What is dual diagnosis treatment? It is a form of diagnosis and treatment for co-occurring disorders such as drug or alcohol addiction and mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression. Addiction treatment centers in Maryland use dual diagnosis to help clients manage their mental health condition while overcoming their addiction.
While the concept of dual diagnosis treatment is simple to understand, it is often difficult to perform due to the attention that is often given to addiction. This is because addiction can often be observed through identifiable behaviors. It may only be after a person receives treatment for addiction that a mental disorder is discovered.
Get answers about what dual diagnosis treatment is and how TruHealing Centers can help when you call [Direct] today.
Understanding Co-Occurring Disorders
It is not uncommon for a person with an addiction to have some type of mental disorder. Some of the most common disorders associated with substance abuse include:
- Eating disorders
- Anxiety disorder
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Borderline personality disorder
- Bipolar disorder
There is a distinct relationship between these conditions in which they either co-exist or trigger each other. Some examples may include the following reactions.
The Mental Disorder Triggers the Addiction
A person who has a mental disorder does not instinctively know how to handle the disorder. For this reason, they may choose to drink or take drugs as a form of escape or self-medication. When this becomes a habit, a person can form an addiction, which ultimately leads to dependency on the substance.
The Addiction Caused the Mental Disorder
One of the reasons why people use substances is because of the hallucinogenic or euphoric effects they have on the brain. To produce the effect, the substance alters brain function. When this happens repeatedly, it can lead to a mental disorder followed by mild to severe symptoms.
The Two Condition Coincide Independently
It is possible for co-occurring disorders to exist independently of each other. However, even if this is the case, the symptoms from the condition can aggravate the symptoms of the other. For this reason, substance abuse treatment programs exist to address the problems of both the addiction and the mental disorder.
What is Dual Diagnosis and How Does It Treat Disorders?
Treatment centers follow a strict process when treating clients with co-occurring disorders. The process may include the following steps.
A Psychiatric Assessment
A treatment specialist begins your treatment with a comprehensive psychiatric assessment to determine the nature and extent of both conditions. They may recommend medication and therapy as a way to explore and treat the addiction and mental health issue.
Rehab
Rehab typically begins with alcohol or drug detox so that the client can get the substance out of their system. From there, they may go through a 30, 60, or 90-day rehab period. Addiction treatment therapies may include inpatient or outpatient services and individual, family, or group therapy. They may also continue their treatment through aftercare programs.
Holistic Treatments
Once primary care has begun, a therapist may also recommend holistic treatments as a supplement to evidence-based therapy. Treatments may include mediation, nutritional counseling, yoga, or massage therapy. It is designed to bring a sense of healing to your mind, body, and spirit.
Relapse Prevention
Extended care and aftercare programs are available to help someone once they complete rehab. This may include ongoing therapy, alumni programs, support groups, or a sober living house. We’ve designed our aftercare programs to prevent a relapse.
Learn More About Dual Diagnosis at TruHealing Centers
Are you still wondering, “What is dual diagnosis treatment?” Learn more at TruHealing Centers. Our residential addiction treatment program is here to help you get off of alcohol and drugs while learning how to manage your mental health issue. Contact TruHealing Centers at [Direct] to get a free consultation and learn more about your treatment options.