Dual Diagnosis Treatment Makes the Difference
Dual Diagnosis Treatment Gives Addiction Context
Dual diagnosis treatment for addiction has become an important category of care for substance use disorders in recent years. One of the reasons why is simple and apparent. It is effective, evidence-based care. Clinical research has shown dual diagnosis treatment to deliver better outcomes for patients. People who have co-occurring disorders diagnosed and treatment while they are in rehab are more likely to remain sober and succeed in maintaining their recovery longer. Dual diagnosis treatment helps in a number of ways including:
- Diagnosing co-occurring conditions gives patients answers about how they feel and why.
- Treating co-occurring conditions helps limit or eliminate them as a factor for relapse.
- Dual diagnosis treatment paints a more complete picture of the patient for the therapist.
- Patients receiving treatment for co-occurring disorders have lower recidivism rates.
The fact of the matter is that addiction is a mental illness, so dual diagnosis treatment in an addiction rehab center just makes sense. Anything an addiction rehab can do to improve a patients odds of success is part and parcel of the overall goal of treatment. Dual diagnosis treatment is proven to do that. About 70% of patient admitted to drug treatment who receive this type of care find they have a co-occurring diagnosis. Quite often it is one they were previously unaware of or which had previously been misdiagnosed.
Why Addiction and a Co-Occurring Disorder Together are Tricky
One of the challenges of co-occurring mental health issues and addiction is self-medication. If you are living with untreated anxiety, binge drinking before a party might calm you down at first. If you have ADD, something like cocaine may actually calm you down and help you concentrate. If you are depressed, opiates may make you happier, for a while. We sometimes call it ‘self-medicating’ and you can quickly see where that can become a serious problem. If someone doesn’t have effective, healthy coping mechanisms, giving up the drugs can seem terrifying. It seems like we’re taking away the only thing they have found so far that gives them any relief. That is totally understandable. If a loved one is battling with addiction and a mental health issue at the same time, it really helps if you can put yourself in their shoes and identify with how they might feel.
Drug and Alcohol Rehab is the Perfect Environment for Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Most people who receive a mental health diagnosis get it in outpatient treatment. They may only see a clinician a handful of times. They self-report their symptoms and the clinician consults the DSM-IV or DSM-V to interpret the patients symptoms and compare with their notes and they produce a diagnosis. Now, the patient may or may not continue with follow-up visits or other counseling. They may get on medication therapy which could show results. But the point is the intensity and frequency of treatment isn’t the same as what you would get in a treatment center.
When someone is in drug and alcohol treatment, they get more time to see a psychiatrist and therapists than they would on an outpatient basis. Much more. More than that, they get to visit a therapist regularly over a period of weeks or even months. So, in dual diagnosis treatment in an addiction rehab like Better Tomorrow Treatment Center, there is more opportunities to correctly diagnose a co-occurring condition like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder and more time to treat it directly and closely observe the results of treatment, including the efficacy of any new medications brought onboard. In other words, it’s a great chance to really get to understand the patient and watch the results of treatment in action. And it all happens at exactly the time in that persons life when they probably need the help most.
What Kinds of Disorders can Dual Diagnosis Treatment Help With?
First, any psychiatric disorder should be first diagnosed by a clinician. It’s not enough to look up some symptoms in WebMD or anywhere else and then claim matter-of-factly that you or someone else has a certain disorder. Only trained clinicians are qualified to make a formal diagnosis and that’s an important part of dual diagnosis treatment. You well know you are having symptoms, but it is important not to guess about what your diagnosis may be. A lot of confusion happens when people with no formal diagnosis claim to have ADHD or PTSD or anything else. They mean well enough, but it can take away from the help people with diagnosed disorders can get. It can also add to prejudice towards associated with mental illnesses. Don’t diagnose yourself or let anyone but a professional do so. It is best to describe your symptoms rather than decide exactly what they mean before you’ve had a consultation.
Here are some examples of disorders sometimes found in dual diagnosis patients:
- Clinical Depression (different than situational depression)
- Bipolar Disorder (I, II or cyclothymic)
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
This is only a short list of a few of the disorders seen among dual diagnosis patients. All these conditions can add to a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) in different ways. They also often improve with a combination of therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and medications. Learning more about co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders is a good idea. Just remember that only professionals should diagnose them.
Treating Addiction and Co-Occurring Disorders Together
The link between co-occurring and addictive disorders is powerful. If the addicted person feels they are getting even a little relief or escape, it becomes even harder for them to stop. When mental illness isn’t well-managed, the consequences are more likely to lead you to pick up a drug or a drink. Drinking and drugging are proven to make mental illness symptoms worse. Treating behavioral health and substance use disorders together gives you the best chance of success. That way when treatment is completed, you are fully prepared for recovery. There is no way to overestimate the value of something as simple as knowing you have PTSD. Not only knowing your diagnosis but having the tools you need to manage it. It really does provide an incredible advantage, especially in early recovery.
WHY CHOOSE US
WHY BETTER TOMORROW TREATMENT CENTER IS A GREAT CHOICE FOR YOU
Evidence-Based Treatment
Better Tomorrow Treatment Center utilizes a scientific approach to addiction care. We use methods of addiction treatment proven by clinical research. This ensures effective treatment that you can trust to deliver the results you need.
Balanced Holistic Approach
While we rely on scientific evidence to choose treatment methods, we never lose sight of the human element and spiritual needs. We believe holistic treatment is about introducing order and balance where before there was only chaos.
3 Phase Program
Our 3-phase program is designed to give you more support for longer than you might be able to get at some other programs. Our outpatient treatment allows you to resume your daily activities while staying connected to Better Tomorrow Treatment Center.
RECOVERY BEGINS WITH ACTION. TAKE ACTION AND CONTACT US NOW.
A Better Tomorrow is in Reach
The next chapter of your life is not written yet. Better Tomorrow is ready to help you build the future in recovery that you’ve dreamed of. Let us help you heal and become the best version of yourself. A better tomorrow begins with the actions you take today.
