Understanding the Need for Dual Diagnosis Treatments
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration defines the term dual diagnosis as referencing both a mental illness and a substance abuse problem. According to the agency’s figures, there are more than 20 million American adults over the age of 18 who struggle with drug addiction. Of these, nearly 8 million also suffer from a mental health disorder.
Mental health directly affects the way a person processes sensory input. Consequently, treating individuals with both a drug problem and a mental health disorder presents distinct challenges that are best addressed with a dual diagnosis program.
How Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers Can Succeed Where Other Therapies Fail
A psychiatric assessment is one of the most important aspects of a rehab facility’s intake protocol. Without this assessment, patients could go through drug rehab treatment without ever addressing what could be significant mental health issues. When that happens, relapse is almost invariably the result. In order for rehab treatment to be truly effective, these mental health issues must be identified and treated .
Most addiction treatment centers focus on the following for their dual diagnosis patients:
Pinpointing the mental health challenge
Multiple personality disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia are just some of the mental health conditions therapists uncover during a psychiatric assessment. Sometimes, patients are aware of these conditions. Just as often, they aren’t.
Helping a person struggling with substance abuse requires a customized therapy protocol. Understanding the mental health of the client right away helps to ensure that he or she receives the right support from the onset.
Providing combined treatment
Obviously, it isn’t enough to only diagnose an underlying mental illness that may have contributed to someone’s struggle with substance abuse. Clearly, treating the condition is just as important. Treatment centers have remarkable success when they tackle both issues at the same time. Remember that the addiction is often only half the struggle.
Offering long-term care
Many facilities that offer dual diagnosis treatments also offer long-term care programs that may last 90 days or longer. In these longer sessions, clients are given the amount of time they need to effectively respond to therapy. Therefore, a dual diagnosis patient isn’t usually a good candidate for a fast-track rehabilitation experience.
Remember that the process must move at a pace that benefits the person attempting recovery. For some, this can be speedy, while for others it’s a somewhat slower progression.
It’s important to keep in mind that addiction and mental health disorders can’t be cured. They can, however, be successfully managed. With help from a reputable dual diagnosis treatment center, dual diagnosis programs ensure you have the tools and skills you need for a productive life in recovery.
Recovery is clearly a journey that has its share of ups and downs. Yes, relapses do happen sometimes. However, experts are always available to help you get back on the path.
Which Came First: The Mental Illness or Substance Abuse?
For those with a dual diagnosis, some developed an addiction as a result of their mental health condition. However, the reverse can also be true. In the latter situation, substance abuse leads to the development of a mental health disorder. Addiction treatment programs in Oregon that include dual diagnosis address both of these possible occurrences. Some dual diagnosis programs include the following:
- Trauma therapy
- Group therapy
- Individual counseling
- Mental health treatment
- Art therapy
There is a Way out of Struggling with Co-occurring Disorders
Dual diagnosis treatment centers such as Crestview Recovery help people like you or your loved one on a daily basis. We understand that stopping self-medicating behaviors is difficult. This is especially true for those who must deal with mental health challenges as well as substance abuse disorders.
You don’t have to suffer any longer. Call 866.262.0531 today, and take the first step on the road to recovery.
Crestview Recovery Center is a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center with the experience to help you recover. Our entire staff is dedicated to giving you the care that you need to begin regaining control over your life and start the healing process. Moreover, our caring and understanding staff members are among the most experienced in the field. We believe in a holistic approach to recovery, rather than just using evidence-based methods here.
