The Estate News & Blog

For many, Valentine’s Week is a time filled with expressions of love, connection, and togetherness. But for men in recovery—especially those who find themselves alone due to the consequences of their addiction—this week can be a painful reminder of what was lost. It’s easy to feel isolated, to dwell on past relationships that didn’t survive the weight of addiction, or to compare yourself to others who seem to have it all together.

In the journey of sobriety, one of the most unexpected and challenging aspects can be learning how to feel again. For many men, the use of substances served as a numbing agent—a way to suppress difficult emotions, navigate stress, or simply escape the complexities of life. However, once substances are removed, what remains can often feel overwhelming. Embracing emotions without the crutch of substances is not only possible but also vital to long-term recovery and personal growth.

Dual diagnosis treatment refers to the care of patients who have both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder. This approach recognizes the complexity of treating these co-occurring disorders and offers a more effective path to recovery.

Whether someone is struggling with anxiety disorders alongside addiction or facing mental health problems like depression paired with substance abuse, it’s critical that both conditions are treated at the same time for lasting results.

Questions Answered:

• What is Dual Diagnosis?

What is Dual Diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis, also known as treatment for co-occurring disorders, involves treating both substance use disorders and mental health issues simultaneously.

It is a comprehensive approach that addresses the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of both conditions. This type of care is critical because untreated mental illnesses can lead to a worsening of substance use, and vice versa.

For many, substance abuse and mental health issues are closely linked. Each condition can exacerbate the other. A person may use substances to self-medicate their mental health conditions, or a mental health disorder can lead someone to turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope.

Common mental health disorders that often co-occur with addiction include depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. For example, those with anxiety disorders might self-medicate with drugs or alcohol to manage their symptoms, while those with depression might turn to substances as a form of escape.

Without integrated care, treating only one of the conditions leaves the other untreated, leading to complications such as relapse and prolonged suffering. Dual diagnosis programs are designed to tackle both issues, providing a holistic solution for those in need.

The Importance of Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Treating co-occurring disorders with an integrated approach is essential. When mental health and addiction are treated separately, the risk of relapse increases, and the individual’s chances of long-term recovery decrease.

Dual diagnosis treatment ensures that both conditions are addressed together, making it easier for individuals to maintain sobriety and mental wellness.

1. Addresses Both Conditions Simultaneously

When both mental health problems and substance use issues are treated at the same time, patients can focus on their overall well-being. The treatment is customized to their needs, ensuring both aspects of their condition are given equal attention.

2. Prevents Relapse

If only one condition is treated, the untreated disorder can lead to a relapse in the other. For example, if substance abuse is addressed but anxiety disorders are not, the anxiety may lead the individual back to drugs or alcohol to cope. Treating both substance abuse and mental health disorders helps break this cycle.

3. Reduces the Stigma

Dual diagnosis treatment reduces the stigma surrounding both mental illnesses and addiction. It fosters a more compassionate and understanding environment where patients can feel supported in their recovery.

4. Improves Mental Health

For men stepping into a life of sobriety, one of the most common and challenging hurdles is the restless, racing mind—the endless loop of thoughts. Even in moments of calm, it can feel like the mind is constantly racing, analyzing the past, worrying about the future, or creating unnecessary noise that makes peace feel out of reach.

What is Dual Diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis refers to the presence of a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder occurring at the same time. It is also known as a co-occurring disorder. This combination can make recovery challenging without the right treatment. For example, someone with an anxiety disorder might misuse alcohol or drugs to cope with symptoms.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects millions worldwide. People with ADHD often struggle with focus, impulsivity, and executive function. In the United States, traditional ADHD treatments include therapy and medications.

Recently, some have turned to medical marijuana to manage symptoms of ADHD. But does cannabis help, or does it pose risks? This article explores the effects of cannabis on ADHD and whether it’s safe to combine marijuana and ADHD medications.

Questions Answered:

The journey of recovery is challenging in itself, but for many men, the weight of abandonment and betrayal can feel like an additional anchor, that holds you back from fully embracing a life of sobriety. These emotions can resurface when least expected, often triggering negative thought patterns and self-doubt. Yet, addressing and overcoming these feelings is crucial to truly moving forward on your path to healing and long-term sobriety.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can feel like a dark cloud that lingers long after a traumatic experience, affecting one’s ability to function or find joy in life. Yet, there is a powerful and lesser-known possibility beyond PTSD: Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG). PTG is the positive psychological change that occurs as a result of struggling with traumatic experiences. It’s the ability to find new strength, purpose, and appreciation for life. One transformative tool for guiding people on this journey is equine-assisted coaching, where horses play an extraordinary role in the healing process. Soberman's Estate has horses on site and the clients participate in three Equine Therapy sessions per week.

As World Labyrinth Day approaches, all of us at Soberman's Estate are reminded of the powerful role our labyrinth plays in the journey of recovery. It’s a day that beckons us to reflect on the intricate paths, both literal and metaphorical, that shape our journeys. Created around an iconic Saguaro cactus within the serene grounds of our men's residential treatment center, the labyrinth is more than just a path; it's a tool for transformation and healing. The design of our labyrinth is inspirational and absolutely a stunning sight to see.

A few weeks ago, we held an incredible open house for our professional community. A day that was filled with learning about what makes Soberman’s Estate such an incredible place for professional men to heal. We were able to share our clinical and therapeutic expertise as well as our different holistic modalities with everyone who attended, and hand out some incredible prizes as well! I was honored once again, to meet with one of those professional individuals that attended, when he came to pick up the prize he had won.