In East Tennessee, the battle against addiction and mental health challenges is deeply personal. Families here know the pain of losing loved ones to overdose, the heartbreak of watching someone struggle with depression or anxiety, and the frustration of seeing treatment fail because it doesn’t address the whole picture.
That’s where dual diagnosis treatment changes everything. At Summit at Harmony Oaks in Newport, Tennessee, we specialize in treating substance use disorders and mental health disorders together—because in most cases, you can’t effectively treat one without addressing the other.
What Is Dual Diagnosis?
“Dual diagnosis” (also called “co-occurring disorders”) means a person is living with both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder. This is a far more common problem than many people realize. National data shows that about half of people with a substance use disorder also experience a mental health condition. In Tennessee, where overdose deaths remain among the highest in the nation, this overlap is even more critical to address.
Without integrated treatment, individuals often find themselves stuck in a vicious cycle:
- Mental health symptoms lead to substance use as a coping mechanism.
- Substance use worsens mental health symptoms.
- The combination increases the risk of relapse, overdose, or suicide.
Why Dual Diagnosis Treatment Is Essential in East Tennessee
- It Breaks the Relapse Cycle: If you treat only the addiction, but leave depression, anxiety, or trauma untreated, those underlying issues often trigger relapse. The same is true in reverse—treating mental illness without addressing substance use can lead to continued drug or alcohol misuse.
- It Reduces Overdose Risk: Fentanyl has infiltrated nearly every illicit drug supply in East Tennessee, from opioids to stimulants to counterfeit pills. People in mental health crises are more likely to engage in risky use patterns, which can lead to overdose. Treating the mental health disorder can lower that risk.
- It Addresses Rural Healthcare Gaps: Many rural communities in East Tennessee lack mental health specialists. By offering both addiction and mental health care in one place, Summit at Harmony Oaks fills a vital gap for residents of Cocke County and surrounding areas.
- It Improves Long-Term Recovery Outcomes: Integrated care means clients receive consistent messaging, coordinated treatment goals, and a supportive environment that addresses every factor influencing their recovery.
How Summit at Harmony Oaks Approaches Dual Diagnosis
At Summit at Harmony Oaks, dual diagnosis is not an afterthought—it’s our standard of care. Every client is assessed for both mental health and substance use concerns from day one, ensuring their treatment plan reflects the full scope of their needs.
Comprehensive, Evidence-Based Care
Our programs use proven methods like:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helping clients recognize and change negative thought patterns.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Building emotional regulation and coping skills.
- Trauma-Informed Therapy: Addressing the deep wounds often at the root of addiction.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Combining therapy with FDA-approved medications when appropriate.
Holistic & Experiential Therapies
Recovery isn’t just about clinical interventions—it’s about restoring balance in mind, body, and spirit. That’s why we also offer:
- Mindfulness, yoga, and meditation
- Adventure and nature-based therapy
- Nutrition and wellness programs
- Group and family therapy to repair relationships
Levels of Care for Every Stage
- Detox & Residential Treatment: 24/7 medical supervision and therapeutic care.
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) & Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Flexible, step-down programs that maintain a high level of support.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Structured support while reintegrating into work, school, and family life.
Real-Life Impact in Our Community
The effects of dual diagnosis treatment ripple out into families, workplaces, and communities. Clients often leave our program with:
- Improved mood and stability
- Stronger coping skills
- Healthier relationships
- Reduced cravings and substance use
- A renewed sense of purpose
For East Tennessee families, this means less fear of relapse, fewer late-night ER visits, and the joy of seeing loved ones thrive again.
Why Local Access Matters
In rural Appalachia, traveling for specialized care can be a major barrier. Summit at Harmony Oaks is strategically located in Newport, making it easier for residents of Cocke County, Sevier County, Greene County, and surrounding areas to access the care they need.
Having local access to dual diagnosis treatment means:
- Less time away from home and family
- More continuity of care
- Stronger connections with local recovery resources
Signs You or a Loved One May Need Dual Diagnosis Treatment
You don’t need a formal diagnosis to benefit from integrated care. You might need dual diagnosis treatment if you:
- Use drugs or alcohol to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression
- Experience mood swings, panic attacks, or trauma symptoms while using substances
- Have relapsed after previous treatment that only addressed one condition
- Feel stuck in a cycle of using and feeling worse
Taking the First Step
Dual diagnosis treatment can feel intimidating, but it’s also a turning point—the moment you decide to treat the whole problem, not just part of it.
At Summit at Harmony Oaks, we believe that true recovery happens when mental health and addiction are addressed together. Our compassionate team is here to guide you or your loved one through that process with dignity, respect, and proven strategies for long-term wellness.