The likelihood of developing an addiction if you are suffering from mental health disorders is very high. It’s not uncommon for individuals struggling with mental health issues to also develop a substance use disorder in their lifetime. If we can detect illness earlier and quickly, we can then prevent and addiction. Conversely, if we treat an addiction quickly, we can prevent a mental disorder from developing. If both conditions occur concurrently, we should be in a position to tell. Medical professionals can do that through dual diagnosis. But what is dual diagnosis, and how can it help?
What is Dual Diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis is a term that describes someone who suffers from addiction and mental health disorder at the same time. The term can also refer to the process of determining if a person is suffering from these two conditions concurrently. We can also refer to a dual diagnosis as a co-occurring disorder. But this term will only apply to a person and not the medical process.
It is not clear whether addiction develops first before mental health disorder or vice versa. But there is a clear relationship between addiction and mental health disorders. A co-occurring disorder, in most cases, will start because of self-medication for mental illness. If a person continuously continues to self- medicate over a long period, the brain becomes addicted to the medication. In the long run, the person becomes dependent on drug use as a way of managing their mental illness.
What is Dual Diagnosis as a Medical Process?
Dual diagnosis can be a process to establish if you have co-occurring disorders. The process follows these five steps:
- Psychiatric Health Assessment: This assessment will establish which disorders you are suffering from. You may be able to get counseling or medication at this stage.
- Integration to an Addiction Rehab: From the psychological assessment, professionals begin to work with the patient to address their addiction. The process moves at a more deliberate pace than standard rehabs because of the complications arising from the mental disorder.
- Treatment: Professionals will prescribe a holistic treatment plan based on your evaluations. The treatment is all-rounded. You get to go through therapies, massage meditation, and nutritional counseling. This aims at increasing your chances of recovering fast.
- Behavioral Modification Therapy: The therapy teaches patients new methods pf coping with their condition. They also get to learn about ways of avoiding triggers that can cause them to relapse.
- Relapse Prevention Education: This is an aftercare program that provides a support structure and a means of accountability for the victims. It normally extends past the treatment period. This is because the post-treatment period can be very difficult for victims to navigate smoothly.
Treatment at Blueprint Recovery Center
Blueprint Recovery can administer a dual diagnosis evaluation. Afterward, you get to choose from several programs to help you manage your condition.
The programs and centers include:
- Addiction treatment center: The center can handle your addiction through the use of medication. It also has therapies that can fast-track the recovery process.
- Community housing program: This housing program targets patients who finish their addiction programs. This plan provides a safe and comfortable environment devoid of temptations that can trigger a relapse.
- Partial hospitalization program: Partial hospitalization allows you to focus on your daily duties as you seek treatment. It is ideal for patients whose cases are not severe.
- Alumni program: The alumni program is a support program. It will help you to maintain sobriety even after you leave the treatment facility.
Enroll With Blueprint Recovery Today
Now that you know what is dual diagnosis take a step further and consider enrolling in a mental health facility. You will be able to know if you have any co-occurring illnesses so that you can get timely treatment. If you or your loved one need dual diagnosis services, visit our addiction treatment facility, or contact Blueprint Recovery through 833.654.1004. We are here for you.
