Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Dual diagnosis treatment is a therapy plan for treating someone who has a mental illness or an emotional condition in addition to having a substance abuse problem or eating disorder.

Dual diagnosis treatment is becoming increasingly popular as mental health counselors come to realize that more and more clients have underlying factors that perpetuate their overt symptoms of substance abuse. In a great deal of cases, one addiction underlies another condition or vice versa. Both conditions together form a co-dependent cycle of self-abuse and create a continuous circle of disturbing obstacles to good mental health. For a free assessment regarding dual diagnosis call us at 1-800-763-1562.

Dual diagnosis treatment is based on the belief that merely entering into a drug rehabilitation program will not be successful unless the recovery program deals with the underlying psychological and emotional issues. Sometimes, one condition is more obvious than the other. People who drink a lot are perceived to be a drunk because that is all that other people see. What is not visible is that an alcoholic may be suffering from low self-esteem, clinical depression, feelings of helplessness or inadequacy. Unresolved emotional instability is masked under binges of heavy drinking, drug use, bulimia, or sexual promiscuity. The substance abuse is used as a shield to hide the emotions that the individual is unable to deal with on a daily basis.

Dual Diagnosis Recovery

The theory behind dual diagnosis treatment is that a full recovery will be more likely if a holistic approach to therapy is used. From the point of view of the person who suffers from a substance abuse addiction or mood disorder, it doesn’t really matter what condition came first. During dual diagnosis treatment, the counselor endeavours to address the addiction while keeping in mind that once the overt symptoms of addiction are cleansed from the individual, the other issues will become apparent.

Dual diagnosis treatment also deals with the emotional distress caused by a lack of available coping mechanisms. The overt symptoms of substance abuse and mental instability can lead to loss of family relationships, employment income and self-respect. To make it worse, making bad decisions while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can lead to time spent in the penal system which exacerbates the low self-esteem and related emotions. Dual diagnosis treatment includes therapy that faces the root of the self-destructive behaviour. It is a longer road to recovery, but once travelled, dual diagnosis treatment supports a better chance of full recovery and relapse resistance.

Dual Diagnosis Help

If you feel isolated, angry, broke, or depressed, call our helpline. Calling toll-free 1-800-763-1562 will cost you nothing, and you do have everything to gain. Your call will be held in confidence. No one needs to know that you want to take that first step towards getting better. We have a dual diagnosis treatment counselor waiting to talk to you, any time of the day or night.