subject: Dual Diagnosis Treatment Awareness [print this page] Dual diagnosis refers to the simultaneous, coordinated treatment of people with both psychological illness and substance abuse issues. A lot of people need this particular treatment based on the findings from the Journal of the American Medical Association which shows around 50% of individuals with severe mental problems are affected by drug or alcohol abuse. Of all people diagnosed with mental disorder, 29% abuse either drugs or alcohol. This just means that there are indeed a big number of individuals who are suffering from both mental illness and substance abuse. These individuals suffer from co-occurring disorders.
The combination of the mental illness plus the substance/drug addiction would be a viable reason to diagnose co-occurring disorder. The addiction was developed over time as a result from treatment of the earlier problem. This issue can be seen on the big picture but when one focuses only on the mental disorder, the solution would always be using medication. Medications are very helpful but when taken abusively, the patient becomes addicted and bigger issues occur.
Occasionally, people who suffer from co-occurring conditions are also known as Mentally Ill Chemical Abusers or MICA. Common examples of co-occurring disorders include the combinations of anxiety disorder and alcohol abuse and depressive disorder and cocaine addiction. There are rehabilitation centers that specialize in this kind of disorder. Facilities like dual diagnosis treatment centers offer therapy to people suffering from Co-occuring disorders. The program is centered on the simultaneous therapy of both mental disorder and substance addiction.
Usually, detoxification and assessment are the primary steps conducted by drug treatment programs. However, it goes beyond counseling and medication. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the US Department of Health and Human Services recommends integrated treatment of people with co-occurring problems. This form of treatment coordinates substance abuse and mental health interventions to treat the whole person effectively.
Support for dual diagnosis is increasing and it has been acknowledged for its outstanding results. The federal government's Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration says that patients have a much better chance of rehabilitation when both problems are remedied by the same physician or treatment team. There's hope for people suffering from co-occurring disorders. More success is expected with dual diagnosis when there is great support from people who care and love those who experience co-occurring disorders.
So, if you are searching for a treatment facility for yourself or for someone close to you, always consider the points mentioned above. It is important that you undergo a thorough assessment when choosing what's best for you.
by: Ericka Lopez
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