Dual Diagnosis - A Mental and Drug Problem
In the United States, over half of all drug and alcohol addiction rehab admissions also suffer from a co-existing mental health disorder. The medical term used to describe this type of scenario is dual diagnosis disorder.
Dual diagnosis is diagnosed whenever an individual has both an addiction and a mental health problem. In all cases, the mental health disorder fuels the addiction and vice versa, making recovery a very difficult thing to accomplish. In order to manage both conditions successfully, the patient needs to accept treatment in a specially designed dual diagnosis rehab.
The Basis of Dual Diagnosis Rehabs
Dual diagnosis rehabs are designed to exclusively treat this special type of patient. These individuals require targeted treatments that are capable of helping them break through the confines of their mental health issue. Because of the wide variety of mental health disorders, treatments are customized to satisfy each individual’s needs and requirements.
While there are over 300 clinically recognized mental health disorders, the most common types associated with dual diagnosis disorder include:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Borderline personality disorder
- Post traumatic stress disorder
Treating Mental Health Disorders in a Dual Diagnosis Rehab
For many patients suffering from dual diagnosis disorder, their mental health issue strengthens their reliance on drugs or alcohol. But on the other side, their drug addiction or alcoholism worsens their mental health problem. This Catch 22 is evident in virtually every case of dual diagnosis disorder.
To counteract this, the drug addiction or alcoholism treatment is performed concurrently along with the therapy and counseling necessary for overcoming the patient’s mental problem. Medicinal therapy will also usually be employed to help the patient right the chemical imbalance if that has a role in their mental health disorder. By treating dual diagnosis disorder in this manner, the patient can effectively learn to manage all of their issues simultaneously so failing to treat one doesn’t cause a counter-reaction in another.
Finding Treatment for Dual Diagnosis Disorder
I you or a loved one is living with dual diagnosis disorder, treatment needs to be administered immediately for the best opportunity to recover. Call today at 877-794-0381 to speak with one of our counselors. We can help you get into a dual diagnosis rehab that works best for you. Your call is free and confidential and our helpline is open 24/7/365. Stop putting off the treatment you need today – call now 877-794-0381!
