When someone is impacted by a substance use disorder, it can often be accompanied by a mental health disorder (think bipolar, chronic anxiety, depression, etc). If these two conditions are allowed to interact with one another, it will make the process of rehabilitation much more intense. This can result in less than desirable outcomes and a higher risk of adverse effects if it’s allowed to manifest. Co-occurring disorders that have been diagnosed at the same time is known as dual diagnosis. Our team of treatment specialists at Southeast Addiction can help you navigate through the complexities of dual diagnosis. Today, we will be addressing what dual diagnosis treatment is and why it’s important to monitor patients who are affected by co-occurring disorders. 

What Is Dual Diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis treatment is a method of treatment for people who have been diagnosed with a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder. When these two conditions interact, it can hinder the progression of recovery. Thankfully, treatment experts of today can discern how to work with someone who has co-occurring disorders, by executing dual diagnosis treatment methods. The commonly held belief until the 1990s was that mental health disorders and substance use disorders could be treated separately (meaning they were considered separate until the 1990s). 

If effective treatment for dual-diagnosed patients is removed, we find that many patients can be forced into treatment programs that will not address either illness. Dual diagnosis treatment seeks to help patients who are in shambles, both mentally and physically. You may be wondering: “What makes this treatment so specialized and different from the rest?” Rest assured, there is a viable solution for virtually any ailment or disorder, and dual diagnosis is no different. 

How Does A Patient Receive A Dual Diagnosis?

Just because you have a dual diagnosis, it doesn’t mean you have a physical illness that does not match the diagnostic criteria for mental health disorders. The diagnostic handbook is a treatment guide that treatment specialists will use to treat and diagnose a patient in a clinical setting. Dual diagnosis can be applied to people afflicted by alcohol, drug, or sex dependencies. It may come as a sense of relief when receiving your dual diagnosis, especially if you’ve been enduring hardships for years with no prior diagnosis. By putting a name to these effects, it can work well in giving patients a sense of hope for what’s ahead. 

Why Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment Different?

Southeast Addiction is focused on the continuum of care that occurs between drug abuse and mental illness. Center’s like ours are more than able to accommodate patients who are afflicted by co-occurring diagnoses. With every patient, an individualized treatment plan will function as the foundation in creating a successful outcome. The diagnostic criteria are one of the many factors that makes dual diagnosis treatment unique. 

In order to have a shot at full recovery, your care should include the following:

• Specialists trained in substance abuse and mental health treatment, working together to ensure that your mental health and substance abuse needs are met.
• Psychotherapy for treating co-occurring disorders, or the use of prescription medication (if needed).
• Therapy sessions that allow the patient to make choices.
• During the treatment process, all household members should work to be involved in your loved one’s individual treatment or take part in family meetings.

Treatment Options For Patients

Virtually all dual-diagnosis cases require a combination of treatments. Psychological disorders are diverse, and they are vastly different from substance use disorders. Dual diagnosis treatment is fully effective when both the disorder and addiction are addressed. The amount of care you receive will depend on how badly you are suffering from the substance abuse. It should be noted that not all patient experiences are created equal. Certain patients may be in denial about a dual diagnosis. The tendencies to ignore treatment altogether are augmented in patients who are dealing with psychiatric disorders. Returning to a life of stability will take some time, but it’s important to never lose sight of your goals and to always trust the process.

The following are treatment options that are available to patients:

• Residential treatment programs. Southeast Addiction offers partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, outpatient treatment, and medication-assisted treatment to name a few. You can read more on these services here.
• Prescribed medication to alleviate symptoms that patients suffer from
• Learning about your mental health, addiction, and substance abuse for streamlining the recovery process.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment In Atlanta Georgia

Southeast Addiction offers treatment for dual diagnosis in Atlanta Georgia and the surrounding areas. Our team can give you clarity and peace of mind when dealing with this turmoil. To learn more about the admissions process, contact us today!