Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program

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
Group Therapy

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:

Detoxification

The detoxification process removes the toxins from the body that lie there from alcohol or drugs. This process is best accomplished with professionals in the medical field that are able to monitor the health of the individual and possibly provide assistance in dealing with the withdrawal symptoms that could be faced. These symptoms might include nausea, headache, tremors, muscle aches, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Treatment

Finding out what the issues are that are being faced is a vital part of moving forward in your recovery. The treatment will be learning more about the dual diagnosis and how the issues affect each other. The treatment will differ based on the various problems being dealt with.

Continued Sobriety

Detox and treatment are very important, but once the individual is released from treatment they will face challenges staying sober and dealing with their issues. It is vital that they know how to reach out for help and have the resources to do so. This may mean being a part of a group that meets regularly and/or having access to a sponsor to help them face troubling times. Success in long-term recovery is often dependent upon this step.

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.

Don’t wait to get the help that you need. There are options available to you and you are not alone. With a comprehensive and progressive approach to your issues, you can reach a successful result and get on the path to your new life.