Dual diagnosis refers to the identification of two or more conditions coexisting within an individual. Also known as co-occurring disorders, this unique type of dual diagnosis not only encompasses combinations of mental illnesses and addiction but also includes the management of multiple mental issues or addictive behaviors.
The mental, emotional, and social strains of co-occurring disorders are a heavy burden for someone to deal with when untreated, especially while related conditions exacerbate or pile onto one another. People struggling with coexisting conditions are also more susceptible to relapse, additional psychiatric problems, and becoming a threat to themselves and others. Given the complexity of these interwoven pathologies, patients with co-occurring disorders may require more extensive treatment, transition slower through the recovery process, or have to overcome more obstacles along the way.
Behavioral health treatment providers that specialize in the detection of more complex issues offer a much better chance at a full recovery. They thoroughly assess patients before treatment begins in order to determine and target all the specific conditions that are present. By doing so, our clinicians treat both the symptoms and the disease. Every one of our patients will receive an expert level of care that directly targets his or her specific symptoms. Most of all, the main cost of treatment is the irreplaceable investment in a life-changing and holistically healthy future.
Symptoms
Because a dual diagnosis can include either mental problems or addictive dependencies, or both, those who care about the person with a dual diagnosis need to educate themselves on all of the various signs. It is vital to have a working knowledge of the signs of addiction, which include the following:
- Feeling a compulsion to use the drug regularly
- Failing to stop using the drug
- Ensuring the drug is always available
- Buying drugs, even if one can’t afford
- Stealing or committing other illegal acts to get funds for drugs
- Feeling the drug is needed to deal with everyday problems
Since symptoms will vary between specific psychological conditions, loved ones must also be aware of the unique characteristics of the mental illnesses that commonly accompany addiction, such as depression, bipolar disorder, etc.
If individual experiences repeated relapses or setbacks even after completing different forms of treatment, a major factor in not achieving recovery could be an underlying condition or undiagnosed addiction. For those struggling with these coexisting disorders, it is vital that all of them are recognized and addressed before their symptoms intensify.
Following the initial assessment upon admission, the treatment plan is specialized to the patient’s personal needs utilizing a dynamic combination of therapeutic methodologies. For example, if a person has a substance-based dependence, a mandatory detox will be completed first. In addition, all treatment plans will include individual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and process group sessions that cover various topics.
Because no two patients have the same requirements, it is necessary to approach the diagnosis and treatment of each patient on an individual basis. No matter how many different conditions a patient may have, all of these processes and precautions are done to ensure the best possible outcome for their recovery.
