When it comes to treatment for any type of addiction, there can often be a dual diagnosis involved. This could mean that a person that is addicted to drugs might also be diagnosed with bipolar disorder or it could mean that a person that is being treated for alcohol addiction is being diagnosed with depression as well. This particular situation might call for a dual diagnosis program in order to treat and manage both of the issues at hand. While the issues may play into each other they also are to be considered as separate problems that need to be dealt with in individual ways being mindful of any connection. It is for this reason that one of the dual diagnosis treatment facilities is often the best choice.
Treatment for Dual Diagnosis
Dual diagnosis facilities are equipped to handle the facets of both diagnoses at the same time. In addition, the dual diagnosis programs are able to help the individuals deal with the how each of the issues affects the other. This may mean a variety of treatments such as:
- Medications
- Individual Therapy
- Addiction education
Individuals that have multiple disorders or addictions often have difficulty keeping one of them from stopping progress in gaining control over the other. This makes it difficult for people to move on in the treatment process and is the reason that all issues must be addressed. Often the one diagnosed issue can put up road blocks for a successful recovery from the other. It is wise to treat both of them so that you can feel confident in knowing where the feelings for the addiction are coming from.
The Process of Treatment
The process of treating an individual in dual diagnosis treatment centers typically includes the following elements:
In the United States it is estimated that over 43 million individuals over the age of 18 have some type of mental illnesses. Of this group over 7.9 million people also have substance abuse issues. The ties between the two are clear by these numbers and treating them both in the same facility is essential to success. There are over 23 million individuals seeking treatment for drug abuse in the United States.
In most cases, facilities are dual diagnosis residential treatment programs. This allows the professionals to work with you one on one 24/7 for a period of time to keep you on track for success. They are able to address new issues as they come up and see how the two diagnoses affect one another. This will also help in developing a treatment plan that is going to be more successful. Understanding both of the problems at hand is important in making sure that positive results occur.
