Dual diagnosis is when a person is diagnosed with a mental health diagnosis and addiction. Dual diagnosis may be characterized by any combination of substance abuse disorder with any other mental health issues. Whichever combination of mental health issues that result in a dual diagnosis, individuals living with concurring issues must get professional help to establish long term healing. Fortunately, dual diagnosis treatment is available and successful in helping individuals obtain lasting healing and recovery.
So, if you know that you or someone you love is struggling with a combination of addiction and other issues, there is hope. However, there are a few things you should know about dual diagnosis treatment programs so you can choose the best one that suits your needs.
As mentioned, dual diagnosis is when a person is living with multiple mental health diagnoses, one being substance abuse disorder. This means any combination of mental illnesses including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and others. Due to the many mental health conditions that can result in a need for dual diagnosis treatment, there are hundreds of possible pairings. So, there are many different kinds of dual diagnosis, making specific and individualized treatment even more important for these individuals.
In many cases of addiction, there are underlying mental health causes. Or, developed mental health issues as a result of substance abuse. In fact, according to The National Institute on Drug Abuse, almost 40% of people with substance abuse disorder also have a concurring mental health issue. And, over 18% or people with a mental health diagnosis also struggle with substance abuse disorder. So, the risk of addiction is higher in people who have mental health issues. And, the chance that a person living with addiction is also living with other mental health issues is also high. Therefore, the need for dual diagnosis identification and treatment is crucial to helping individuals living with multiple mental health diagnoses.
It’s important that individuals know that there is no one-fit-all dual diagnosis treatment. And, that treating both substance abuse disorder and other mental health issues is a process that doesn’t occur in just a few weeks. For this type of treatment to be successful, it should be tailored to the specific needs of a person. And, may require years of long term care.
Even though dual diagnosis is so apparent in the mental health community, treatment is hard to come by. Many mental health and addiction treatment facilities don’t offer specialized care for these types of patients. So, sadly, many people who get treatment may only be treated for only one of their issues. Thus, leading to eventual relapse, ongoing behavioral issues, and other consequences in the long run.
Both traditional and holistic treatments are helpful in treating dual diagnosis patients. Since different treatments may be helpful to different patients with different diagnoses or experiences, it’s vital that dual diagnosis programs offer various methods of treatment.
At Delray Center for Healing, our dual diagnosis program combines both substance abuse treatment with mental health services. Thus, allowing for the complete treatment of concurring mental health issues.
Learn more about our dual diagnosis program on our website. And, contact us today to see how the Delray Center for Healing can help you or a loved one living with a substance abuse disorder by calling 888-699-5679.
Dr. Rodriguez founded the Delray Center in 2003 and built it on a foundation of core clinical, professional, and ethical principles that are adhered to still to this day. Dr. Rodriguez founded the Delray Center in 2003 and built it on a foundation of core clinical, professional, and ethical principles that are adhered to still to this day.