Individuals with dual diagnosis face the complex challenge of dealing with both a mental health condition and a substance addiction concurrently. This dual burden makes their treatment more intricate, necessitating specialised care. The interconnection between mental health disorders and addiction is well-established with each potentially worsening the other’s symptoms.
Treatment for those with dual diagnosis must holistically address both the addiction and the mental health disorder to create effective recovery. To this end, integrated treatment programs have been developed, focusing on delivering simultaneous care for both conditions. These programs are designed to meet the unique needs of dual diagnosis patients by crafting personalised treatment plans that tackle the specific challenges they encounter.
Historically, the dual diagnosis has led to misunderstandings or incorrect diagnoses, complicating the path to recovery. However with advancements in medical research and a deeper understanding of these conditions, more precise and targeted treatment methods have emerged. Recognising the coexistence of an addiction and a mental health disorder allows healthcare providers to implement a more thorough and successful treatment strategy, addressing the root causes of each condition and equipping individuals with the strategies needed for sustained recovery.
Dually Diagnosed Symptoms
Recognising dual disorders involves spotting signs that indicate the presence of a mental health condition along with substance use. Key indicators include dissatisfaction in life without substances, using drugs or alcohol to manage stress or emotions, a history of trauma and familial mental health issues. These signs often point to deeper problems like self-medication for untreated mental health issues or coping with unresolved trauma. Common mental health conditions linked to substance use include bipolar disorder, ADHD, schizophrenia, depression, PTSD, panic disorder and antisocial personality disorder with symptoms ranging from social withdrawal and behavioural changes to severe worry and dependence on substances for coping.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) notes that untreated co-occurring disorders can exacerbate both conditions and lead to additional health issues, highlighting the need for concurrent treatment of both disorders for better outcomes. The approach to treating mental health and addiction separately has evolved with the late 1980s and early 1990s marking a shift towards integrated Dual-Diagnosis treatment within addiction recovery programs, now a standard practice aiming for more effective recovery processes.
When an individual is dually diagnosed, it relates to having a mental illness and an addiction simultaneously. Get help from qualified counsellors.What is Dually Diagnosed? Guide for People with a Dual Diagnosis
Founded in 2008, WeDoRecover has evolved from an advisory service for addiction treatment into a comprehensive provider of care, following its 2019 merger with Changes Addiction Rehab in Johannesburg. Specialising in connecting patients to top-tier addiction treatment centers in the UK, South Africa and supporting individuals in recovery world wide.
Inpatient Rehab
Rehab care is a good option if you are at risk of experiencing strong withdrawal symptoms when you try stop a substance. This option would also be recommended if you have experienced recurrent relapses or if you have tried a less-intensive treatment without success.
Outpatient
If you're committed to your sobriety but cannot take a break from your daily duties for an inpatient program. Outpatient rehab treatment might suit you well if you are looking for a less restricted format for addiction treatment or simply need help with mental health.
Therapy
Therapy can be good step towards healing and self-discovery. If you need support without disrupting your routine, therapy offers a flexible solution for anyone wishing to enhance their mental well-being or work through personal issues in a supportive, confidential environment.
Mental Health
Are you having persistent feelings of being swamped, sad or have sudden surges of anger or intense emotional outbursts? These are warning signs of unresolved trauma mental health. A simple assesment by a mental health expert could provide valuable insights into your recovery.
Our network includes only the best rehab centers for personalised high quality addiction and mental health care. We guide you to a center that not only is a right fit for you or your loved one but that offers expert proven care and support. Start your healing today by choosing a rehab that cares about your recovery.