What is Dual Diagnosis?

What is dual diagnosis treatment? It is a form of diagnosis and treatment that specialists use for clients who have co-occurring disorders. Co-occurring disorders may include a mental health issue and an addiction or a combination of addictions. Addiction treatment centers offer dual diagnosis treatment as a part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Dual diagnosis is vital in addiction rehab because it seeks to treat the underlying causes of the addiction. It is also instrumental in preventing relapse and giving you a higher chance of lifelong recovery. Get answers about how dual diagnosis is effective in addiction treatment by calling Sunflower Wellness.

People who have addictions may experience some type of mental disorder. The condition is known as co-occurring disorders because both the addiction and the mental health issue occur at the same time. The dynamic between both conditions may take on different forms, including:

The Mental Disorder Caused the Addiction

If you have a mental disorder, you may not know how to cope with your condition. You may turn to alcohol or drugs as a form of self-medication. This can lead to a habit, which turns into dependency or addiction. As a result, you may need professional help at a substance abuse treatment center.

The Addiction Led to a Mental Disorder

Chronic drug or alcohol use alters brain chemistry and function. This leads to a mental disorder such as anxiety or depression. The longer you continue using the substance, the worse your mental health issue becomes. As a result, dual diagnosis treatment is essential to your recovery from addiction.

No Relationship Between the Disorders

In some cases, there is not always a relationship between addiction and mental health disorders. It is possible to have a problem with substance abuse that has nothing to do with your anxiety or depression. Your condition may have occurred as a result of other factors such as genetics, stress, or your home environment.

Dual diagnosis helps your therapist understand the correlation between addiction and a mental disorder so that they can develop the right treatment plan for long-term recovery.

Common Mental Disorders Associated with Addiction

If you have co-occurring disorders, you are not alone. Many clients who suffer from mental disorders also have some form of addiction. Common mental disorders associated with addiction include:

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Depression
Bipolar disorder
Anxiety disorder
Schizophrenia
Borderline personality disorder

A treatment specialist will conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine your condition and how to move forward with treatment. An assessment may include reviewing your past medical records, a one-on-one interview, or talking with your family. An accurate diagnosis must be given so that you can get the right treatment.

What Does Dual Diagnosis Involve?

Dual diagnosis involves a parallel treatment of your mental health disorder and your addiction. A licensed specialist can provide certain forms of treatment, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or dialectical behavior therapy, as well as medication, to treat the symptoms of your disorder.
Therapy can reinforce self-esteem and self-confidence while helping you manage negative thoughts and emotions. Dual diagnosis may include holistic therapy, evidence-based treatment, and individual, group, or family therapy. Residential treatment and a partial hospital program are also available depending on the severity of your condition.