Importance of Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers for Addiction

Dual Diagnosis is the compilation of two issues or illness that takes place at the same time. The two most common frequent problems are substance abuse along with mental disorders. The treatment procedure for both diseases is necessary and functions simultaneously, making it one unit. This blog gives us an overview of Dual Diagnosis Rehab for Addiction and how these centers function to help you in the treatment process.

What Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

The term Dual Diagnosis helps you in dealing with two problems simultaneously. One is mental health disorder, the other one is substance use disorder. Dual Diagnosis is also known as co-occurring disorder or co-morbidity. 

The treatment of Dual Diagnosis will begin simultaneously and function together for both disorders. The first step in beginning the treatment procedure is restricting the use of addictive substances. 

For many people, the first step starts with detoxification. There are several factors on which the treatment procedure depends, such as behavioral therapy, support groups for inpatient care, and medications. 

For the occurrence of the Co-occurring disorder treatment, the proper diagnosis on the basis of symptoms of Dual Diagnosis should be made. The symptoms might vary due to the combination of different Dual Diagnosis. 

Symptoms of a substance use disorder:

• Withdrawal from your family and friends.

• Difficulty in concentrating or maintaining focus.

• Sudden behavioral changes.

• Engaging yourself in behaviors that are risky.

• Developing a high tolerance capacity for substance abuse.

• The urge to take the Substance.

Once these symptoms reflect, you should immediately assist with treatment under Dual Diagnosis Rehab for Addiction (1).

Mental Health Issues Co-occurring with Addiction

The health disorders that can occur with addiction may sometimes be the underlying cause of the addiction. Thus, one must never ignore the mental health signs that may develop in people with long-term abuse and addiction. 

The mental health disorders that are associated with substance abuse in people are:

• ADHD

• Bipolar Depression.

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

• Eating disorders.

• Depression.

•  Mood changes at an extreme level.

• Confusion and difficulty in decision-making.

• Problem in concentrating on a particular thing.

• Problems in proper functioning at the workplace or school

• Quitting social media activities.

• Suicidal thoughts.

Types of Treatment in Dual Diagnosis Programs

For any recovery from an illness or disorder, treatment is necessary, but for proper treatment, the proper diagnosis is important. For instance, Individuals suffering from dual diagnosis require an integrated addiction treatment plan that signifies both disorders as integrated issues (3).

The treatment process will vary depending on an individual’s preference and conditions. Some of the treatment programs are listed below:

1. Inpatient Dual Diagnosis Treatment

This treatment depends upon the severity of the disease. One of the common forms of inpatient treatment is Dual Diagnosis Rehab Centers. During the treatment going on, the participants can reside in the centers. This program is allowed for individuals suffering from complex issues. In this program, there are daily therapy sessions, proper and regular education about mental health, making realize the facts of misuse of substance abuse. The participants get the opportunity to attend group sessions as well as they get the opportunity to live and learn from people who are out of drugs and alcohol.

2. Outpatient Dual Diagnosis Treatment

These treatment programs are more flexible than the Inpatient programs. The programs can differ in intensity and time commitment. The people who participate in Intensive Outpatient Programs spend 30 hours or more a week at the rehab center, which is enough at the initial phase. These treatment programs give independency to the patients as well as provide a lot of services. Some of the services are stated below:

• Transportation

• Individual and family therapy sessions.

• Support independency.

• Involving themselves in support groups or 12-step programs.

3. Dual Diagnosis Detox

Detox is always the first step towards the recovery process from Alcoholism. The process removes drugs and alcohol from the body to start the treatment procedure. There are basically three key elements of Medical Detoxification that include:

• Evaluation

• Stabilization

• Fostering the patient’s readiness for the treatment program.

It should be noted that the detoxification process should be done under the supervision of a medical professional. The process generally lasts upto 3-7 days. It depends upon individual choices and needs.

4. Use of Nootropics 

Modalert 200mg is effective in managing the symptoms of these co-occurring mental disorders. The Nootropic functions on the user's brain to fight the signs of anxiety and depression. Modalert is also clinically proven effective for ADHD and is considered a second line of treatment for mental health issues. 

The high efficacy of Modalert enables it to show positive results within 30 minutes of intake. The effects of the Nootropics last for about 12 to 14 hours from a single dosage. However, it is a prescription drug, and one should buy Modalert 200 mg only after consulting a doctor. 

5. Dual Diagnosis Treatment Aftercare

This is the process where it helps in maintaining the decorum of the ongoing treatment. This is the process through which it pushes the limits of the patient. The Dual Diagnosis Centers always incorporate relapse prevention strategies for co-occurring disorders. There are always certain follow-up plans that assist in recovering individuals. These follow-up plans might include:

• Staying at the Rehab Centers every weekend- These are beneficial for individuals who are in need of additional support.

• Group therapy Sessions– These therapy sessions provide a positive attitude in creating a support system at home.

• Drug testing Schedules– This helps in maintaining. accountability for abstinence after program completion.

