The difficulties of treating a drug and alcohol addiction can be seriously hindered when the involvement of a diagnose, or undiagnosed mental illness is present. New methods of treatment involve both ends of the spectrum to increase a favorable outcome.
Progressive Views in Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Past failure in drug and alcohol treatment programs were often blamed on the clients, with rarely a thought given to the extreme difficulties faced by individuals battling a dual diagnosis. A more correct and progressive view is taken that focuses on treating not only the addiction but the underlying mental disorder that may be involved at the same time. The previous divide and conquer method left many vulnerable to relapse.
What is a dual diagnosis?
An individual is considered to have a dual diagnosis if there is an addiction to drug or alcohol AND an additional diagnosis of a mental or emotional problem as well. There can be addictions to more than one substance and more than one diagnosed mental condition, but these cases are also treated as a dual diagnosis.
Handling a Dual Diagnosis
True lasting recovery in a case of a dual diagnosis will require the treatment of both simultaneously. It is a wonderful thing to be completely free of a physical condition, but eventually, the mental problem can overtake the person and cause them to seek help in muting this with the use of addictive substances. You need a treatment team that is experienced at handling both at the same time.
Breaking the Cycle of Relapse
Getting the body free of addictive substances will begin to repair the body from the damage drugs and alcohol can cause. Combining treatment for mental problems as well will greatly increase the odds that the recovery is successful. Getting control of the symptoms of conditions like severe depression, bipolar, panic disorder, and others is a huge leap towards feeling normal. It can completely break the cycle of recovery and relapse.
Understanding the Cause of a Dual Diagnosis
There can be many reasons that someone qualifies for a dual diagnosis. It is common for people with an underlying mental condition to self-medicate using alcohol or street drugs to alleviate symptoms. This only serves to compound the problem and is dangerous, but they are simply looking for a way to feel some level of relief. Getting a proper diagnosis for a mental condition is a major victory in the battle towards freedom from addiction.
Creating Better Chances of Success
Increasing the odds for successful recovery can be as easy as providing the right total oversight and care. Getting rid of all possible stumbling blocks will empower you to reach the goal. You will also have a better understanding as to why the addiction developed, which will help you recognize possible triggers that can cause a relapse. Eliminating the symptoms of mental illness that make you feel helpless and out of control are key to becoming completely free of drug and alcohol addiction.
One of the more common substances used to combat the symptoms of mental illness is some type of depressant. This may be a drug or alcohol. Trying to minimize the impact of depressive thoughts, manic episodes with bipolar and high levels of anxiety will require more frequent and larger amounts of these chemicals to maintain an adequate response from the body. The levels can become so high that it is dangerous to try and detox on your own. At this stage, you need to have a safe medical detox process that monitors your health. Trained and skilled professionals can recognize if you are experiencing a medical emergency and can implement treatment options that help alleviate withdrawal symptoms.
Finding the Right Dual Diagnosis Program
If you feel you qualify for a dual diagnosis treatment program, you need to seek out one that works best for your needs. Part of successful recovery is being able to fully trust that the professionals surrounding you are offering you the best treatment available. Find one that is willing to sit down with you and explain the entire process from start to finish. Establishing a great relationship with your treatment team is critical to overall success. You have to believe that they have faith in your ability to completely recover. This will help fuel you during the times that you are doubting your own strength.
Contact experts in dual diagnosis treatment for substance abuse in Utah like Pinnacle Recovery today!
