Dual Diagnosis Centers
Dual diagnosis centers are treatment facilities that can address a patient’s double-sided problem of substance abuse and a mental disorder. Each problem must be addressed individually and this can prove to be a serious challenge for the treatment team as well as the patient. The role dual diagnosis centers play in this dual treatment program is that a plan of action will be put in place with the patient that treats each separate problem intensively as well treating both simultaneously.
When a person is suffering from a mental disorder and battling an alcohol or drug problem at the same time, this constitutes a dual diagnosis. Often substance abuse problems happen with those that experience:
- Depressive Disorders- such as depression and bi-polar
- Anxiety Disorders- general anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder and various phobias
- Personality Disorders- such as schizophrenia
It is a challenge for doctors to figure out whether the substance abuse or the mental disorder came first. In some cases the mental issues are present initially and the struggles experienced can lead patients to self-medicate with substances that make them momentarily feel better. In other cases the substance abuse is present first, which over time can lead to mental problems. Many times the symptoms that present in severe substance abuse appear to be the symptoms of psychological conditions. Therefore, when it comes to a patient with substance abuse issues, there is a process of steps that must be followed to ensure the proper care and treatment of both types of issues.
The first step of treatment once the patient has decided to deal with the problem of substance abuse is the process of detoxification. Detoxification means a period of time in which the patient does not ingest any alcohol or drugs, whatever the substance may be. The detoxification process should ideally be done under close medical supervision in case the patient should need medical intervention as the body withdraws from the substances. Withdrawal does not have to be the painful, frightening process people are used to hearing about. These days there are situations where specifically screened medications can be used to alleviate some of the worst withdrawal symptoms and help make the process go smoother without compromising the patient’’s recovery.
Once detoxification and withdrawal are complete, then the process of rehabilitation can begin. This part of recovery can take a long time, depending on the patient and the level of their addictions and mental problems. Rehabilitation is a multi-layered process designed to teach the patient how to life their life without the artificial support of substances such as alcohol or drugs. And in the case of a dual diagnosis patient, rehabilitation is where the treatment of the specific mental disorder will begin as well. This part of the treatment process used at most dual diagnosis centers often involves several, if not all of, the following approaches:
- Therapy- both group therapy with peers and personal one-on-one therapy are used in the rehabilitation process to help the patient explore such questions as why they abuse substances and how to move forward from there. Therapy will also include the patient’s family at some point, for family involvement is critical to the patient’s well-being. When the family is understanding and accepting, the patient’s chances of a successful recovery are much higher.
- Medication- in the case of a dual diagnosis, medications that are specifically designed to help with the symptoms and to gain control of the mental disorder may be prescribed. Sometimes these will be medications that will be short-term until things are under control while other times certain medications may be needed long term to gain the quality of life the patient desires.
- Education- the team that is taking care of the patient will begin an education program that will educate about substance abuse as well as informing the patient about the mental disorder it has been determined that is present. This education will be tailored to what the patient is dealing with and can be many forms, such as talks with counselors, group sessions, books and pamphlets and so forth, depending on the specific dual diagnosis center.
- Exercise- exercise is a cornerstone to good health, both physical health and mental well being. By participating in an exercise program at the center, patients will be on the road to a healthier life while simultaneously rehabilitating from the ravages of substance abuse and untreated mental disorders. Treating both of these requires treating the mind and body and bringing both back to good health.
- Nutrition- just as was mentioned in talking about exercise, good nutrition will be taught and healthy meals offered while patients are rehabilitating and learning to treat their bodies with care and appreciation. Good nutrition is another cornerstone to good health, right along with exercise and rejuvenating sleep.
- 12-Step Program- a comprehensive recovery program to help the dually diagnosed patient gain control of the substance abuse and have the mental disorders well treated, the 12-Step program will provide guidance and support for both in-patient and out-patient recovery. This program is for life and the patient can find guidance and support in the form of peers and meetings just about anywhere at any time. The premise behind the 12-step program is not just to stop drinking or drugging, but to go forth and learn to completely enjoy life without such destructive practices.
Seeking professional treatment for a dual diagnosis situation does not necessarily mean there will be an in-patient hospital stay. How the full scope of treatment is approached depends on the severity and the nature of the patient’s illness, exactly what the complications are and how the risks affect the patient’s safety and the safety of their loved ones, and the treatment history of the person in question. There are several levels of dual diagnosis care from completely in-patient in a dual diagnosis center to an out-patient program basis. The doctors, the patient and the family will decide on the best course of action to get the dual diagnosis patient back to optimal health.
Dual Diagnosis Centers in Placeholder