The Importance of Dual Diagnosis Treatment

by Kriti J. Freelancer

One of the first ever biggest breakthroughs for someone just coming into treatment is the realization that drugs and alcohol themselves aren’t actually the direct cause of our problems, but rather they even became our solution to the problems experienced both mentally and emotionally in our daily lives. In up 1990s, anyone who suffered symptoms of a mental health disorder, be it mood swings, depressive episodes, anxiety attacks or delusional behavior, had to be treated separately from those who were basically seeking help for substance abuse and alcoholism.

As per previous models of addiction education, those who suffer from problems such as depression and anxiety used to be denied mental health treatment until they had at least 6 months clean and sober. The main problem in this situation is that these conditions often overlap, and substance abuse is often driven by an underlying problem. This always meant that anyone suffering from co-occurring mental health and addiction problems never truly received the help they so desperately needed. This is why the most successful dual diagnosis rehab programs are integrated to treat all aspects of the illness to ensure the greatest chances of sustained recovery.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment Strategies

Group Therapy – This therapy contains of mutual support groups are a key element in dual diagnosis treatment. Note that both addiction and mental illness can cause or exacerbate symptoms of depression and social anxiety. Isolation and social withdrawal can worsen as a result. Even getting together with other members of a supportive group can help restore faith in humanity and enhance their sense of worth.

One to One Sessions – Intensive therapy counseling sessions with a psychiatrist, psychologist, or certified addictions counselor will address both their psychiatric condition and their addictive disorder. Because they are very closely related, it is important that both conditions are treated simultaneously.

Proper use of Medication – Proper management of symptoms of depression, anxiety, manic-depressive disorder and schizophrenia often require the assistance of modern pharmacopeia. Medication is always a widely accepted tool in dual diagnosis treatment and is considered to be an essential part of recovery for most patients with some form of mental illness.

Couples Counseling and Family Therapy – It is every time stated that addiction is a family disease. The family is always get affected, and sometimes even plays a key role in the patient’s illness. Always make sure to invite the patient’s spouse, family, or any other significant individuals to play an active part in their loved one’s recovery.

Social Services – These services are for those who struggle with mental health issues, keeping up practical tasks and basic life skills can be quite challenging. In dual diagnosis treatment centres treatment such as vocational training, relationship counseling, and nutritional guidance are often implemented by the recovery care management team, but it is important to make the patient signed up for social services as well. Food stamps, housing assistance, and childcare can mean the difference between setting your patient up for success and having them fail under the weight of their pressures.