Do you know of anyone who has an addiction issue as well as a co-occurring mental health condition, like anxiety and depression? If yes, then the person has a dual diagnosis. Such situations need comprehensive and integrated care for thoroughly addressing and correcting both conditions. Hence, this treatment is provided by dual diagnosis treatment centers that address both substance abuse and mental health issues. If only one problem gets treated, the person’s addiction issue might relapse.
The relevance of dual diagnosis treatment
The concept of dual diagnosis is a medical term that indicates the presence of substance use disorder and a behavioral health issue. At times, one condition can worsen or contribute to the other. For instance, a person with a mental illness might use alcohol or drugs to manage their symptoms. However, in some different situation, the issue of substance abuse might lead to a mental illness.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that about 8 million adults have struggled with both mental disorders and substance abuse in 2014. But it’s only a lesser percentage of these people seeking help and deciding to get treated for their problems.
Apparently, there is no specific reason why alcohol and drug addiction and mental illness occurs together frequently. The people who suffer from both mental illness and substance use disorder often show severe, persistent, and resistant to any treatment than people who suffer from only one issue. It is the reason why there are dual diagnostic centers to treat such cases. You can look for dual diagnosis treatment centers near you if you need to treat someone.
The dual diagnosis history
The dual diagnosis usually applies to people who suffer from a persistent, severe mental illness along with an addiction issue. Historically, there was a split in the United States between addiction and mental health services. The section that fell through this divide are ones who have a dual diagnosis.
Since each treatment system existed in separation, it was very challenging for people with dual diagnoses to get assistance and treatment in the conventional addiction treatment programs.
Till such time, the integrated dual diagnosis treatment centers and programs were available; it was challenging for people with co-occurring disorders to get the required help. This is because they usually opted in for isolated treatment programs which didn’t attend their distinct needs.
The people with dual diagnosis need a treatment center or program where there’s expertise in both places. Fortunately, today, dual diagnosis treatment centers are available to address and effectively treat co-occurring disorders. In addition, you can check out the drug detox centers to know more.
The dual diagnosis assessment
During the clinical assessment for the dual diagnosis, the treatment professional considers several factors. Usually, they check whether the person:
- Caters to the psychiatric disorder criteria
- Comes with a history of substance abuse negatively influencing their work, mental health, leisure activities, and relationships
- Has available resources and a support system
- Is a threat to others and themselves and also has a past record of violence?
- Has witnessed suicidal thoughts
- Is driven enough to opt-in for a rehab treatment so that he or she can overcome the issue at hand
The dual diagnosis treatment types
The dual diagnosis treatment will be different depending on an individual’s preferences and needs. For example, the treatment might occur on an outpatient and inpatient basis.
- The inpatient treatment
Based on the illness severity, a person with a dual diagnosis might get benefited from inpatient care. One of the common forms of this is the inpatient rehab, where the patients stay at the rehab center whilst the treatment. Based on the rehab units’ rules and regulations, the residents might have the permission to leave the center or have visitors.
Based on the complex nature of the co-occurring disorders, several people having dual diagnosis might need ongoing assistance, extra services, and on-site professionals from the multidisciplinary backgrounds available at the inpatient rehab centers. Such programs enable the people with dual diagnosis to get the intensive treatment required to walk on the path of recovery from mental ailment and substance abuse.
- The outpatient treatment
Simply put, the outpatient treatment for a dual diagnosis patient is flexible and easy than an inpatient care. The outpatient treatment programs usually vary in time commitment and intensity. For a few people, taking part in an outpatient treatment, means spending 30 or more hours every week at the rehab unit. It is considered apt as an initial treatment.
Suppose there is any requirement for inpatient dual diagnosis treatment. In that case, the patients can receive it and then move to the intensive outpatient program that assists their choice to thrive in a community independently as they carry on with their recovery efforts.
Do you want to select the best dual diagnosis treatment center or program for you? If yes, you need to consider the rehab privacy, know where to attend and find treatment, and decide how to pay for the same.