Why Dual Diagnosis Therapy is Vital for Addiction Treatment
Dual diagnosis—also known as “co-occurring disorders”—describes individuals who simultaneously suffer from mental illness and some kind of addiction, whether it be drug, alcohol, gambling, sex, or some other kind of behavioral addiction. The mental illness can either be a pre-existing condition or a result of substance abuse or behavioral disorder.
The combination of these conditions happens frequently. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, 50% of people with severe mental disorders are also dependent on drugs or alcohol.
Many people who are later classified with dual diagnosis begin using drugs to self-medicate instead of seeking proper medical treatment. Although these substances might appear to relieve the symptoms of a mental illness, the effects are temporary, since drugs and alcohol almost always worsen the situation. Those with co-occurring disorders are more likely to:
- Suffer from tardive dyskinesia (TD) or other physical illnesses
- Require hospitalization
- Relapse after trying to give up drugs or alcohol
- Be infected with HIV and Hepatitis C
- Live homeless
Dual diagnosis treatment is a relatively new method of treatment in the field of addiction recovery. Until as recently as the 1990s, those suffering from mental health issues such as depressive episodes, anxiety attacks or delusional behavior were treated separately from people seeking help for drug or alcohol abuse. An individual experiencing symptoms of both conditions was frequently denied treatment for mental illness until the individual got clean and sober. This prevented many people from getting the help they needed since mental illness is often accompanied by substance abuse.
Dual diagnosis treatments sees mental illness and addiction as coexisting illnesses that feed off of each other. It seeks to address both aspects of the problem and to heal both not separately but at the same time. Those who meet the criteria for having a mental disorder and for an addictive disorder are often classified as dual diagnosis and should seek a dual diagnosis treatment center for the best chance of healing and full recovery.
What is the Best Course of Treatment for Dual Diagnosis?
If you or a loved one experiences dual diagnosis, you can find help. The majority of people with co-occurring disorders are only treated for one of their ailments. However, research has shown that in order to effectively recover from dual diagnosis, individuals must undergo treatment for both conditions.
As stated previously, dual diagnosis patients are more likely to relapse. Many look to a dual diagnosis treatment center for the additional support they need.
If you are looking for drug treatment centers in Utah that will deliver the best care for dual diagnosis patients, turn to The Phoenix Recovery Center. Our dual diagnosis treatment center offers addiction treatment as well as psychotherapy, trauma therapy, and group therapy to treat both the mental and physical aspects of our patient’s conditions. We know that our greatest asset is our highly trained, qualified and educated staff. With personal recovery and experience, our staff guide our residents to individual success and sobriety. We know that addiction consumes everything and everyone it surrounds. Our family educational forums allow loved ones to attend and participate by understanding the disease of addiction and to learn how to best support their loved one through this difficult time. In addition, all who are affected by the addiction of a loved one will come away with tools to use in their lives independent of one suffering from addiction but also a greater comprehension of their loved one’s struggle.
Participating in the rigorous yet extremely beneficial program at The Phoenix Recovery Center will give participants confidence, life skills and tools to use as they seek to build a new life. More than anything, we want to help our patients regain peace of mind. It is our goal to provide our residents with all the necessary tools to implement success and longevity in living a happy, sober and productive life and to rise above addiction. If you would like to know more about what to expect from dual diagnosis treatment from qualified rehab centers in Utah, read our explanation of The Phoenix Recovery Center program.
