Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Drug and alcohol abuse often go hand in hand with mental illness. In the past, both issues were treated separately, often resulting in failure on both sides. The National Institute on Drug Abuse has declared that at least half of those who are battling addiction are also suffering from a diagnosable mental condition. Of course, there are many addicts who are not suffering from a mental illness and many people who are mentally ill, but are not participating in substance abuse. The important caveat in this field is to understand when a person battling addiction falls in both categories.

The Relation Between Addiction and Mental Illness

There are a few ideas that those in the field of psychology and drug addiction have put forth. One is that certain substances can trigger the onset of mental illness in otherwise healthy individuals. For example, marijuana has been proven to trigger psychosis in many users, which will eventually transform into a mental health condition even with the substance is no being used. Another example is cocaine, which has been proven to lead to depression once the body is no longer able to naturally produce the chemicals that make a person feel happy.

Another theory that many professionals hold is that people who suffer from mental illness are more likely to used drugs or abuse alcohol. They are thought to use as a way to self-medicate, which eventually becomes an addiction. Self-medicating can be especially dangerous because every chemical that affects the mind makes changes in other areas of the body. Trained professionals are able to monitor and adjust medications to allow a person to function normally, however, self-medicating simply leads to addiction and other complications.

Treating Addiction and Mental Illness

In the field of addiction treatment, dual diagnoses are relatively new. Instead of refusing treatment to those who are seeking help with their mental illness until they are sober, they are now being treated for drug or alcohol abuse. Dual diagnoses allow clients who have an underlying psychiatric disorder that is driving their abuse to get the help they need to break their addictions.

What is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

Dual Diagnosis treatment for alcohol or drug addiction is a unique blend of focused mental health treatment and addiction treatment. A quarter of all adults who have been diagnosed with a mental illness are also battling addiction. Clinicians in specialized rehab and addiction treatment facilities are certified to treat addiction along with co-occurring mental health disorders. It is important to note that though both issues are more widely accepted as being related, not all addiction rehab centers offer dual diagnosis treatment.

Some locations that offer drug or alcohol rehabilitation programs employ a psychologist to help with mental health concerns. Others may have their existing medical staff recertify to allow them to treat those who are in need of dual diagnosis care.

Who Needs Dual Diagnosis Addiction Treatment?

If you are suffering from an addiction to drugs or alcohol and meet the diagnostic criteria for mental illness, you may require Dual Diagnosis treatment. A diagnosable mental health disorder such as; a personality disorder, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder all qualify. There are other mental health disorders along this range, and it is best to seek an evaluation from a mental health and addiction specialist when seeking Dual Diagnosis treatment.

The field of addiction covers more than drugs or alcohol. Many clients who suffer from mental health conditions also struggle with addictive disorders. These addictive disorders can include; gambling addiction, alcoholism, sex addiction drug addiction, or another behavioral addiction. If you suffer from addiction in addition to any of the above addictions, you may qualify to enroll in a treatment program as a Dual Diagnosis client. Once you have been diagnosed, you will be able to receive more specialized treatment that addresses your mental health concerns as well as your struggles with substance abuse.

Getting a Dual Diagnosis For Addiction & Mental Illness

To obtain an accurate Dual Diagnosis, it is critical to visit an addiction treatment specialist that also has a diverse background in psychiatric care. They will ascertain if you meet the criteria for mental illness based on the published guideline for mental health professionals. If you are diagnosed with a mental illness and are suffering from any form of addiction, you will be eligible for Dual Diagnosis treatment. For many who suffer from depression, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, and mood swings in addition to addiction, this diagnosis may be a huge relief.

With Dual Diagnosis addiction treatment, the chances of getting sober and staying clean increase exponentially. Customized treatment will address not only the physical aspects of substance abuse but will also provide specialized care for your mental condition. Psychotherapeutic medications can be used as part of your addiction treatment to help reduce and remove the triggers that often occur ahead of drug or alcohol use.

Rehab for addiction offers intensive therapy that is aimed at addressing the behaviors of substance abuse. With dual diagnosis treatment, therapy will use a more supportive approach that helps to build self-confidence and address any underlying conditions. Of course, traditional results-based addiction treatments such as 12-step programs, individual counseling, and addiction education are still included with diagnosis treatment programs.

Where Can I Find A Facility That Offers Dual Diagnosis Treatment Near Me?

Drug addiction is difficult to deal with but when paired with mental illness, treatment can become immensely more complex. Working with a doctor or addiction specialist that has experience with Dual Diagnosis treatment will give you the chance to break your addiction and heal your mind at the same time. Mental health issues require special training and not every drug or alcohol rehab is equipped to address both issues. If you are looking for a reliable facility that is able to accommodate a dual diagnosis condition, we can help. We will match you with a rehab or treatment center in your area that specializes in dual diagnosis conditions to help you on your road to recovery.