Dual diagnosis treatment is specialized addiction and mental health therapy for individuals who suffer from both addiction and an underlying mental health condition like depression or anxiety. Dual diagnosis are common and many, many individuals suffer from more than one condition at a time. These disorders are most successfully treated when they are treated simultaneously, thus lessening the risk for a relapse caused by untreated disorders.
What are the most common types of dual diagnosis?
Addiction is most often seen with depression or anxiety. In many cases it can be difficult to determine if one disorder led to another, but it is usually clear that the disorders feed each other and must be treated together. Many men and women suffer from underlying depression, anxiety or even bipolar disorder while also coping with alcohol abuse or drug abuse. Dual diagnosis treatment will treat the symptoms and causes of the addiction as well as the underlying mental health disorder – often through cooperative and coordinated treatments such as psychotherapy, medication and group therapy.
Will dual diagnosis treatment take longer than regular rehab?
It is impossible to say how long a person will need to be in a treatment program until they are evaluated by a qualified professional and making progress with their treatment plan. Dual diagnosis treatment doesn’t have to take any longer than regular rehab – most treatments can occur simultaneously and in coordination with each other. The most common timeframes are 30, 60 or 90 day programs, followed by a strong aftercare program. A facility with licensed dual diagnosis treatment programs can help an individual design a dual diagnosis treatment plan that works with their needs and situation. Like regular rehab, many people go through various stages of treatment- from PHP to IOP and aftercare.
How do I know if I need dual diagnosis treatment?
You may benefit from dual diagnosis treatment if you are suffering from drug or alcohol abuse and believe you also have depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder or another mental health condition. Sometimes these conditions themselves are undiagnosed and you may not realize it until you are evaluated by a qualified mental health professional.
How do I find a good dual diagnosis treatment program?
Look for a program that offers certified and qualified addiction counselors and programs as well as a licensed mental health program. All mental health and addiction staff should be licensed, qualified and have experience helping people with dual diagnosis. Don’t assume all rehab programs offer this type of treatment program – many do not.
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.