• Attending regular therapy sessions helps the individual in working through issues and making positive changes in sustaining sobriety.

• Transitioning to a sober-living facility helps in working outside so that they can convert their time into a transitional one. (2)

Besides the Dual Diagnosis treatment, there are other types of treatment procedures for curing a person of Alcoholism. Some of the treatments are – Evidence-based addiction treatment, trauma-informed addiction treatment, holistic addiction treatment, etc.

What Are The Indications That Someone Needs A Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

Dual Diagnosis treatment is the treatment that curates both Mental health and Addiction Treatment. Some of the symptoms that will clarify that the person is suffering from Dual Diagnosis are listed below:

• Sudden change in mood and behavior.

• Difficulty in maintaining daily tasks

• Poor performance at work or school

• Ignorance of health and hygiene

• Engaging in behaviors that are risky in nature

• Increasing your tolerance capacity to a substance.

• Urge to use the substance to function normally

• Losing your control over any substance

• Using substances under conditions that are not safe

• When you start experiencing withdrawal symptoms (4).

Once any of these symptoms appear, you should immediately go to a medical professional.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers In The USA

According to the website Recovery Resource Center, Some of the Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers located in the U.S. are:

1. Oro House Recovery Center, located in California.

2. Caron Treatment Centers, located in the US

3. Harmony Foundation, located in the US

4. Ashley Addiction Centers, located in the Chesapeake Bay.

5. The Meadows,  located in Wickenburg, Arizona (5).

Things Taken Into Consideration While Choosing A Dual Diagnosis Rehab

Whenever you choose a treatment program, it is necessary to understand a few things about the program. The National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) is a supporter of Individualized Addiction Treatment, Integrated Addiction Treatment. Some of the therapeutic interventions of Dual Diagnosis treatment are:

1.  Community behavioral health centers.

2. Alcoholism rehab programs.

3. Inclusions of professionals such as therapists and counselors in private practice. Treatment programs that are hosp[ital based or access to hospitals.

4. Community health centers.

5. Mutual peer groups and support organization groups.

6. Organizations based on the community, such as temples.

7. Schools and colleges

8. Counseling services within a prison system conducting Criminal Justice Programs.

9. Services that provide treatment at home.

10.  Providers that run inpatient treatment programs 

11. Primary care programs that offer behavioral health services (2).

Dual Diagnosis Assessment At Drug And Alcohol Rehab

There are a lot of Clinical Assessments done by Medical Professionals for Dual diagnosis treatment. Some of the assessments are done depending on an individual’s choice. Some of them are listed below:

• Meeting the limits and the criteria for a psychiatric disorder.

• Prevalence of a  history of substance use that has had a negative impact on their psychiatric health, which might affect their relationships, work, and leisure activities.

• It might cause a danger to themselves or others, have a history of violence, or have experienced suicidal thoughts.

• They have a support system and available resources available.

• This motivates them to undergo rehabilitation and has the support level needed for treatment to become successful.

Cost Efficiency For Dual Diagnosis Rehab

According to American Addiction Centers, the average cost of  Dual Diagnosis Rehab is $10,000 to $30,000 for a 30-day program. Though the cost might vary depending upon certain factors, treatment provided, duration of the stay, services desired, travel expense, amenities, and more. It also depends upon your insurance coverage (6).

Insurance Coverage for Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Centers

Health Insurance Plans generally cover all the costs for the treatment of Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Centers. The health insurance plan should determine how much the insurance plan covers for the treatment and how much to pay out of pocket. The benefits are that they are designed to provide the best healthcare service at an affordable rate and that it is easily accessible. There are various types of Addiction Centers in the USA. According to the website American Addiction Centers, it is believed that 90% of Americans have Health Insurance in some form, as stated in 2021. Some of the Insurance Plans specifications through which Insurance plans are designed. They are:

• Outpatient care facilities

• Inpatient programs

• Medical Detoxification

• Medication-assisted treatment for co-occurring disorders, etc. (7).

Side Effects Of Self Medication

One of the issues for the most common Dual Diagnosis is  Self Medication. This is done to mask the symptoms of a mental illness. Self-medication is done through drugs or alcohol. Some of the scenarios through which you can assume how people try to attempt self-medicate for mental illness.

• Drinking alcohol to lessen your anxiety in social situations or environments.

• Consuming excessive amounts of Benzodiazepines (like Xanax or Valium) to an oncoming panic attack

• Using Marijuana to void your emotional pain from trauma or grief

• Smoking or injecting Cocaine to level up your energy and motivation to complete daily tasks

Our Final Thoughts on Dual Diagnosis Rehab For Addiction

Dual Diagnosis is the process or illness in which a person gets to experience addiction to any substance or mental illness. The treatment for the Dual Diagnosis is to cure both Alcoholism as well as Mental Illness simultaneously. There are many rehab centers that help you in the treatment process. Dual Diagnosis Rehab centers are beneficial because these centers help as well as motivate you to be in the treatment process.