What is dual diagnosis treatment?
Someone who struggles with drug or alcohol addiction and a co-occurring mental health condition such as depression or anxiety is said to have a dual diagnosis. Dual diagnosis treatment centers take a holistic and comprehensive care approach to addressing and correcting both conditions. This type of treatment is offered by treatment centers that provide substance abuse rehabilitation and help with related mental health issues. Just treating a problem can put a person at greater risk for relapse.
The concept of dual diagnosis treatment, also known as co-occurring or comorbid disorders, is a clinical term that refers to the presence of both a substance use disorder and a mental health or behavioral condition.
Sometimes, one condition can contribute to or worsen the other. For example, someone with a mental illness might use drugs or alcohol to deal with their symptoms. In other cases, substance abuse can reveal a mental illness or worsen related symptoms. Some examples of what might be considered a dual diagnosis disorder are having a substance abuse problem along with any of the following:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Depression
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Bipolar disorder
- anxiety disorder
- cutting and self-mutilation
- Eating disorder
Why is a dual diagnosis treatment program important?
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), nearly 8 million adults struggled with a substance use disorder and a mental disorder in 2014. However, only a fraction of those with substance use problems substance abuse and/or mental illness see professionals. help them get the treatment they need.
There is no specific explanation as to why drugs andalcohol addictionand psychiatric illnesses so often coexist. People with substance use disorder and mental illness generally have more persistent, severe, and treatment-resistant symptoms than people with a single disorder.
History of dual diagnosis
Dual diagnosis usually applies to people who have a severe and persistent mental illness along with a substance use disorder. Historically, there has been a divide in the US between addiction and mental health services. One group that has fallen through the cracks of this divide are people who have received dual diagnoses.
Because each treatment system exists in isolation, it has been extremely difficult for people with a dual diagnosis to get the care they need from traditional mental health or addiction treatment programs.
Until integrated dual diagnosis programs were available, it was more difficult for people with co-occurring disorders to receive effective help because they often participated in separate treatment programs that did not address their specific needs.
People with dual diagnosis disorders require an experience-based treatment program in both areas. Fortunately, a growing number of substance use disorder treatment programs are becoming equipped to treat co-occurring disorders.
dual diagnostic evaluation
During the clinical evaluation for dual diagnosis, healthcare professionals consider a number of factors. In general, they will check that the person:
- Meets criteria for a psychiatric disorder.
- You have a history of substance use that has had a negative impact on your psychiatric health, relationships, work and leisure activities.
- They may be a danger to themselves or others, have a history of violence, or have had suicidal thoughts.
- You have a support system and resources available.
- You are motivated to undergo rehabilitation and have the level of support necessary for successful treatment.
Signs of Mental Health Disorders
Mental healthSubstance use disorders and substance use disorders often occur together, but many of the symptoms are quite different. While symptoms naturally vary depending on the specific mental health condition in question, some common signs of a mental health disorder include:
- Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, guilt, fear or panic.
- Lack of interest in daily tasks.
- Change in appetite, weight or sleep patterns.
- Lack of energy.
- Racing thoughts and difficulty concentrating.
- Increased irritability.
- Risky behavior.
- Suicidal thoughts.
Signs of substance use disorders
- Inability to control substance use or tendency to use more substances than planned.
- Substance desires.
- Developing a tolerance to the substance or needing more to get the same effect.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms after stopping substance use.
- Spending a great deal of time with the substance, including time spent acquiring it, using it, and recovering from use.
- Failure to fulfill obligations at work, home or school due to use.
- Substance use to the detriment of relationships, regular activities, and personal safety.
Inpatient treatment programs for co-occurring disorders
There is evidence that, with help, people with dual diagnoses and co-occurring disorders can stabilize and recover. Much of dual diagnosis treatment involves behavioral interventions. Types of behavioral therapy commonly used in dual diagnosis treatment include:
- dialectical behavior therapy, which aims to reduce self-injurious behaviors that often accompany mental health conditions and substance use disorders.
