Dual diagnosis is a term that treatment professionals use to identify mental illness and co-occurring substance use. Both conditions form a symbiotic relationship in which one either contributes to or draws from the other. For instance, a client may self-medicated to cope with a mental illness. Likewise, excessive substance use can intensify the symptoms of mental illness. A dual diagnosis treatment program in UT could be the answer.
Treatment centers offer comprehensive programs to address both addiction and mental disorders. Treating one without the other does not solve the underlying issues. Furthermore, it may only result in repeated relapses.
What is Dual Diagnosis?
What is dual diagnosis? Therapists diagnose symptoms that develop as a result of co-occurring disorders.
When combined, co-occurring disorders can trigger a wider range of psychological and physical symptoms that plague a person’s life. Some of the most common symptoms of co-occurring disorders include:
- Withdrawal from normal life, work, family, or interests
- Sudden changes in behavior, appetite, or sleep
- Engaging in dangerous behavior regardless of the risks
- Complete loss of control over substance use
- Severe anxiety or depression that seems to linger
- Resisting getting help for the mental disorder
Symptoms may vary depending on the person, nature of the addiction, or mental disorder. People who suffer from a mental disorder are more likely to have suicidal thoughts or engage in destructive behavior.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders
What is dual diagnosis? It is an integrated approach that therapists use to help clients recover from addiction and cope with their mental disorder.
The overarching goal of dual diagnosis is to identify the underlying causes of all symptoms related to both the addiction and the mental disorder. In most cases, addiction is a symptom. Therefore, treatment specialists will focus on the disorder to help the client manage all the symptoms. There are two main types of treatment for co-occurring disorders are:
1. Evidence-Based Treatment
Evidence-based treatment (EBT) addresses the causes, symptoms, and impacts of abuse and mental disorders from a clinical perspective. Drawing from scientific research and years of study and client observation, specialists can provide treatment that is effective and promotes lifelong recovery.
2. Holistic Treatment
Additionally, treatment centers offer an array of supplemental therapies that target healing of the mind, body, and spirit. Treatment may include massage therapy, yoga, mindfulness & meditation, nutrition, fitness, recreational activities, and outdoor activities. Clients can engage in holistic treatment long after they complete their rehab.
The right type of treatment depends on the mental health disorder and addiction. Therefore, a therapist will complete a thorough assessment of the client to develop a working treatment plan.
Learn More About Dual Diagnosis at Recovery Ways
What is dual diagnosis? Find out more at Recovery Ways. We offer comprehensive treatment for co-occurring disorders. We treat a variety of mental disorders, such as:
To find out more about the question, “What is dual diagnosis?” or to learn about your treatment options, call us at 888.986.7848. We are here to help you get on the path to recovery.
