Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Help For Both Substance Abuse And Psychological Problems

Dual Diagnosis Treatment is a very important method of rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abusers.

What do we mean by the term Dual Diagnosis? Many times, substance abuse stems from a pre-existing emotional or psychiatric condition. Without treating the underlying condition, an addict can find him or herself returning to drugs or alcohol…again and again. That’s why it’s so important to seek out dual diagnosis treatment if you suspect that a family member, loved one or yourself may be suffering from more than one problem.

How do you know if Dual Diagnosis Treatment is the right step? Only a mental health professional can accurately diagnose whether someone has an underlying emotional or psychiatric problem that is fueling their substance abuse.

Substance abuse problems, especially severe ones, can mimic emotional and psychiatric problems. A person needs to go through withdrawal from drugs or alcohol before an underlying problem can be accurately diagnosed. That’s why it’s so important to find a rehab facility that can help with the treatment of dual diagnosis. Once a patient detoxes from drugs or alcohol, the treatment professionals may find that the patient needs additional support that wasn’t immediately noticeable.

What happens during Dual Diagnosis Treatment? During the detox period, patients can cleanse their bodies from drugs and alcohol. When this is done under medical supervision, it can help patients avoid physically painful and potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. After detoxification, a patient can be accurately diagnosed for emotional or psychological problems – the Dual Diagnosis.

Once detoxification is complete, dual diagnosis patients will receive several distinct types of treatment. They’ll receive rehabilitation from alcohol and/or drug problems and they’ll get help for the emotional problems as well. Group therapy and individual psychotherapy are often part of the dual diagnosis treatment process. The process helps patients get clarity on their psychological problem and receive support from other people who are going through similar experiences.

In addition to therapy, dual diagnosis patients will go through education on alcohol and drugs. The education will help patients identify what the drugs and alcohol are doing to their bodies and minds. Education in exercise and proper nutrition is also part of dual diagnosis treatment. These skills can help patients replace their drug and alcohol dependence with supportive and healthy habits.

Finally, dual diagnosis patients will also receive treatment for their emotional and psychiatric problems. This may include group and individual therapy that is specific to their problem. In addition, a patient may receive medication in order to improve their symptoms and help them normalize their emotional and psychological states. This type of treatment can help reduce the likelihood of relapse after treatment is over.

With dual diagnosis, the rehabilitation and treatment program at our florida rehab center for dual diagnosis and addiction treatment will be very specific to the type of emotional or psychological problem that the patient is experiencing. Getting help for both substance abuse and emotional problems at the same time from a qualified dual diagnosis treatment center can be the only key for some patients to stay sober and get a new lease on life.

Author - Dr. Jeffrey Huttman Ph.D.

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