Dual diagnosis is an instance where one person suffers from two substance addictions at the same time. The underlying issue tends to be mental illness with people attempting to self-medicate themselves. This can include prescription drugs, alcohol, and illegal drugs. Regardless of methods used for self-medication, those suffering from dual diagnosis symptoms are trying to cope with a mental disorder that may not have been diagnosed yet. In this case, it is time to seek treatment in a dual diagnosis program.
Rehab for Dual Diagnosis Cases
Drug and alcohol addiction can mask more serious mental illnesses leaving people vulnerable. With the proper plan of action including seeking rehabilitation, a person can be diagnosed and begin treatment for many mental disorders. Mental disorders can be very serious and scary for family members watching their loved one suffer, and can include suicide and self-harm. Thus the treatment for dual addictions needs to be handled effectively, immediately, and thoroughly. There is no better place to seek these treatments than professional rehabilitation centers that employ an expert medical staff including therapists with PhDs.
High-Risk Addictions Require Special Treatment
Being able to diagnose dual addictions can be difficult since one addiction over-laps another to cover the true mental illness. People that suffer from mental illnesses tend to have dual addictions when it comes to substance abuse. The entire process is complex including diagnosis that should be handled by the professionals. There are many mental illnesses that can be masked by addiction such as schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Any of these disorders can cause people to succumb to alcohol addiction, cocaine addiction, marijuana addiction, crystal meth, heroin addiction, and even prescription medication addictions including Oxycontin, Vicodin, and Adderall.
The Complex Relations of Mental Illness and Addiction
Mental illness and the addictions that can be caused due to the illness can all be a complex network that feeds into itself. The abuse of substances is used as a tool to ‘make conditions better’ when the actual truth is that they simply magnify problems and drag people down even further. Substance abuse has a way of altering a mindset and can even put a person’s life in jeopardy. Such situations require professional treatment from those specializing in dual occurring disorders masked by more than one substance abuse.
Galt Ocean Rehab Center offers a dual diagnosis program that can help people suffering from a mental disorder masked by substance abuse. Contact them today to learn more about treatments that can give you the tools that are necessary to regain control of your life.
