How a Dual Diagnosis Center Can Help You
Dealing with substance abuse is a difficult task for even the most strong-willed people. Co-occurring disease such as mental health problems (e.g. depression or anxiety) increase the difficulty level exponentially. Having the two occurring at the same time is what is referred to as a dual diagnosis. Centers focused specially on co-occurring substance addiction and mental health issue treatment are available across the country for people looking for help in combating a dual diagnosis.
Just How Common is a Dual Diagnosis?
According to the American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, dual diagnoses are very common in the general population with mental illness being the primary disorder. However, it is difficult to pinpoint the start or cause of the issues because most often – and unfortunately so – the two interact. Losing control of one leads to the worsening of the other. The Journal of the Medical Association adds that approximately 50 percent of patients with primary mental illnesses suffer from addiction and that at least one mental health problem plagues approximately 40 percent of alcoholics and 50 percent of drug users.
Treatment at a Dual Diagnosis Center
Mental disorders definitely complicate the treatment of addiction, but at a dual diagnosis center there is hope. We don’t just offer the program; we specialize in its treatment, supported by our high success rate. Experienced, licensed professionals mold every plan specifically for you. They aim is to treat both issues simultaneously and holistically with a wide range of interventions such as detoxification, physical rehabilitation, counseling (both individually and within a group), as well as with medication. All-encompassing treatment offered with empathy, patience, a non-judgmental disposition, and determination breeds an environment needed for a successful rehabilitation with a decreased chance of relapse. This is what a center that specializes in the treatment of a dual diagnosis has to offer you.
The biggest and most important step is admitting that you have a problem and by doing this, you become ready to take control of your life. The concept of a dual diagnosis can be scary, you may feel ashamed and you may even choose to ignore the symptoms and hope that they disappear – but these problems don’t simply go away. A dual diagnosis center can offer you personalized, specialized, and certified treatment to put you back on track to a happier, healthier you. If you suspect that you may have a problem, it is important that you don’t go into denial. It takes real strength to admit how dependent you may feel or how intensely drugs or alcohol may have affected your life. It is an even bigger strength to do something about it.
How to Recognize a Dual Diagnosis
There are many clues to recognizing substance abuse, mental health problems, or even the two together: things like a previous diagnosis, symptoms, or feelings that you may have overlooked; a family history of substance abuse or mental disorder such as depression or bipolar disorder; disproportionate reactions to drugs or alcohol; or persistent symptoms even after you’ve sobered up. Feelings associated with depression are ones of helplessness or guilt, loss of interest in things you once enjoyed, changes in your weight or eating habits, loss of energy, anger, reckless behavior, or physically hurting yourself.
You can ask yourself the CAGE questions if you’re wondering if you have a substance problem: have you ever tried to cut-down before? Have family members or friends asked/annoyed you about your usage? Have you ever felt guilty or ashamed about your habits? Have your habits had a negative effect on your work, your relationships, or with the law?
The dual diagnosis treatment that is offered by Beachside Rehab is a good option as we have the facilities to help you overcome all of these obstacles leading to a successful, holistic and long-lasting rehabilitation. Call us for more information about how we can help, about dual diagnoses, mental health, or substance abuse.