For men dealing with both a mental health and a substance use disorder, finding the right treatment can be daunting. That’s where Jaywalker comes in. As a men’s dual diagnosis treatment center in Colorado, we offer expert dual diagnosis assessments and individualized treatment plans to tackle these complex issues head-on. This post will break down the importance of dual diagnosis assessments, why they’re necessary and how Jaywalker does it best.
What is Dual Diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis is when someone has a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder at the same time. These conditions are connected, often feeding into each other in a vicious cycle. Common examples of co-occurring disorders are:
- Anxiety disorder with alcohol use.
- Depression with opioid addiction.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with cannabis use.
- Bipolar disorder with stimulant abuse.
How Does Dual Diagnosis Happen?
The relationship between mental health and addiction is complicated. Sometimes mental health challenges drive people to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. Other times prolonged substance use can trigger or worsen underlying mental health conditions.
Unless you address both conditions at the same time, recovery can be tough. That’s why a dual diagnosis assessment is so important—it gives you the information you need to create a treatment plan.
Dual Diagnosis Statistics
50% of people with a mental health condition also have a substance use disorder.
Resource: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Integrated treatment produces 25% better outcomes than separate treatments.
Resource: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Why is a Dual Diagnosis Assessment Important?
Benefits
Key Tools Used in Dual Diagnosis Assessments
Structured Interviews and Questionnaires
Professionals will start with a structured interview to get detailed information about the individual’s mental health history, substance use patterns and overall well-being. Standardized questionnaires may also be used:
- Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID): A diagnostic tool that assesses symptoms and matches them to mental health and substance use disorder criteria.
- Addiction Severity Index (ASI): A comprehensive questionnaire that looks at the impact of substance use on employment, family and physical health.
Mental Health Screening Tools
Screening tools for mental health conditions help identify symptoms that may be related to anxiety, depression or trauma. Examples:
- Beck Depression Inventory (BDI): Measures depression symptoms.
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7): Assesses anxiety symptoms and their impact on daily life.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-5): A tool to assess PTSD symptoms.
Substance Use Screening Tools
Patterns and severity of substance use is a key part of a dual diagnosis assessment.
- Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT): Screens for alcohol-related problems.
- Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-10): Assesses the level of drug use and its consequences.
- CAGE Questionnaire: A simple four-question tool to detect alcohol or drug abuse.
Psychometric Testing
Psychometric tests give a deeper understanding of how mental health conditions and substance use may impact cognitive functioning, emotional regulation and behavior.
- Personality Assessments: Tools like the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) are used to explore personality traits and potential mental health issues.
- Cognitive Functioning Tests: These assess memory, attention and problem-solving skills which can be affected by mental health disorders and substance use.
Physical Health Assessments
Our team of licensed professionals will evaluate:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- PTSD
- Personality disorders
This involves interviews, standardized tests and discussions about symptoms, history and triggers.
This phase looks at the nature and extent of substance use. We’ll examine:
- What substances are being used
- How often and in what patterns
- How substance use is impacting daily life and relationships
Addiction and mental health conditions often impact physical health so this step ensures a whole person evaluation. It includes:
- Review of medical history
- Physical symptoms related to substance use
- Emotional impact of dual diagnosis
Jaywalker: A Different Kind of Treatment Center
Jaywalker is more than a treatment center—it’s a community where men can rebuild their lives. Our approach is based on three pillars:
- Whole Person Healing: Addressing physical, emotional and spiritual recovery.
- Empowerment Through Community: A network of peers who are going through the same struggles and goals.
- Long-Term Recovery: Giving men the tools and strategies for long-term success.
Evidence-based and Experiential Therapies
Jaywalker combines proven treatment methods with experiential therapies that engage the mind and body. Some of the components include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): To identify and change negative thought patterns.
- 12-Step Facilitation: To hold men accountable and foster personal growth.
- Adventure Therapy: Using Colorado’s natural environment to build confidence, teamwork and emotional well-being.
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Teaching men how to manage stress and regulate emotions.
Why a Men’s Only Program?
Men face different challenges when it comes to seeking help for mental health and addiction. Social stigma and expectations around masculinity often prevent emotional expression.
How Jaywalker Meets These Needs
- Safe Space for Vulnerability: Our men’s only program creates an environment where men can share their struggles without fear of judgment.
- Male Focused Therapies: Addressing societal pressure and exploring healthy masculinity.
- Brotherhood and Peer Support: Building relationships with others who get the male perspective.
How Does a Dual Diagnosis Assessment Fit into the Recovery Process
A dual diagnosis assessment is just the start of the journey. At Jaywalker we use the information from the assessment to guide every step of treatment.
What Happens After the Assessment
- Treatment Planning: Creating a personalized program based on the assessment.
- Program Enrollment: Residential, outpatient or aftercare.
- Ongoing Support: Alumni network and follow-up care to maintain progress.
Get Started with Jaywalker
At Jaywalker Lodge, we understand how challenging it can be to confront both a mental health disorder and a substance use issue. A dual diagnosis assessment isn’t just a starting point—it’s the cornerstone of a successful recovery journey. By providing a clear picture of your unique struggles and needs, we create personalized treatment plans that address the whole person: mind, body, and spirit.
Recovery doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With expert guidance, a supportive community, and proven treatment methods, you can break free from the cycle of dual diagnosis and build a life filled with purpose and hope.
If you or a loved one is ready to take the first step, don’t wait. Contact Jaywalker Lodge today to schedule your dual diagnosis assessment. Together, we’ll pave the way to lasting recovery and a brighter future.
