subject: Substance Addiction Treatment For Dual Diagnosis [print this page] Many individuals who suffer from drug addiction are left untreated because the root of the problem has not been determined. More common than not, drug abuse patients have underlying psychological or mental illness coupled with the abuse. Many theories have been given regarding the relationship of the two problems; mental disorder and drug addiction. Some theories indicate that mental illnesses are the cause of substance addiction. Depression and anxiety are common illnesses that lead an individual to drug use and then abuse. Some researchers refute this idea stating that the drug abuse and addiction are the cause to which makes a person have mental disorders. Both theories have reliable basis but to decide which is right between them is wrong. The possibility of both theories to occur holds true and indeed is happening to people.
The condition wherein an individual suffers from a mental illness and at the same time drug abuse is called dual diagnosis. It is also referred as co-occurring disorders. The term itself provides us with a description of the problem, both the mental illness and drug abuse are present. Whichever comes first, the problem or the addiction, both requires treatment and the target cure is for both illnesses. Assessment of the patient is essential before any treatment. Sometimes, answers to assessment questions do not signify which illness came first whether the addiction or the disorder. In order to differentiate pre-existing mental illnesses from substance-induced mental conditions, continuous monitoring of the treatment progress must be done. Program for drug treatment uses consistent monitoring to determine the root of the patient's problem. Mental illnesses caused by drug addiction fades away after prolonged abstinence of the medication. As the effects of the medication lowers down through detoxification, the presence of mental illness also disappears after abstinence. This helps determine future therapy sessions since mental illness has been ruled out. Some therapy centers don't accept patients with serious mental disorders due to lack of expertise in specific fields and some psychiatric treatment facilities do not have enough background on substance abuse treatment.
When unsure about the state of addiction of a drug addict, it is best to learn more on dual diagnosis info. The key to effective treatment lies on deeper understanding and assessment of the problem. Co-occurring conditions are commonly mistaken for ordinary cases of addiction. As assessment and evaluation becomes profound, targeting both the addiction and the illness help save the lives of these patients.
by: Ericka Lopez
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