What is Dual Diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis (also called co-occurring disorders) describes someone with both a mental illness, like depression, and a drug or alcohol problem. This condition can seem very broad; it can range from a person developing a very mild case of depression because of their drug use, to someone who has symptoms of a bi-polar disorder becoming far more manic when they use heroin. Either a person’s mental illness or substance abuse can develop first.
Mental illness is very common among those struggling with drug or alcohol addictions. Here in the United States, it’s estimated that 9 million people suffer from co-occurring disorders.
Why Seek Treatment for Dual Diagnosis?
When your thoughts and perceptions are altered by drugs or alcohol it becomes a simple part of life to neglect your own care. Then depression begins to make you feel as though your life isn’t worth living, or anxiety may overwhelm you and drive you away from loved ones. Having these mental illness symptoms can be so debilitating that a person self-medicates with drugs and alcohol.
Regaining your life back from co-occurring disorders requires the best professional help. The Shores Treatment and Recovery offers a licensed dual diagnosis program with a positive track record for treating individuals who suffer from mental illness as well as substance abuse.
What Should You Look for In a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program?
When seeking help for dual diagnosis, there are several things to consider that can help increase your chances of achieving a full recovery.
- Choose a fully accredited program that is licensed to treat mental health disorders. The team at The Shores Treatment and Recovery uses a clinical approach to treat both your substance abuse and your mental illness together.
- Make sure that the program uses a combination of “recovery safe” medications and proven natural supplements in the treatment of co-occurring disorders.
- Select a program that uses a supportive approach to their therapies. It’s important to rebuild one’s self-esteem and confidence instead of using negative reinforcement.
- Look for programs that also include treatment options encompassing one’s family, friends and children into counseling sessions. Family recovery programs will bring a better understanding and promote complete healing to all who have been impacted by the person’s addiction.
Left untreated, co-occurring disorders can be a serious threat to a person’s well-being. They should be treated by a licensed and certified professional.
For more information on how we can help you or a loved one, please call one of our caring treatment professionals today.
