DUAL DIAGNOSIS TREATMENT

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DUAL DIAGNOSIS TREATMENT
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Dual diagnosis is the detection of an underlying
condition accompanying another condition. For
example, a patient undergoing initial medical
examination at a drug treatment center may be
diagnosed with depression in addition to the
primary condition of substance use. The
depression may be a result of substance use or
depression may have triggered substance abuse.
Both conditions must be treated simultaneously in
order to achieve the most successful outcome.
When an individual experiences an emotional or
psychiatric condition, there is a higher
likelihood that they may turn to drugs or alcohol
to temporarily alleviate their symptoms.
If one condition is treated without treating the
underlying condition the chance of relapse is
higher.
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The relationship between drug use and mental
illness

• People with drug and alcohol addiction are prone
  to developing mental illness and it works both
  ways people with certain mental illnesses tend
  to develop substance use problems. According to
  the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI),
  about a third of all people experiencing mental
  illness and about half of those living with
  severe mental illness also experience substance
  use. In those with substance use, about a third
  of alcoholics and more than half of all drug
  users report experiencing a mental illness.
• The numbers can be higher depending upon the
  nature of the mental illness. Conditions such as
  post-traumatic stress disorder, antisocial
  personality disorder, anxiety, sleep disorders or
  depression increase the likelihood of addiction.

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• Although researchers dont know exactly why such
  people are at an increased risk of addiction, it
  has been observed that

• Abruptly stopping use of alcohol can lead to
  withdrawal symptoms, including hallucinations
  that can resemble schizophrenia symptoms

• Alcoholism and drug abuse can cause brain changes
  which can cause personality changes and mental
  disorders

• Alcoholics of both genders often experience
  depression and anxiety disorders. Men are more
  likely to show antisocial personality disorder
  than non-abusers of alcohol

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How is a dual diagnosis treated?

• Treatment will not be the same for everyone but
  the mental illness and substance abuse will be
  treated at the same time.
• The first step is detox, or ridding the body of
  the substance being used, whether it is drugs or
  alcohol.

• This is best accomplished as an inpatient with
  medical supervision. Detox as an inpatient means
  the process can be accomplished in a consistent
  manner with no exposure to people and places
  associated with using.

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Psychotherapy

• Psychotherapy is an important part of effective
  treatment for patients with a dual diagnosis.

• Cognitive behavioral therapy in particular is
  useful in teaching patients how their beliefs and
  behaviors are influenced by negative thought
  patterns.

• Learning to identify and change old thought
  patterns and replace them with new ones improves
  the symptoms of both substance use and mental
  illness.

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Other factors

• Genetics a person having close blood relatives
  with substance use and a mental disorder
  increases their likelihood of developing the same
  conditions. Studies comparing identical and
  fraternal twins found more instances of having
  two disorders among the identical twins,
  indicating that genetics plays a part

• Chemical deficiency a reduction in the amount
  of serotonin, a chemical essential to brain
  function, may be responsible for alcoholism and
  mood disorders coinciding so often. There is also
  evidence that addiction and mental health
  disorders are associated with the dysfunction of
  a group of brain chemicals called monoamine
  oxidases

• Shared environment studies involving twins
  revealed that environment plays a significant
  role in the development of a substance use
  problem and a mental health disorder

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Contact Us

• Phone [phone]
• Website https//www.sovcal.com
• Email ID info_at_sovhealth.com