Dual Diagnosis and Specialised Treatment
A patient with a co-occurring disorder may receive treatment for their addiction and mental illness separately yet in the same rehab center. Our counsellors are here to help you today.
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Dual Diagnosis Treatment
We provide integrated treatment for individuals with dual diagnosis, combining addiction treatment with mental health care. Recognising the complexities of co-occurring disorders, our approach ensures that both the addiction and any accompanying mental health issues are treated concurrently for the most effective outcome.
For individuals with severe Dual Diagnosis addiction, inpatient rehab offers a structured and supportive environment for recovery. Programs typically require a stay of 30, 60 or 90 days with round-the-clock care from experienced treatment professionals. Inpatient rehab prepares individuals for life after treatment, teaching them how to manage triggers, maintain sobriety and cope with potential relapses effectively.
How is Dual Diagnosis Addiction Treated?
Dual Diagnosis addiction is typically treated through a comprehensive approach that addresses both the substance use disorder and any co-occurring mental health conditions. Treatment often involves therapy, medication management, support groups and lifestyle changes. Dealing with denial is an important aspect of treatment, as patients may be resistant to acknowledging their dual diagnosis. Finding the best rehab for Dual Diagnosis involves thorough research and consideration of the patient’s individual needs and preferences. Admission into a Dual Diagnosis rehab typically includes a screening process to ensure that the program is the right fit for the patient. Treatment program design may vary but often includes a combination of individual therapy, group therapy, medication management and holistic treatments. Aftercare and therapy are crucial components of Dual Diagnosis treatment, as ongoing support and monitoring can help prevent relapse and promote long-term recovery.
How is Dual Diagnosis Addiction Diagnosed?
Dual Diagnosis addiction or destructive behaviour is diagnosed through a series of steps in a rehab setting, which includes screening for at-risk individuals, detailed assessments of Dual Diagnosis use, medical and psychiatric evaluations and applying diagnostic criteria from manuals like DSM-5 or ICD-10. This process evaluates functioning, risk factors and readiness for change, resulting in a personalised treatment plan. Continuous monitoring and follow-up support are also provided to ensure the effectiveness of the Dual Diagnosis treatment.
Does My Partner/Loved One Have an Dual Diagnosis Problem?
Recognising dual diagnosis addiction in a loved one involves looking for signs such as sudden changes in behaviour, mood swings, physical health issues, neglecting responsibilities and using substances to cope with underlying mental health issues. If you suspect a dual diagnosis problem, it’s important to seek professional help from a healthcare provider who specialises in treating co-occurring disorders. Early intervention is crucial for successful recovery and improving overall well-being.
What To Do Next?
Dealing with a loved one’s Dual Diagnosis problem can be challenging, as it can lead to relationship strain, codependency, enabling behaviors and mixed toxic emotions within the family. Seeking the guidance of a professional Dual Diagnosis counsellor is essential in addressing these issues effectively and providing the necessary support and resources for both the individual with the addiction and their loved ones. Through therapy, education and intervention strategies, a counsellor can help navigate through the complexities of Dual Diagnosis and facilitate healing and recovery for all involved.
Regular therapy sessions are a vital component of the recovery process for individuals with Dual Diagnosis addiction. Counselling sessions provide a safe space for individuals to discuss their successes and challenges openly. Therapists work with individuals to address underlying factors contributing to their addiction, such as social, familial or professional stressors. Through therapy, individuals gain a deeper understanding of themselves and learn strategies for maintaining their overall health and sobriety.
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The term dual diagnoses or dual disorders refers to circumstances in which the individual has both a substance abuse disorder (or addiction) and a coexisting psychiatric illness such as depression, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, social phobia or other illness.The symptoms of one condition may mask or aggravate the symptoms of the other. It is possible for people to have more than two disorders. Having a dual diagnosis can make treatment in a drug rehab more difficult and demands a level of competence from the staff.
When deciding upon the best treatment for dual disorders there are three main types to consider:
1) Those whose problem is predominantly a mental disorder but who have a substance abuse problem that is serious enough to need treatment in a drug rehab.
2) Those whose problem is predominantly substance abuse but who also have a psychiatric disorder that can interfere with treatment.
3) Those who it is not possible to determine whether drug addiction or mental disorder is the predominant problem.
An addiction treatment or mental health program that treats just one of these conditions is not likely to be successful. Treating a dual diagnosis requires a comprehensive plan that addresses all symptoms, disorders and addictions.
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Research in Treatment of Dual Diagnosis
There has been research published that suggests that people who have an addiction are more susceptible to developing a co-occurring mental disorder. This seems to be true even after the addict or alcoholic has been clean and sober for quite some time. Months or even years after the chemically addicted person stops using a chemical they are more prone to developing a psychiatric illness.
The opposite is true as well and people with psychiatric illness are more likely to develop a chemical addiction. Such clients benefit noticeably less from psychiatric treatment programs than those without a chemical dependency.
A drug rehab clinic that is able to effectively deal with dual disorders is more likely to have a successful treatment outcome for a patient with such a condition. There are several outstanding addiction treatment programs in South Africa and the UK that offer such a specialised service.
Looking For Help With An Addiction Or Dual Diagnosis Problem?
WeDoRecover can help you select the best treatment centre for your needs. We help ensure the treatment centre can offer the right type of therapy for your particular issues.
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Frequent Questions
Addiction can become a complex issue, dealing with loved ones and relationships that are in turmoil. We are here to help navigate the path with you.