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The Effects of Dual Diagnosis on Men

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Dual diagnosis treatment is an effective way to manage the symptoms of your mental health disorder while simultaneously establishing a stable addiction recovery process. A dual diagnosis may affect any client at any time; however, men over the age of 50 may have unique circumstances that may not apply to younger men. These unique circumstances are also addressed in treatment in addition to general dual diagnosis treatment therapies in order for clients to receive the most specialized and accurate.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

A dual diagnosis is when a client has been diagnosed with both addiction and at least one accompanying mental health disorder. In order for treatment to be successful, both addiction and mental health should be treated at the same time. Untreated addiction can worsen the symptoms of a mental health disorder and an untreated mental health disorder may cause a client to suffer relapse.

Psychotherapy is the main method used for dual diagnosis treatment as it is the main treatment method for addiction as well as for most mental health disorders. Clients participate in psychotherapy sessions – group therapy, individual therapy, family therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy – in order to work to uncover their underlying, personal causes for their addiction and disorder(s).  Throughout therapy, clients realize these deep personal insights by way of various moments of clarity referred to as breakthroughs. This provides a strong foundation for entering a solid recovery process as well as to overcome or better manage mental health symptoms.

Other dual diagnosis treatment methods include counseling, stress management, support group meetings (specifically for addiction) and relapse prevention strategies (specifically for addiction). These treatment methods continue to be helpful for recovery and mental health long after taking part in a treatment program. They give clients the tools to continue to lead lives of healthful living.

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Special Considerations for Men Over 50

Many men over the age of 50 have special circumstances that could be useful to consider when tailoring specialized dual diagnosis treatment when compared to their peers of other age groups. For example, many of such clients may have adult children, their health may be declining or they may be witnessing the decline in health of a loved one, they may be concerned about an upcoming retirement, et al. Thus clients over the age of 50 would be treated with the same general dual diagnosis treatment strategies, but they would be tailored for their specific concerns and needs. This often has an impact on the counseling aspect of treatment.

If you or someone you love is suffering from the effects of alcohol abuse, substance addiction or any other type of addiction, please call us today.  Our addiction treatment counselors can help you deal with physical, emotional and psychological consequences of drug and alcohol abuse.  A substance abuse treatment program is effective, safe and has helped many men reclaim their lives. Destination Hope is a full service drug, alcohol and dual diagnosis treatment facility in Florida for men suffering from substance abuse and mental health issues.

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