Since the 1990s, the behavioral science of addiction treatment has grown and evolved. Very recently, the American Medical Association recognized substance addiction as an actual disease, similar to diabetes or heart disease. This has opened doors for better healthcare for patients who want to overcome their addiction. Because of the AMA’s designation and the Affordable Care Act, insurance now supports addiction recovery.
Another of the discoveries of behavioral scientists in recent years is that of dual diagnosis. Dual diagnosis treatment recognizes that co-occurring disorders, such as addiction with depression, delusional behavior, anxiety or PTSD, must be treated concurrently for true recovery to occur. Without treating both conditions, one will inevitably lead the patient back to the other. This is why modern treatment facilities that deal with co-occurring disorders are sought after by patients and doctors making referrals for recovery.
Finding a Quality Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center
For effective treatment of co-occurring disorders, quality treatment centers blend techniques and therapies that work best for mental health care with addiction recovery methods. Clinicians once focusing on addiction recovery and support methods now receive specialized training and credentialing in co-occurring mental health disorder treatment.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reported that in 2012, 7.9 million people had both a mental disorder and substance use disorder. But finding a rehab program that provides quality treatment for co-occurring disorders is still a challenge. This is particularly true when you are the one suffering within a co-occurring condition and are trying to conduct a search.
How is dual diagnosis treatment different?
Treatment of co-occurring disorders should include specific aspects of care in order to ensure patients the best opportunity of full recovery. Those aspects should include:
- Concurrent treatment of the mental health disorder and substance abuse
- Inclusion of psychotherapeutic medications as directed by doctors
- Support that rebuilds and reinforces positive self-image
- Inclusion of family in the recovery process
A co-occurring condition isn’t diagnosed by a family member, the person abusing substances or others not experienced in behavioral science. A diagnosis requires the evaluation of a qualified physician, psychologist, therapist, psychiatrist or counselor. While such a diagnosis can sound ominous at first, it’s actually an enormous relief to many people because it helps explain why they have struggled so much with addiction and issues such as mood swings, anxiety and depression. Understanding the condition is the first step into successful treatment and a lifetime of healthy recovery.
1st Step Behavioral Health is a Leader in Dual Diagnosis Treatment
At 1st Step Behavioral Health, co-occurring disorders are understood and treated as part of our comprehensive rehabilitation programs. This combined diagnosis requires support, guidance, education and hope within recovery.
At first, it can be difficult to trust professionals and others when you’re suffering from multiple conditions at once, as patients tend to feel vulnerable and overwhelmed. But trust in the programs of 1st Step Behavioral Health is easy to gain when guests realize that all of their treatment team members are there to ensure complete recovery and a solid chance at a healthy, bright future of sobriety.
Call us at (855) 425-4846for more information about recovery from addiction and mental health disorders from experts you can trust.