- integrated group therapy, which seeks to treat the symptoms of substance use disorders and mental illness at the same time.
- cognitive behavioral therapy, which works to minimize problematic beliefs and behaviors and develop healthier thoughts and behavior patterns to maintain sobriety.
- individual psychotherapy, which addresses substance abuse behaviors and/or specific mental health or behavioral issues.
Dual diagnosis treatment programs sometimes use behavioral therapies in combination with medication. Medications vary depending on the individual and diagnosis. Some of the more commonly used medications include lithium and anticonvulsants, which are often prescribed as mood stabilizers, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and other antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications such as buspirone (BuSpar).
Types of Treatment in Dual Pathology Programs
Treatment for dual diagnosis of substance abuse will differ based on individual needs and preferences. Treatment can be carried out on an inpatient or outpatient basis.
Inpatient treatment programs
Depending on the severity of the illness, a person with a dual diagnosis may need or benefit from hospital care. A common form of inpatient treatment is “residential” rehabilitation, in which participants live in the rehabilitation center during treatment. Depending on facility rules, residents may leave the treatment center or make regular visits.
Due to the complicated nature of the co-occurring disorders, many individuals with a dual diagnosis will need the additional services, ongoing support, and on-site professionals with multidisciplinary training that can be found atdetention centers. These programs allow those with complex issues related to dual diagnosis to receive the intensive care needed to get a good start on the road to recovery from both disorders.
What happens during dual diagnosis hospital treatment?
- Get regular education about mental health issues as well as substance abuse and addiction.
- Receive daily therapy.
- Having the opportunity to attend support groups every day.
- They are immersed in a community of people who are learning to live without drugs and alcohol.
outpatient treatment programs
Outpatient treatment for dual diagnosis is more flexible than inpatient treatment.outpatient programsmay vary in intensity and time commitment. For some people, participation in intensive outpatient treatment, where they spend30 hours or more per week in the rehab center, is sufficient initial treatment.
If dual-diagnosis inpatient treatment is initially required, participants can transition to aintensive outpatient programto support their desire to live in the community more independently as they continue their recovery efforts. Participants can receive a variety of services in such a program, including:
- Medication management.
- Transport.
- Participation in peer support groups or 12-step programs.
- Individual and family therapy.
- Support in independent living.
Which dual diagnosis treatment center is best for me?
When choosing the best dual diagnosis treatment program for you, it is important to understand some basic treatment principles. This includes your privacy in rehab, where to find and receive treatment, and how to pay for a program.
Privacy
Rehabilitation center staff know that confidentiality is critical to client safety.A common concern among people seeking or initiating dual diagnosis treatment is their privacy and confidentiality. Whether it's a top-of-the-line dual diagnosis treatment center or not, rest assured that all rehabilitation programs are required by law to protect patient privacy.
Rehabilitation center staff know that confidentiality is critical to client safety. As part of admission to the program, staff will review the center's policies and answer any questions to help you feel as safe and comfortable as possible.
Different types of programs for dual diagnosis and simultaneous treatment
Individual paths to recovery differ and treatment services for mental health and substance use disorders must be tailored to a person's needs. SAMHSA supports an individualized and integrative approach to treating dual diagnoses.
Depending on their individual situation and specific requirements, a person needing dual diagnosis treatment may benefit from receiving a variety of therapeutic interventions from various treatment settings. These can include:
- Community centers specializing in behavioral health.
- Substance use disorder rehabilitation programs.
- Independent providers such as therapists and counselors in private practice.
- Hospital treatment programs or access to hospital services.
- Community Health Centers.
- Peer-led organizations and peer support groups.
- Community organizations such as churches.
- schools.
- Criminal justice programs such as counseling services within a prison system.
- Telebehavioral or in-home services that provide in-home treatment.
- Inpatient service providers.
- Primary care programs that offer behavioral health services.
Go here to learn more:Concomitant disorders and substance abuse treatment near me
Paying for dual diagnosis rehab
Treatment costs vary by program and may be influenced by different levels ofdual pathology treatment insurance. If you have insurance, check with your provider to find out:
- If your plan covers dual diagnosis treatment.
