Dual diagnosis refers to a treatment facility for individuals who suffer from both mental illness and substance abuse. There are currently more than 50% of Americans suffering from psychological disorders, following substance abuse reports the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Many such individuals suffering from a mental condition rely on drugs and alcohol to relieve the symptoms. However, according to research, the unauthorized use of drugs worsens their mental illness.
Specialists provide that mental illness and substance recovery are two different cultures, and developing an integration between both can be challenging.
Dual Diagnosis treatment
More than 7.9 million individuals in America experience a breakdown of substance and mental disorders simultaneously. Out of this population, 4.1 million are men according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
Symptoms
The symptoms of dual diagnosis vary extensively given the combination of several factors. Mental health clinics have started to study both substance and psychological screening tools to identify individuals who suffer from both conditions together. Some symptoms that share common ground are:
- Introvert behavior
- Sudden changes in behavior
- Suicidal attempts or engagement in risky behavior
- Lack of resistance to the use of substance
- Developing withdrawal symptoms
- The need to rely on drugs to survive.
Treatment options
Different dual diagnosis treatment centers have different treatment options available, depending on the extent of the individual’s condition. Even though treatments are designed after screening each patient separately, some of the common treatments used in dual diagnosis include the following:
- Detoxification
It is mostly the first treatment used in dual diagnosis. The detoxification process requires an individual to undergo cleansing for seven days. In this, the body is cleansed of the toxins stored in the body.
- Inpatient rehabilitation
Individuals suffering from drug dependency and mental illnesses may need inpatient rehabilitation. In such situations, they can receive both psychological and health care under the guidance of psychiatrists and health specialists. The administration tapers the substance amount with other effective medicines to reduce the withdrawal effects.
- Psychotherapy
This part of the treatment plays a significant role in dual diagnosis. A cognitive-behavioral therapy, helps individuals cope with stressful thoughts. The specialists help patients modify their thinking patterns
- Medication
Medications are used to treat psychological disorders. Some of these medications also help individuals cope with the withdrawal symptoms during detoxification. These are mostly muscle relaxants that help ease the nerves.
- Support housing
In dual diagnosis, motivation plays a significant role. It can be challenging to feel as if you are suffering alone. Support groups help individuals share their negative thoughts, their happy thought, and find their motivation for survival.
Conclusion
In a dual diagnosis, an integrated approach to mental illness and substance abuse is used to treat both problems simultaneously. The treatment features helping patients cope with stress by enhancing their motivation, reducing triggers that may force them to take drugs, increasing their social skills, and detoxifying their bodies.
Dual diagnosis is a smart move that provides support to patients who suffer from mental illness followed by drug abuse.
