What is Dual Diagnosis and How is It Treated in Rehab

Why do substance use disorders and mental disorders occur together?

Co-occurring Disorders or Dual Diagnosis refers to a very common problem of dealing with substance dependency and mental illness or mental disorders at the same time. You see, often long-term substance abuse or chemical dependency creates mental challenges. Just as drugs and alcohol can be extremely taxing to your body, it is equally hard on your brain. Likewise, if someone has any mental challenges they are more apt to substance abuse to cope with the issues they go through in our complex society and culture (cite: 1).

It doesn’t matter which issue came first, the mental disorder or the substance abuse, the result is double trouble, a double whammy on your mind, body, and soul. You can’t successfully treat either without dealing with both challenges. Sometimes there are two or three different types of drugs being used (abused) and several mental disorders have developed by the time one seeks help. You can imagine how complicated things can get when creating an individual’s customized treatment plan.

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What Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

Well, every treatment plan is a little different. And to answer the question; yes, a well-thought out treatment can work. Let’s discuss for a moment how it is done. First, a screening matrix is used and from there, medicines are chosen, and a timeline schedule is made (cite: 2). It’s important to involve the individual and family in the process so that everyone is on the same page. This way everyone knows what is expected and what is happening, this way there are no surprises.

How Does Dual Diagnosis Treatment Work

As the treatment begins, the first goal will be detoxification. This means a few really challenging days as withdrawal symptoms kick-in. It isn’t easy weaning off alcohol or drugs even when using substitute medicines. This is why you need a caring staff that can medically monitor your situation and understands what you are going through. You need someone to talk with and help you through this emotional roller coaster, someone who is totally on your team.

During this entire process, it’s critical that you get the peaceful sleep your body and mind needs. It’s important that you feel secure, and calm, without undue stress. Another key to a successful outcome is eating right and getting the nutrition you need while your body is adjusting in this crazy transition back to normality.

As mentioned above, your mind is the key to winning your life back. Psychotherapy helps, as you learn to change behaviors and reactions to outside situations. By identifying and addressing unworkable patterns of thinking, it’s really possible to change and bring about the new you.

Call 866-491-4426 to Speak With an Addiction Specialist

Treating Dual Diagnosis Effectively in a Recovery Program

At LifeSync Malibu dual diagnosis rehab, we think you can do this. No, we know you can, and with our help, we’ll give you everything you need to conquer this challenge once and for all. We have a long-list of success stories. We’d love to share our beautiful facility with you as you recover. We’d love to give you a tour and get to know you. Most of all, when you are successful in your individualized and customized program we can’t wait to meet the new you, and see what you can do.

Your new life awaits, are you ready to go for it? It won’t be easy, nothing good in life is, but it will change everything for the better. Please call us, please schedule to come by and see what we can do for you.

References:

1.) “Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health,” published by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

2.) “Screening and Assessment Tools Chart,” published by the NIH.