- How much will your plan pay?
- What rehabilitation programs are covered in your plan.
Many low-income people qualify forHealth insurance. If you have Medicaid, you'll need to check with your county to find a covered rehab center.
If you don't have enough insurance to cover your dual-diagnosis rehab program, you may be able to get funding from the rehab center. This funding is usually based on financial need. You may receive a reduced rate or have the option to pay your bill in monthly installments. To learn more about the various payment options available, including free rehabilitation, seeFree and free drug and alcohol centers near me.
Go here to learn more abouthow to pay for rehabilitation treatment.
Does your insurance cover the cost of dual diagnosis hospital treatment?
Rehabs.com is a subsidiary of American Addiction Centers (AAC), a leading provider of addiction treatment and dual diagnosis nationwide. AAC is networked with many of the top insurance providers in the US. Use the form below to instantly find out if your insurance benefits cover part or all of the cost of dual diagnosis treatment.
Recommendations from people who drop out of treatment
Recovery Brands collected data in 2016 by asking people leaving an addiction treatment program which facets of the clinic they considered to be high priority things to consider when deciding on treatment.
The top priority was the program's financial practices, such as insurance acceptance, payment options, and financial support. They also appreciated the program's offerings (additional activities, services, food quality, etc.) much more after treatment ended. Individuals seeking treatment should consider an institution's monetary policies as well as the institution's offerings to help them with their final institution decision.
Dual diagnosis aftercare care
While dual-diagnosis treatment sets the foundation for long-term recovery and sobriety, aftercare helps maintain the progress made during treatment.
Ongoing support is essential for anyone recovering from addiction and is even more important when a mental health disorder occurs. complete and individualizedaftercare programit is vital to sobriety and progressive recovery after completing a dual diagnosis rehabilitation program.
Dual diagnosis treatment centers take special care to incorporate relapse prevention into the aftercare plan. Before leaving a treatment program, the person will meet with counselors to discuss an aftercare plan.
Many dual diagnosis rehab centers offer follow-up programs to help people in recovery as they return to their daily lives. These follow-up plans may include:
- Weekendis in rehabilitation center. These stays benefit people who feel they may be at risk of relapse or those who simply need extra support.
- transition to asober lifeinstallation. While there, people in recovery may be required to complete errands, work out, and participate in group therapy sessions. this offersa time of support and transitionbefore returning to "normal" life.
- Regular therapy sessions..therapy programsHelp the person continue to deal with problems and make positive changes to maintain sobriety.
- Scheduled drug tests.This provides a good way to maintain accountability for abstinence after the program is completed.
- group therapy. This type of therapy provides a positive method for building a support system at home. Group therapy options include 12-step support groups, gender or religious specific support groups, and more.
In dual diagnosis post-care support groups, it is often said that participants get what they give, so they are encouraged to interact with other group members and share their experiences with the group. Once those recovering from a dual diagnosis are more established in their sobriety, they may choose to mentor others who are also newly recovering.
How to find dual diagnosis treatment centers near me
While dealing with substance abuse and mental illness can seem like an uphill battle, many people with a dual diagnosis do recover and live happy, healthy lives. But successful recovery takes time and effort. At the beginning of the process, trying to choose a dual diagnosis treatment program on your own can be overwhelming.
In addition to considering a dual diagnosis treatment center near you, there are other factors that should be considered to meet your specific needs. you always canshut up the helplineor the treatment center hotline to speak with a sympathetic admissions counselor about your treatment options. To receive guidance in seeking treatment, it is important to have some information at hand before calling. For example, if you have insurance, you might want to have your insurance card in front of you.
That way, you can provide the Admissions Counselor with your policy number and plan name. They will use this information to verify your benefits. You will also want to report the substance(s) being abused, how long the addiction has been going on, the average amount used, the method of administration, and any underlying medical or mental conditions. If you have any special medical concerns, such asthe pregnancy, so you'll want to reveal that too.
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