Rehab Center Treatment Options for Dual Diagnosis Conditions
People affected by dual diagnosis conditions struggle with the combined effects of addiction and one or more psychological disorders. When considered separately, both addiction and mental illness can greatly compromise a person’s ability to function in daily life. When combined, people living with dual diagnosis stand to experience the worst of what these two conditions have to offer.
Rehab center treatment approaches for dual diagnosis employ a holistic model that treats both conditions as one instead of treating one and then the other. While rehab center treatment for dual diagnosis use many of the same interventions used in addiction treatment, affecting change in both areas remains the overall focus of treatment.
Dual Diagnosis Conditions
Dual diagnosis conditions span the spectrum in terms of the types of drugs and psychological disorders involved. Conditions most often associated with dual diagnosis include:
Personality disorders are often associated with dual diagnosis.
- Depression disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Personality disorders
- Any and all forms of drug addiction (e.g. opiate, stimulants, sedatives, hallucinogens)
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, psychological disorders increase a person’s vulnerability to addiction. Likewise, drug abuse and addiction increase a person’s vulnerability to developing mental illness.
Treatment for dual diagnosis lessens the severity of both conditions and makes it easier to overcome the damaging effects of dual diagnosis in a person’s daily life.
Not sure if your insurance will help cover your treatment costs? Call our helpline at 800-481-6320Who Answers? for more information.
The Integrated Treatment Approach
Rehab center treatment options for dual diagnosis use an integrated treatment approach that considers the combined effects of addiction and mental illness on a person’s well-being, according to Minnesota Department of Human Services. From this standpoint, treatment interventions are fine-tuned to affect change in both areas at the same time.
Rehab Center Treatment Options for Dual Diagnosis
Rehab center treatment options for dual diagnosis employ the following types of interventions:
- Assessment process
- Cognitive-behavioral therapies
- Drug education and counseling
- Medication treatments
According to the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration, the assessment process forms the basis for treatment planning for the duration of rehab center treatment. Assessment entails gathering information on a person’s medical, psychological and drug history as well as his or her available supports and motivation to get well.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy interventions address the faulty thinking patterns that drive drug-using behaviors while also helping a person work through any underlying emotional issues that fuel psychological dysfunction.
Drug education and counseling interventions used in rehab center treatment work to help a person understand how drugs impair brain function, perpetuate continued drug use and aggravate psychological disorder.
In cases of severe dual diagnosis, medication treatment may be administered to help relieve distressing symptoms, such as those brought on by depression or anxiety disorders. Medication therapies may also be used to treat certain severe forms of addiction, such as those involving alcohol or opiate abuse.
Considerations
Dual diagnosis can worsen over time at a much faster rate than addiction or mental illness alone as these conditions naturally aggravate one another, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of decline in a person’s life. For these reasons, it’s never too soon to consider rehab center treatment when living with dual diagnosis.
If you or someone you know struggles with dual diagnosis and have more questions, or need help finding a rehab center that meets your needs, please feel free to call our toll-free helpline at 800-481-6320Who Answers? to speak with one of our addictions specialists.
