Dual Diagnosis Day Program
About Dual Diagnosis Day Program
The program is based on the Cognitive Behavioural Model of Addiction with an understanding that deeper issues such as depression, anxiety and trauma can fuel addictive behaviours. This program is therefore designed to treat both addiction and some of the common underlying disorders. Other therapies including Dialectical and Behavioural Therapy Compassion Focused Therapy are also incorporated. This half-day program runs weekly over 24 weeks.
This program may be suitable for you if:
- You are ready and willing to learn new skills to make positive life changes.
- You have a co-occurring substance use and mental health diagnosis.
- If your drug or alcohol use has started to affect your judgement, relationships or general health and wellbeing.
- You use substances as a way to manage your anxiety and mood.
- If you are having difficulty fulfilling the different roles in your life e.g. work and family due to your alcohol and or substance use.
Program content
- Understanding addiction
- Coping with cravings and urges
- Identifying relapse warning signs
- Understanding depression
- Managing rumination
- Dealing with panic
- Social anxiety
- Thought challenging
- Stress and anger
- Sleep
- Wellness and balance
- Assertiveness and boundaries
- Loneliness
- Distress tolerance
- Meaning and purpose
- Relapse prevention.
What you will experience
Throughout this program you will participate in weekly half-day group sessions. The group will be led by a qualified allied health professional who will support group participants to learn practical skills and evidence-based strategies for managing and reducing addictive behaviours in addition to managing underlying issues such as anxiety and depression. Practicing learnt skills between sessions is encouraged.
Treatment objectives
Objective 1
Understanding addiction - Learn about why you may engage in addictive behaviours and develop strategies to increase motivation and skills to make positive changes.
Objective 2
Understand the link between mental health and addiction.
Objective 3
Understand depression and anxiety - Learn strategies to manage distress, mood and break out of the lethargy cycle.
Objective 4
Understanding triggers, urges and cravings and learning strategies to manage and cope.
Objective 5
Understanding the cognitive behavioural model - Learn the impact thoughts have on mood and behaviours and how to utilise thought challenging techniques to reframe unhelpful thoughts.
Objective 6
Explore holistic wellbeing - improve wellbeing, set goals and implement changes.
What's included
Education
To develop or refine new skills and strategies.
Workbooks
To guide you through education, reflection and exercises designed to tackle your symptoms.
Action Plan
Step-by-step activities to help you put new skills into practice.
Progress Tracking
Questionnaires to help you monitor your symptoms and/or progress.
Extra Resources
Tools to help you overcome common challenges.
How to get started
Individuals interested in attending this program will need a referral from a Psychiatrist with admission rights to South Coast Private Hospital. General enquiries can be made by contacting the South Coast Private Hospital Day Programs Team via telephone: 02 4286 6847 or email: sco.dayprograms@aurorahealth.com.au
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
South Coast Private has contract arrangements and approved programs with majority of private health funds, however, there may be some out of pocket expenses based on your level of cover. Patients that do not have private health insurance need to contact us to obtain cost estimate for day programs attendance.
Who will find this program helpful?
People who are experiencing dual diagnosis of substance use or an addictive disorder (e.g. alcohol abuse, drug dependence, gambling addiction) and other mental health disorders such as mood or anxiety disorders..
