Dual Disorders
Sierra Tucson integrates the treatment of Chemical Dependency with Mental Health to form the Dual Disorders Program. Combining the resources of both fields results in a dynamic program capable of addressing the needs of patients having one or several diagnoses, such as those individuals with uncomplicated alcohol or drug dependence or simple depression and/or anxiety, as well as those individuals with addiction to multiple substances also suffering from bipolar disorder, depression, PTSD, and/or compulsive behaviors. The patients we serve regularly have some type of mental disorder coexisting with an addiction. The disorders may be independent of each other, yet they invariably influence each other to some degree. The Dual Disorders Program is designed to identify and address all these problems.
Sierra Tucson regards chemical dependency and all types of mental disorders as diseases similar to other "medical" disorders. We approach these problems using a bio-psycho-social-spiritual model (body, mind, community, spirit) that addresses all aspects of the patient. All patients receive focused treatment—not only to reduce their symptoms, but to achieve an understanding of their disorder(s) and the changes they can make to prevent further disease behaviors.
The "bio" component in the treatment model refers to the chemical imbalances within the brain that often require the use of a medication. Medications may be a part of treatment for any patients admitted to Sierra Tucson. All patients are thoroughly assessed and re-assessed throughout their treatment stay as to whether or not a medication will be of use to them. The patient always participates in the decision to begin the use of a medication. We provide patients with thorough education regarding the type of medication, rationale for use, side effects, drug/food interactions, expectations, and alternatives. Medications are offered, not pushed. Only when the patient is in full agreement with the recommendation will the medication be started. Some patients decide to utilize medications, while others may not. Regardless of the decision, Sierra Tucson offers many alternatives in response to symptoms and behaviors. The goal of medication use is to achieve the delicate balance between natural methods of healing and pharmacologic interventions.
The 12-Step philosophy is utilized as a basis for the treatment programs at Sierra Tucson. No individual is required to adhere to this philosophy. However, research has shown that the quality of recovery from all addictive and mental health disorders is enhanced by the many components of the 12-Step Programs, such as mutual support, honesty, accountability, acceptance, and spirituality.
Educational components make up an important part of the Dual Disorders Program. The more an individual understands his/her disorder, the better able that person is to manage it in recovery. Lectures, readings, and individual sessions with clinical staff support a full understanding of the impact of disease behaviors on the individual, the family system, and on the individual's social community. Educational components also assist in preparing patients to negotiate the complexities of everyday living, from building a support system to finding the right kind of medical provider.
Program components include, but are not limited to:
- Process Therapy Group - Each patient is assigned to a Process Group and a unit therapist upon admission.
- Psycho-education - Didactic lectures, groups, and/or individual sessions that provide information as to the medical and psychological aspects of the patient's disorders.
- Expert Pharmacotherapy - The most effective medications, with the greatest benefit and the least side effects, are used if indicated.
- Twelve-Step Groups - Patients who are medical professionals are taken to regular outside Caduceus 12-Step meetings. All other patients are provided a range of in-house 12-Step meetings, which are assigned on a weekly basis.
- Relapse Prevention - The Relapse Prevention track provides regular weekly groups for the patient's entire treatment stay.
- Adjunct Groups - All patients are assigned on a weekly basis to specialty groups that provide a focus for therapeutic work around specific areas of concern. These groups include but are not limited to: compulsive gambling; cocaine/heroin addiction; nicotine cessation; eating disorders; nutrition; origins of dependency; grief and spirituality; healthy sexuality; GLBT support group; and professionals', women's, and men's groups.
- Family Program - Each patient is encouraged to invite family members and significant others to participate in the Family Program. Children and teenagers ages 7-17 are provided a program that is designed with age-appropriate groups and activities. All family members benefit from this time of learning and healing.
- Integrative Therapies - Treatment modalities may include Acupuncture (Auricular and Full-Body), Chiropractic, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Massage Therapy, Qi Gong, Reiki, Somatic Experiencing®, Yoga, and Zero Balancing.
- Therapeutic and Recreational Activities - Challenge Course/ Adventure Therapy, Climbing Wall, Creative Expression,
Equine-Assisted Therapy, Relaxation Classes, Fitness Groups, Fun in Fitness, Swimming Pool Activities, Volleyball, Basketball, Pickleball, and Fitness Center.
For more information, please call us anytime at
1-(866) 323-5612 or contact us
by email to request more information.
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Sierra Tucson hosts many events for our alumni and behavioral health professionals.
