Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers

When someone comes to rehab with an addiction problem along with a mental illness, they are said to have a dual diagnosis. Treatment centers that are equipped to deal with such guests have a remarkably high success rate.

Dual diagnosis defined

Also known as co-occurring disorders, dual diagnosis refers to someone who has a substance abuse problem along with mental health issues. Either condition may happen first. That is, a person with a dual diagnosis may start out with a drug problem that becomes worsened by mental illness. Conversely, a person with mental illness may develop drug issues as a way of self-medicating or making themselves feel better, explains the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It’s quite common, but not every rehab facility is a dual diagnosis treatment center.

Dual diagnosis treatment centers such as America’s Rehab Campus in Arizona, California, Texas, and Louisiana have the money to integrate care for both mental issues and addiction problems effectively. For a person with mental issues and drug addiction or alcoholism, this is truly the kindest treatment option as well as the most effective.

Symptoms of dual diagnosis

Because such a variety of combinations can occur, the symptoms of dual diagnosis vary widely. Mental health centers now screen clients to identify people at risk for a dual diagnosis of drug or alcohol abuse. Typical symptoms of addiction include:

  • Withdrawal from family, friends, and co-workers
  • Sudden and extreme changes in behavior or appearance
  • Using or drinking under dangerous conditions
  • Engaging in high-risk behaviors
  • Lack of control
  • Ever increasing tolerance
  • Withdrawal symptoms when going without drugs or drink
  • Feeling that you need to drink or take drugs to be able to function

Mental health warning signs

  • Extreme and sudden mood changes
  • Problems concentrating
  • Confused thinking
  • Avoidance of friends and social activities
  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

These are by no means the only signs of substance abuse or mental health issues. If two or more occur together, however, it’s a good time to speak to someone at one of the licensed dual diagnosis treatment centers in this area.

Dual diagnosis treatment options

Detoxification is an all-important first step on the road to recovery, and it’s best accomplished on an inpatient basis. Trained medical staff will monitor the patient 24/7 and administer tapering doses or a replacement medication to relieve the worst parts of withdrawal. After that, inpatient therapy can begin.

Psychotherapy plays a large part in the care provided at dual diagnosis treatment centers. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT can be quite useful in helping a person who checks in for rehab and concurrent mental health services. Mental health therapies help the patient discover and cope with the causes of their substance abuse issues.

One of the most highly respected dual diagnosis treatment centers in Tucson can be found at 6944 E. Tanque Verde Road. To know more about how to get your life back, call America’s Rehab Campus at 833-272-7342.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers