October 16, 2018

How the Best Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers Can Help Your Recovery

The best dual diagnosis treatment centers offer both clinical mental health support and addiction recovery programs. Here’s how to choose the best rehab for you.

More than half of those who suffer from drug addiction show some form of mental illness. One-third of those who abuse alcohol or drugs will suffer from abuse or crisis at some point.

In some cases, these numbers answer the common question people will ask. Why? What makes them head to rock bottom over common sense? What makes some of us more prone to addiction than others?

The best dual diagnosis treatment centers address more than the addiction. For them, treatment is not abstaining alone. It’s treating all the questions of why clients begin substance abuse in the first place.

Dual diagnosis is holistic by nature and works where 30-day treatments can’t.

Read on to learn more about how and why dual diagnosis works.

What is Dual Diagnosis?

Before, clinicians wouldn’t diagnose a client if they were abusing a substance. Beliefs still exist today that the client needs to be sober first.

But, “co-occurring disorders” are very common. So, forward-thinking professionals began supporting diagnosis and treatment for both.

Estimates are 7.9 million Americans suffer both a mental illness and substance abuse. Symptoms for either one can occur first.

For those experiencing depression or another disorder, using substances gives relief. But, it’s a short-term answer to a life-long issue.

Why Self Medication is Common

We all experience stressful times. We also have times we’re feeling down or anxious. It’s not uncommon to look for outlets to “cheer up” such as a favorite activity or a talk with a friend.

Those who suffer from clinical depression, panic disorder or another issue do not work this way. Their stress or depression does not go away after enjoying a hobby.

For some, turning to drugs or alcohol is the only relief. It doesn’t last long. Many will consume more substances, building their tolerance.

The cycle can continue over months and years.

Early Signs of Trouble

Early symptoms for those with a dual diagnosis can be either substance abuse or mental illness. When they converge, sufferers often show at least some of the following behaviors:

Withdrawal from friends and family
Engaging in risky behavior
High tolerance to substance and withdrawal symptoms
Loss of control over substances
Sudden, uncontrollable behaviors
Must use substances to function
Uses drugs or alcohol in dangerous situations

Even in the best circumstances, using drugs or alcohol will cause problems.

It’s not difficult to see the outward signs of abuse. But, defining mental illness problems are for professionals.

Without a proper diagnosis of depression, most will continue their abuse. Even after traditional substance abuse rehab, many will relapse.

Treatment of Dual Diagnosis

Before there was training for dual diagnosis, clients had to address addiction first. Only then could a client begin therapy or medication for other issues. In some cases, professionals advice was abstinence from any medications.

Today, treatment is a confluence of treating disorders along with addiction. Now, medication for underlying mental issues is necessary. Often, clients present with one or more of the following:

Mood Disorder — major depression or bipolar
Anxiety Disorder — general anxiety, PTSD, or obsessive-compulsive
Personality Disorder — borderline or antisocial
Eating Disorder — bulimia or anorexia

The severity of conditions vary, and the treatment is very individual. Pharmacology plays a part very often. Relieving symptoms like anxiety, hallucinations, or depression is vital.

This way, clients can begin cognitive behavioral therapy and take advantage of support. For some clients, the most difficult part of therapy is understanding they’re worth it.

Many who deal with mental illness put their substance abuse front and center in their life. It takes time and support for them to learn to take care of themselves first.

Getting Back to Life With Treatment of a Dual Diagnosis

Whether clients head to sober living facilities or go home, getting back to life is a critical step. Substance abuse and mental illness issues don’t go away.

Their new journey takes support from friends and family and mental health professionals. Prognoses are favorable when clients align with others in recovery.

Self-help groups such as AA allow them to find support with everyday struggles. Over time, individuals learn their mental illness may be part of their make up, but it doesn’t run their life.

Then, the need to mask symptoms with alcohol or drugs became unnecessary.

Best Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers

Statistics show us that those who have mental illness are some of the most vulnerable in society. Severe money problems, homelessness, and abuse are common.

And, many who go to rehab for addiction alone relapse. The best dual diagnosis treatment centers offer not only the help, but they also provide hope.

For many clients entering treatment, they are at their most hopeless.

Prior attempts to stay sober fail, leaving them believing nothing will help. This is not true. Dual diagnosis, though very common, is too often the last hope.

The best treatment centers give clients proper attention to their individual needs. Their prescriptive program may be longer than a conventional substance abuse rehab.

This allows clients the full advantage of a professional who works with their particular illnesses rather than a something-for-everyone approach.

No matter from where a client comes, the best treatment centers do not judge. Instead, they lay out a personal, robust journey to health for each client.