Dual Diagnosis Detox

When someone is dealing with both drug addiction and a mental health condition, they are facing what is known as a co-occurring disorder. This dual diagnosis requires a specialized approach called dual diagnosis treatment. A treatment approach that not all addiction treatment facilities can deliver. At Q Space Detox, we provide comprehensive care that addresses both conditions in LGBTQ people. With our help, you can begin your journey to full and lasting recovery.

Why Do Mental Health Disorders and Addiction Co-Occur?

LGBTQ people living with mental health disorders sometimes turn to drugs or alcohol in an attempt to manage their symptoms. This is known as self-medicating. While it might bring short-term relief, self-medication can quickly become a dangerous habit.

Why Do People Self-Medicate?

Why LGBTQ people self-medicate varies from person to person. For many, it is a way to manage what feels unmanageable, especially when healthier options seem out of reach.

They might use illicit drugs to:

• Cope with mental health conditions
• Manage chronic pain
• Relationship problems
• Peer pressure
• Reduce boredom
• Enhance their mood
• Combat sleep issues
• Cope with overwhelming responsibilities
• Improve academic or job performance

LGBTQ people also tend to lack access to health care and may be discriminated against when they present to providers. These barriers can cause them to turn to illicit substances to manage their anxiety, depression, or trauma disorder. However, self-medication can result in the added struggle with addiction and take a toll on their health, finances, relationships, and self-worth.

Dual Diagnosis Detox and Treatment

If you are struggling with a mental health disorder like depression, PTSD, or anxiety, and you're also dealing with a substance use disorder, this is known as a dual diagnosis. You’ll need a treatment plan that’s tailored specifically to both challenges. While treatment can look a little different depending on the facility, most integrated programs follow a five-step approach to dual diagnosis care.

Detoxification
The first, and often most critical, step in treating dual diagnosis is removing drugs or alcohol from your system. Detoxing on your own can be dangerous, so a medically supervised detox is always the safest route. A dedicated team of medical professionals will help ease withdrawal symptoms and provide compassionate support every step of the way.

Once your body is free from substances, it becomes much clearer what symptoms are related to your mental health and which were caused by drug or alcohol use.

Residential Stabilization
Because dual diagnosis comes with its own set of challenges, this stage helps you stay grounded during the early days of recovery, especially when symptoms of post-acute withdrawal (PAWS) may still show up. Having that added layer of structure and accountability, along with ongoing medical support, can make a real difference in helping you stay on track.

Individualized Therapy
Once detox is behind you, the deeper work begins. Therapy is a key part of treating dual diagnosis. It gives you the space to explore how your mental health and addiction are connected and start uncovering the root causes of both.

One of the most helpful therapies for dual diagnosis is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). With the guidance of a trained therapist, you will learn how to shift negative thought patterns and better handle mental health symptoms.

Many people benefit from combining different kinds of therapy, including:

• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• Trauma therapy
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy

Medication
Once drugs or alcohol are no longer clouding your system, your treatment team can focus on finding the right medication to ease mental health symptoms. Whether it’s antidepressants for depression or antipsychotics for schizophrenia, medication, when needed, can help manage the mental health disorder.

Aftercare Plan
Aftercare is just as important as the treatment itself. Before you leave the program, you’ll work with your therapist to build an aftercare plan that supports both your mental health and sobriety. This plan includes continued therapy, a solid support system, and motivational tools to help you stay focused. Our treatment centre also offers alumni support, so even after treatment ends, you’ll still have a community to lean on whenever you need it.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Q Space Detox

Having a mental health disorder and substance addiction at the same time can be overwhelming and isolating, especially as an LGBTQ person. Q Space Detox’s dual diagnosis treatment program will give you the support and care you need to begin healing. Our team knows how to manage the complexities of co-occurring disorders and offers a treatment approach that treats both your addiction and mental health condition in a safe, compassionate environment. If you or your LGBTQ loved one is struggling with both a mental health disorder and substance abuse addiction, please reach out to us at 305-745-7768.