What is Dual Diagnosis Rehab (Treatment)?
Dual diagnosis rehab programs treat patients who have an alcohol, drug or behavioral addiction in addition to a mental disorder, such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Bipolar disorder
Many times, individuals with these mental health disorders develop drug or alcohol dependence as a means of self-medicating. The effects of the drugs and alcohol help relieve symptoms of mental disorders; however, as your body becomes dependent on these drugs, you need a higher dose for them to have any effect. If you are suffering from a psychological disorder with a co-occurring drug or alcohol addiction, call us at . We can link you up with a dual diagnosis rehab facility that can help.
Did You Know?
It is sometimes unclear whether the substance abuse began as a result of a mental disorder or whether it occurred the other way around. Dual diagnosis rehab programs address the root causes behind the addiction — whether the mental health issue led to the addiction or the addiction caused a mental health issue to form.
What to Expect in Dual Diagnosis Rehab
Upon entering co-occurring disorder rehab centers, patients undergo a full psychological evaluation. This evaluation determines the following:
- Which psychological disorder the patient has
- When symptoms of the disorder appeared
- When substance abuse began
- How bad the substance abuse is
- Which treatments the patient will require
Residential treatment centers allow patients to be free of the normal everyday stressors that may worsen their symptoms. This controlled environment allows them to focus fully on recovery. The treatment facility helps patients set goals for recovery from both their mental disorders and their substance addictions.
Counselors and doctors educate patients about the specific psychological disorders from which they suffer. They help them understand what the symptoms are and how to cope with them without the use of alcohol or drugs. They also help patients recognize the symptoms of drug or alcohol withdrawal and teach them techniques to deal with these symptoms in a healthy way. When you understand why you feel the way you do, you can be more proactive in your own recovery.
Did You Know?
There are various types of treatments available, depending on each unique combination of different addictions and psychological disorders. Only a doctor and certified counselor can determine which of these treatments is the right one for you.
Treatment Therapy Types in Dual Diagnosis Rehab
While enrolled in dual diagnosis rehab programs, patients participate in individual and group therapy sessions. In individual sessions, they learn more about the causes of their own addictions and disorders. During group therapy, patients learn from each other and are able to meet others who are having the same struggles. This allows them to come together and motivate each other. Recovery is quicker when you feel that you have a friend who understands you.
In addition to counseling and therapy, patients in dual diagnosis rehab go through detoxification under the supervision of a doctor. They may be given drugs to help wean them off the drug of abuse. They may also be given medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms.
Relaxation techniques are often used to alleviate symptoms from withdrawal and psychological disorders. Yoga, massage therapy, and other relaxation activities help alleviate symptoms in the body and mind. These practices can also be used by patients as part of their continuing treatment plans once they exit the facility.
Get Help For A Dual Diagnosis
Dual diagnosis rehab programs often involve patients’ friends and family in their treatment programs. Friends and family are educated about the patient’s condition so they know how to help the patient stay sober once he or she has exited the facility.
Different dual diagnosis patients stay in rehab centers for varying amounts of time. The program goes at a pace that is the most comfortable for the patient being treated. Depending on his or her addiction, disorder and comfort level, a patient may be enrolled in a rehab program anywhere from a few months to a few years.
