Substance abuse disorder is more than a struggle to stop using drugs and alcohol. Many people struggle with unresolved mental issues. Did you know that almost six out of ten people with substance abuse disorders also have co-occurring mental illnesses? It is important to identify these conditions before starting treatment for addiction or mental health. Dual diagnosis is a way to recognize the mental aspects of addiction. Dual diagnosis can help patients overcome addiction by addressing mental disorders.
Dual Diagnosis: What Is It?
A dual diagnosis is when both a diagnosis of mental illness or addiction are made simultaneously. Co-occurring disorders can be difficult to treat due to the interconnectedness of various mental health issues and addiction. Dual diagnosis can make it difficult for someone with multiple conditions to receive treatment alone. Because of the overlap in symptoms, it is very difficult to treat each condition individually.
What Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
A multi-disciplinary program is the best option for dual diagnosis patients. It will be supervised by dual-diagnostic medical professionals. An assessment is usually the first step in a co-occurring disorder treatment. This allows doctors to gather the information that will help them make treatment decisions.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment – Benefits
The dual diagnosis program is designed to help you stay sober by treating both your substance abuse disorder and your mental disorder. Dual diagnosis treatment is difficult because it’s hard to manage both conditions at once. Here are some benefits of dual diagnosis treatment.
- Complete psychiatric assessment
- Learn how to deal with triggers
- Make a plan for the future
- Treat your mind and body
- Focused Care
- Education and understanding
- Normalization
Learning To Cope
Substance use disorders are often caused by underlying psychiatric issues. You may find yourself returning to your drug of choice repeatedly due to stressors and triggers. This cycle can be broken and you can escape by learning how to cope. Dual diagnosis programs help you to identify triggers and create a plan for dealing with them in the future.
Progress To The Further
It can be very difficult to make progress toward a better future if you have co-occurring disorders. It can be very difficult to keep your job or go to school if you are struggling with mental illness and substance abuse. Dual diagnosis programs can help you learn how to deal with triggers and strong emotions that affect your daily life.
Body & Mind Healing
Dual diagnosis programs that are high quality use holistic therapies such as massage therapy, meditation therapy, art therapy, and yoga to help you heal in all areas. These therapies can help you find balance and other interests to keep you from falling back into relapse.
Focused Cover
Focused care is easier when the care providers are familiar with the condition being treated. Dual diagnosis includes substance abuse disorder and co-occurring mental disorders. It is less effective to treat one condition at a time than the other. There are many symptoms that overlap between substance abuse and mental disorders.
Education
For someone with a dual diagnosis, a holistic approach may be necessary. A holistic approach is essential for people with dual diagnosis conditions. Otherwise, the problem will spread to other parts of their body.
Normalization
You might feel alone if you have co-occurring conditions. It’s not uncommon to have both a substance abuse disorder and mental health issues. The way you deal with these conditions is very similar to the struggles of other people across the country. You may be surprised to learn that co-occurring disorders are common.