Dual Diagnosis Doylestown (877) 804-1531

Although dual diagnosis treatment is relatively new in the world of addiction recovery, it is rapidly becoming an integral part of the treatment process in a number of ways. As late as the 1990s, those who were experiencing specific symptoms associated with certain mental health disorders, such as depressive episodes, anxiety attacks, mood swings and delusional behavior, were almost always treated separately from individuals who were seeking help for chemical dependency. However, the 90s ushered in a new concept of treating these two issues collectively, and dual diagnosis clinics were born. Dual diagnosis treatment is now becoming relatively common in the world of addiction.

One of the of the most prevalent fallibilities associated with the failure to recognize co-occurring disorders was the fact that many people who were struggling with addiction while battling certain mental disorders were often denied treatment for their mental health issues until they were able to get themselves clean and sober. The problem is the fact that mental disorders can be the catalyst for certain addictions, and complete recovery cannot be achieved without taking a holistic approach. In addition to this, addictions can also be a catalyst for mental disorders. Therefore, the nature of dual diagnosis is incredibly complex. Someone who suffers from it needs to seek professional help. Drug Treatment Centers Doylestown can help you find drug treatment centers. Calling 215-383-2668 for more information.

Explaining Dual Diagnosis

In its simplest form, dual diagnosis is a specific area of addiction treatment that not only focuses on the chemical dependence, but it also addresses any existing mental disorders that may be present simultaneously. This is extremely important due to the fact that mental disorders can often exacerbate the difficulty of recovery, and even contribute to relapse.

Addressing co-existing disorders removes the hard line that was once present, separating mental disorders from chemical addiction, subsequently taking an approach that involves treating the co-existence of multiple disorders on a continuum. This called for the training of personnel in addiction treatment centers to be cross-trained and credentialed in the area of treating mental health disorders.

Common Mental Health Disorders

There is a multiplicity of mental disorders that are common with those who struggle with addiction; however, there are some that are more common than others. Some of the most common mental health disorders are:

• Personality disorders, such as antisocial personality disorder and borderline personality disorder
• Anxiety disorders are extremely common, especially post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Mood disorders, such as major depression and bipolar disorders are at the top of the list

The Staggering Prevalence of Co-occurring Disorders

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, approximately four million adults in the U.S. suffer from co-occurring mental issues along with drug or alcohol dependency. There is still a significant amount of research in progress to determine why the prevalence is so great. Many experts postulate that the simultaneous perpetuation of these issues creates a pernicious cycle in which these disorders feed off of or serve to promote the other. This makes simultaneous treatment even more significant.

Primary Treatments

There is no single treatment that will work for every situation, meaning that the staff at dual diagnosis treatment centers will have to evaluate the client to determine the option that will be most effective in treating that specific client. The treatment options that seem to produce the most efficacious results are psychotherapy, Psychopharmacology and behavioral management.

An important aspect of dual diagnosis treatment is the development of an aftercare program. It is not realistic to believe that the complex mental issues that these individuals are struggling with can be completely addressed in a couple of weeks, which means that the need for an aftercare program is vital to ensuring the success of the recovery process.

The staff at Drug Treatment Centers Doylestown will help you find drug treatment centers. Call us today at 215-383-2668 for more information.