You need a rehab program that meets the needs and challenges of your dual diagnosis. Read on for tips on choosing the right dual diagnosis rehab from you.
Around 7.9 million Americans have a dual diagnosis. They suffer from both an addiction and a mental or emotional disorder.
For these individuals, to treat the addiction you must treat the condition and vice versa.
Neglecting one or the other leads to less promising outcomes and temporary results. But by treating the individual as a whole person, the addicted can find more lasting healing.
With this in mind, let’s explore what you should be looking for in a dual diagnosis rehab program.
Do You Have a Dual Diagnosis?
You may be reading this even if you or your loved one hasn’t been diagnosed with a mental or emotional condition.
We can’t diagnosis from afar. Before we get into the 5 keys, here is a quick list of symptoms that indicate that you might need to talk to your doctor about having a dual diagnosis.
- Feeling hopeless or worthless
- Little interest in daily activities
- Insomnia or sleeping too much
- Constant fatigue
- Racing negative thoughts
- Irritability
- Taking risky chances with life, health, others
1. Inpatient or Outpatient Treatment
In the inpatient setting, those who need dual diagnosis rehab live in a residential inpatient setting.
These facilities are designed to look like home. But they place the one struggling with addiction in a more controlled and monitored setting. In this setting, they’re away from bad influences and constant temptations.
During their stay, they’ll receive:
- Counseling
- Therapy for their mental disorders
- Practice with coping skills
- Life skills
They’ll be on a schedule under the close guidance of medical professionals and counselors.
In the outpatient setting, a person will live at home for some or most of the week. They’ll then attend daily or weekly sessions as described above.
A rehab program is normally provided on a spectrum between these two choices — from very closely monitored to more relaxed.
As you evaluate programs, consider the level of program that you need.
Can’t imagine yourself being able to resist using right now? Then full-time inpatient may be exactly what you need.
Already able to somewhat manage cravings when you have a support system around you? Then you may need a very lax outpatient program.
Or you may need something in between.
It’s also very common for an inpatient program to be followed by outpatient. This allows the patient to re-adjust to the world outside.
2) Length of Program
Those who need dual diagnosis rehab may need a longer program than others. Too short a program may not allow enough time to address the other mental or emotional challenges.
On the flip-side, a program that is too long may impact a struggling person’s ability to meet life obligations. This may weigh on the person and affect the success of treatment.
Additionally, longer programs may cost more money, putting extra weight on the one who’s trying to heal.
The length of the program is thus a complex decision. You will need to weigh your needs and research program durations to find the right fit for you.
3) Your Personal Investment & Insurance Coverage
If you’re not able to pay out of pocket, then it’s very important to know if insurance will cover dual diagnosis rehab and what they cover.
You or a trusted representative should talk with your insurance company about coverage. Get a full outline of the program from your potential dual diagnosis rehab facility and allow your insurance to review it.
They may cover some things and not others. They may have a daily limit, called a per diem, for certain services.
It’s important to understand that they may say “it’s covered”. But you will still be responsible for:
- Your deductible
- Copays
- Co-insurance
- Anything above and beyond what they cover
You may need prior-authorization in order for some services to be covered. Make sure you know the rules.
As you’re choosing a dual diagnosis rehab company, look for one who’s willing to provide you with clear information up front. You can then work with your insurance company.
You’ll also want a rehab program that’s willing to work with you regarding your portion of the bill.
4) Type of Facility
You might receive dual diagnosis rehab at a facility that is:
- State-funded
- Private
- Luxury
State-funded treatment programs are normally the most affordable. They lack the bells and whistles that you might get at a luxury facility. They set treatment programs based upon federal and state-approved treatment methods.
Private facilities don’t receive state money so they may cost more. While they do have to follow state and federal guidelines, they’re more likely to offer a wider range of alternative treatments methods like:
- Sauna
- Acupuncture
- Reiki
- Meditation
- Greater focus on nutrition
- More classes
Private facilities typically help fewer patients at any given time. They’re also more likely to treat the full body-mind. So they are most often ideal for dual diagnosis rehab.
Luxury facilities are a type of private facility that may cater to a certain group like CEOs, athletes, movie stars. They would design programs around the unique needs of those individuals.
5) Employment Practices
When considering a dual diagnosis rehab, a look behind the curtain is a smart idea.
Who does the facility employ? Do they perform background checks? Are those providing treatment licensed? What kinds of experience do they have?
The greatest program in the world is nothing if the right people aren’t in place to help those in their care.
This is especially important with a dual diagnosis.
The professionals must understand the mental or emotional conditions to effectively develop healing strategies.
So what if a treatment program works on 85% of patients? It may not work for someone who is also suffering from conditions A, B and C.
Qualified professionals know this. They meet the unique needs of individuals.
Dual Diagnosis Rehab
If you have a dual diagnosis, you need to get to the root of your addiction. This requires treating the mental or emotional conditions that are connected.
Evaluate your treatment program and duration options. Consider facility types, employment practices and what your insurance covers. Through this, you can find a program that’s right for you.
To learn more about treatment options for dual diagnosis, call our compassionate team of addiction specialists today: 800-426-1818.
