What is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
You may be wondering what is dual diagnosis treatment and what does it entail. It is not only treating your substance abuse problems but it is also helping you how to understand your psychological disorder. If you are reading this article, you know all too well that co-occurring disorders can completely ruin your life if not given proper attention. If you think that you need therapy, make sure that you consult your doctor or tell a trusted family member, spouse or friend.
A report by WebMD revealed that at least 60% of people who have drug addiction or a psychological disorder are actually battling both conditions. One condition increases the vulnerability of the other. The report also showed that 1 out of 5 adults in the United States have some form of psychological disorder, making it a common issue in the country.
Genetic Predisposition to Mental Illness
A genetic susceptibility to any kind of mental health problem is often triggered towards onset by substance abuse. The substance is not necessarily a cause of the psychological disorder, but a major risk factor. This new line of thinking has opened the doors to the concept of dual diagnosis therapy as the pattern for treatment. Some researchers even say that there are certain forms of mental illness that are one and the same as the drug addiction.
Bipolar Disorder
Among the areas where this research is most prominent is a condition known as bipolar disorder, which is characterized by cycles of extreme mood swings between deep depression and mania.
There are many types of addiction that are currently known today and all of them are extremely detrimental to your physical and mental health. This is where dual diagnosis treatment comes into the picture. Too much of anything can not only kill you, but it can make you do things that you would never dream of doing when you are in your right mind. Long term substance abuse can result to various kinds of psychological disorders mainly because it can affect the brain without you even being aware of it. If this is what is going on with you, your loved one, or friend consider a dual diagnosis therapy program. The therapist will provide a kind of intensive care therapy that involves understanding and managing your their addiction and digging into what is causing the issue. One to one cognitive therapy of EMDR work extremely well; however holistic and animal therapy and AA/NA meetings are also a great way to help target both the addiction and psychological disorder.
Addiction & Psychological Disorders
This is the main reason why it is called dual diagnosis treatment, the doctor is treating you for two problems– one is for your addiction and the other one is for your psychological disorder. Having dual diagnosis therapy means that you have a co-occurring disorder. The addiction and the disorder can ruin your life and possibly kill you but before all of these horrifying things happen, you will also make the life of your loved ones and friends a living hell. Surely, that would be the last thing that you would want to do. The good news is that the therapy can help put you on a healthy path to recovery.
Although addicts can become unstable and lose any focus of having a healthy life, there is hope. There is usually a small window when addicts feel they have reached bottom. This may be due to the fear of going to jail, getting a DUI, or doing something they are ashamed of such as prostitution. It’s at this time their addictive thinking drops its guard and the addict will seek help.
It is important that they seek help at a rehab that specializes in dual diagnosis. If they get admitted to a facility that just treats addiction they may have blown the only chance they have at a long term sobriety. Studies have shown that if you do not take care of the underlying issues causing the addiction the addict may just transfer their addiction or relapse within a very short time. It will ensure that you will not only be treated with your addiction but dual diagnosis treatment will also help you realize and face all the things that you do not want to admit to yourself. Therapy will allow you to accept yourself, build self-esteem, deal with the past and move forward in life.
Dual diagnosis treatment is never easy, but you will realize that specialized treatment programs are truly worth your time and effort. Therapy will ensure that your problems with addiction will not worsen as long as you stick to the program. Addiction is a progressive disease. You can stop it from moving forward; however you will start back at the point you stopped. Addiction is the only disease that wants you dead. It will certainly help and assist you in every way possible.
Attitude About Treatment
There are many ways that you can ensure success. You need right attitude to move forward. What you have been doing in the past has not worked. At times you may question your therapist or program. These are addiction specialts. If you have questions or concerns ask the experts.
You need hundred percent commitment and a healthy dose of patience at all levels. You need to have the right frame of mind in order for you to achieve all your emotional milestones which you will setup in your personal recovery plan. Remember times might get tough but you must never lose hope.
Even when you have been addicted to drugs and alcohol for most of your life there can be success. Just work the program and remember there is hope. This is the first rule that you must remember and accept before you start your treatment.
Once you start your treatment you will most likely attend different forms of therapy such as group, one to one, holistic and/or animal therapy. If you do not like a certain type of therapy talk to the therapist. During the first 30 – 45 days you will probably attend each session; however as you get more time under your belt a good rehab will help individualize the therapy for you.
Attendance is important. You would not want to waste your time, energy and money. Some rehabs will ask you to leave if you are just putting in time. You may have cravings or withdrawal symptoms, or panic attacks. You have to keep strong. Your addictive thinking will try to get you to do anything to leave. Do not give in.
Do not worry, this is normal do not get discouraged. If you relapse while in rehab let the program director know. Most people in recovery feel they have let themselves, their family, friends and even the rehab down. Of course, you never want to see a relapse. A good facility will nip it immediately and provide some form of relapse prevention. You should not get kicked out. Usually the only time this would happen is if you are distributing drugs.
Beware The Pink Cloud
During the 3rd or 4th week you will notice that you are making headway. You feel great. You are eating properly. You are getting great therapy. You are exercising and surrounded by your peers. Life is good…or is it. The biggest mistake people make during their therapy is leaving too early. Everything is telling them they can defeat this disease on their own. There is no way you will ever drink again…ever.
Unfortunately, recovering addicts leave around 30 days. They may have signed for 90 days but they leave at 30 days because they feel so confident. There is a success rate of under 1%. Most fail within days or months. They has a false sense of security. They do not have the addiction management tools they need to handle tough situations. Their therapy is still in its infancy stage. They do not have a sponsor and most likely have not done any steps.
Listen to your therapists. The typical time in treatment should be 3 – 6 months and 3 – 6 months in sober living. This may be out of reach for some families. Remember success is measured by time.
BE WARNED – BEWARE THE PINK CLOUD
Family, Friend, Community Support
Once you leave rehab you still require therapy. Try to find a psychologist that can handle dual diagnosis therapy, a psychiatrist to manage your meds, group therapy and regular AA/NA meetings. Try to find a sponsor. You most likely will be assigned a case manager. They will help get everything lined up so when you get back to your community you can jump into therapy with both feet.
If you or someone you know has an addiction and is suffering from depression, anxiety or PTSD call Hawaii Island Recovery at 866-515-5032. Hawaii’s best dual diagnosis treatment facility.
