Traditional treatment centers focus on the treatment of only one addiction. The staff has been trained to help people overcome their drug or alcohol problem over time. However, someone with two addiction problems will not find success at these types of facilities. An alcohol treatment center is not equipped with staff members familiar with the proper treatment of mental illness. On the other hand, a mental health facility cannot properly treat a person that also has a drug or alcohol problem. The best way to achieve dual diagnosis treatment is to attend a facility capable of treating both illnesses together.
The concept of achieving dual diagnosis treatment is not that new but recognizing the need for dual treatment is difficult. It is hard to determine if a person suffers from co-occurring addictions or problems, which may not always be apparent. A person with a drug addiction may bring out their own mental illness with their increased use of drugs. A person with mental illness may not be fully aware of the dangers of using drugs or alcohol or may use them to help escape their altered state of mind. Regardless of how it happens, the main point is that there has to be treatment for these addictions at the same facility in order for recovery to occur. Research shows that about 50% of mental illness patients also suffer from a substance abuse problem.
Taking the first steps to face co-occurring addictions can take some time. Admitting to having one addiction problem is hard enough. Denial is always the first step to conquer in recovery. However, in the case of dual diagnosis treatment, the degree of denial a person has is greatly increased. The recognition of having a drug or alcohol problem is solving only half the problem. The person must also realize that their mental illness is causing problems in their lives as well. Co-occurring problems can also play off each other. A person’s mental illness may get worse with drugs or alcohol, making it even harder to get him or her to admit to their problems. The home life may be deteriorating and hurting those around him or her. There is a substantial increase in the violent tendencies of a person with dual problems that can lead to violence against others. Suicide attempts are also more common and this violence could reap the result of being sent to jail.
When looking into dual diagnosis treatment, you must find a facility that specializes in this problem. They will usually have facilities that treat both drug and alcohol addiction and mental illness in the same facility but in separate parts. The treatment must be conducted at a slow pace. Dealing with two problems is going to take some time so do not trust a facility that gives you a specific time when the person will be cured. The treatment center will also allow the patient to achieve their recovery at their own pace. They cannot be rushed or else they may relapse or shut down emotionally. Dual diagnosis treatment should always keep the benefit of the addict in mind. Their well being is what is most important.
By Tamara C. Jude