosis - Treatment for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Problems
If someone you know has an alcohol or drug abuse problem, it can seem like a huge issue in and of itself. Yet many individuals
who have substance abuse problems also have mental health problems. In fact, the presence of a dual diagnosed problem is more the "rule" than
the exception.
Treatment for Dual Diagnosis & Co-Occurring Disorders
Gateway is a recognized leader among behavioral health care providers in offering substance abuse treatment, as well as
treatment for individuals that are dually diagnosed.
With more than 40 years of treatment experience, our professional staff provides you with the individualized care needed
to treat dual diagnosed problems to ensure lasting recovery. Our treatment plans are designed to address an individual's substance abuse and mental
health problems at the same time, in the same program by the same treatment team.
Depending on the level of treatment needed, we offer Outpatient Treatment Programs that won't interfere with school/work
commitments, or Residential and Day Treatment Programs if an individual needs more structure and support.
Understanding Dual Diagnosis
Using an Integrated Approach to Treat Dual Diagnosed Problems
There is great interaction and influence between substance abuse and mental health problems in many individuals. That is why
the most effective treatment of dual diagnosed disorders is called "integrated treatment."
At Gateway Treatment Centers, we use integrated treatment to address co-occurring substance abuse and mental health problems
at the same time, in the same program by the same treatment team," explains Dr. Phil Welches, Clinical Director for Gateway Foundation Alcohol &
Drug Treatment. "It's imperative to treat these problems together, as an untreated mental health problem is a common cause of substance relapse. For
example, a person who is depressed or anxious and is self-medicating with alcohol or other drugs may feel some very temporary relief, but this usually
occurs at the expense of developing even more serious life and emotional problems. Work, relationship, financial, self-esteem, and legal problems may
develop or worsen. By treating the individual in an integrated way, Gateway is truly helping the person become free from a very destructive cycle."
The most common reason for substance abuse relapse...
an untreated mental health problem.
According to reports from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Gateway treats dual diagnosed disorders through comprehensive treatment programs that use proven, or "evidence based"
approaches and best practices. How can a practitioner and individual being treated know that the treatment is effective? Gateway measures the effectiveness
using established tools such as the Dartmouth-Medical-School-developed "Dual Diagnosis Capable in Addictions Treatment (DDCAT) Index. Gateway programs
are assessed and reassessed with the DDCAT in order to modify treatment as needed and strengthen integrated treatment within its programs.
As part of this commitment to effective treatment, Gateway is a member of the national, Dartmouth-based DDCAT Collaborative.
In fact, after assessing one of Gateway's programs at the Chicago-West Treatment Center, Dr. Mark McGovern, faculty of Dartmouth Medical School and the
primary developer of the DDCAT, wrote that the Gateway program was "as dually diagnosed enhanced as any program I have seen."
> Learn more about Gateway's Treatment Programs, Counseling Therapy & Education or Evidenced-Based Practices.
