Dual Diagnosis Treatment Programs:
Treatment Overview

Dual Diagnosis clients suffer from addiction as well as an underlying mental condition. This condition is what separates dual-diagnosis clients from those who are suffering from addiction alone. A person with both a mental disorder and an alcohol or drug problem most often exhibits symptoms of an apparent mood disorder that can range from dysthymia to a major depressive episode. Symptoms of anxiety are also a common feature, often mixed with symptoms of depression. Treatment centers with dual diagnosis programs understand the struggles people with co-occurring mental issues have and are trained to handle the many different situations that can arise. Therapists, doctors, nurses, detox specialists, Licensed clinical social workers, and counselors have been trained to help monitor patients, by monitoring physical condition and providing simple interventions to help people stay comfortable and calm.  Mental illness and addiction may share many of the same symptoms and both need to be treated at the same time. If these people do not receive treatment from a dual-diagnosis rehabilitation facility, the problems are more than likely to worsen over time. These facilities help treat dual-diagnosis clients while also providing counseling and care for the families. Some of the clients have tried treatment elsewhere and failed to find long-lasting recovery. We will help those searching for a new life free of drugs or alcohol find the best addiction treatment program for their individual needs and goals.

Is specialized treatment important?

Some programs use a “one size fits all” approach to treating addiction. This will not work in a dual-diagnosis case. Rehabilitation for a dual diagnosis case has to be specialized and the mental illness has to be taken into account for treatment to be successful. Those with a mental illness cannot be confronted or torn down about their addiction issues. Licensed social workers and experts in treating co-occurring mental and substance abuse problems will set the pace for treatment so the client does not feel overwhelmed.

Finding the Right Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program

Dual-diagnosis treatment programs are well-known for comprehensive treatment as well as care for the individual. The treatment team must work together in conjunction with the client, to treat the whole problem (substance abuse and mental illness or underlying conditions), not just the symptoms of the problem. This is done with specialized counselors and doctors working together. Individual treatment plans are the key to recovery for dual-diagnosis patients. It is sometimes beneficial for the client to go to treatment further away from home. Getting away from temptations and friends who may still be using is often better for many people. Clients who go to rehab in another state also have a harder time leaving treatment early as well. Depending on the situation, our counselors may suggest looking for substance abuse programs that are a plane flight away.

Patients with Special Needs

Clients with co-occurring mental and substance abuse problems are often high-risk individuals. These special case clients, need more care and supervision, to ensure the safety of the client as well as the treatment team. Dual-diagnosis patients are more prone to violence and suicide attempts than those who just have an addiction problem they are dealing with. The staff at these centers are more equipped to deal with those who have an underlying mental condition. The unpredictable nature of these types of clients makes the need for a specialized program a necessity not an option for treatment. Call now if you have any questions, concerns or would like to enroll into a dual diagnosis drug rehab programs now.

Sources 

Dual Diagnosis Wiki

Co-occurring disorders

Erik Epp – Content Author