Drug Rehab and Dual Diagnosis
Dual diagnosis treatment maybe the ticket to your recovery!
Dual diagnosis is a term used to describe a situation in which an individual suffers from two distinct medical conditions at the same time. In most cases, when it comes to drug rehab a dual diagnosis is the result of an individual suffering from drug or alcohol addiction as well as a co-occurring mental disorder such as depression, bi-polar disorder, or anxiety.
Various types of psychological disorders have been known to co-exist with an addiction to drugs or alcohol. Many people go years without being diagnosed with an underlying mental disorder. This is often because the individual self medicates, does not seek treatment for the problem or simply does not even realize that there is a problem. Some of the most common mental disorders that are seen in a dual diagnosis situation include ADHD, PTSD, various anxiety disorders, depression and personality disorders.
Unfortunately, individuals who suffer from various mental disorders and choose to self medicate with drugs or alcohol often find themselves addicted and in a state of even more distress as a result of the use of drugs or alcohol. Trying to cure a mental condition without the help of a qualified specialist is not the correct way to handle the situation and in most cases will only make matters worse, but for some it’s the only thing they know to do.
Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders at Drug Rehab Centers
Specialized treatment is available for those who suffer from an underlying mental disorder in addition to an addiction to drugs or alcohol. Drug rehab centers that provide dual diagnosis treatment can offer the individual new ways to cope with and manage emotions that may otherwise have caused them to previously use drugs or alcohol as a means of dealing with life’s problems.
With more than 50% of all people who abuse drugs suffering from at least one additional psychological disorder such as anxiety or depression, the need for treatment of co-occurring disorders has never been greater. Unfortunately, people often seek treatment for a mental condition and do not disclose their drug addiction which ultimately results in a misdiagnosis and can also result in improper treatment for their condition. Withdrawal symptoms are often similar to the symptoms of a mental illness and therefore anyone who suffers from drug addiction as well as a mental disorder is advised to disclose all such information regarding their drug use to their counselor, therapist or physician.
Various types of treatment for co-occurring disorders are available at drug rehab centers. Initially, the patient will undergo a detox program in order to safely eliminate any drugs from their system. Following detoxification, the drug addiction and the mental disorder or disorders can be treated appropriately.
Treatment may consist of individual and group counseling, medication therapy, and other forms of therapy depending on the type of mental condition and the specific drug that the individual is addicted to. The risk for those with a dual diagnosis to relapse and fall back into a drug addiction is far greater than for those who do not suffer from mental illness. In some cases, the patient may deny a disorder despite being diagnosed. These types of cases may require an intervention in order to show the patient how serious the disorder is and the dire need for treatment.
