May 25, 2022 PCI Centers
When someone is looking to get quality dual diagnosis treatment for dual diagnosis, they are looking for a treatment center to treat both diagnosis. Treatment centers do not often treat both diagnosis at once—there is one diagnosis treated before the other. In the case of the dual diagnosis of substance use or abuse (essentially any addiction) and any mental illness, the disorder that needs treatment first is substance use or abuse.
The First Step is Detox
The individual needs to detox right away before treating mental illness.
When someone is searching for treatment for a dual diagnosis, they look for a list of certain specific qualities within the treatment center. One that may seem obvious is that the treatment center offers evidence-based and holistic treatment. They also look for highly qualified clinicians to treat a dual diagnosis. These licensed clinicians typically have Master’s and Doctorate levels and are highly experienced in recovery and rehabilitation from any dual diagnosis.
Typically, a dual diagnosis, or co-occurring disorder, comprises an addiction of some sort and a mental illness. When treating a co-occurring disorder/dual diagnosis, it is essential to get to each disorder’s root cause and figure out appropriate ways to handle and treat them. When treating a dual diagnosis, it is also necessary to see whether or not the facility has a 24-hour medical staff on board who are certified to treat addiction and psychiatry/mental illness and who can assist in the full recovery from dual diagnosis. It is essential to see if the facility also works hand-in-hand with mental health professionals to provide the best level of care for the residents.
A Well-Rounded Approach is Key
Each patient who enters treatment for a dual diagnosis has particular needs to be met. It’s the job of the clinicians and everyone else involved (I.e., physicians, chefs/nutritionists, therapists) to work with the patient to tend to these needs for the patient to get the best care possible. Even with the patients having similar body chemistry, the mental health aspect makes each patient unique—it’s what makes everyone unique. As with any treatment method, you need to treat the mind, body, and soul when treating a dual diagnosis. That means that treatment methods such as yoga, nutrition/diet counseling, and mental therapy are in order during treatment.
Integrated Treatment is Recommended
When the patients are recovering and getting treated for a dual diagnosis, the best form of treatment is an integrated treatment. The individual receives treatment for both the addiction and the mental illness. While in treatment, part of the process is getting the resources needed from self-help and support groups that the individual needs to function better in their regular life. In these groups, the patients can share their tips in recovery, find and receive referrals from specialists, vent any frustrations they may be dealing with, and celebrate some milestones and successes. Having that overall supportive and positive environment is hugely beneficial, not just for those going through treatment for dual diagnosis but also for everyone. This concept of social support, especially whenever someone is going through something difficult and challenging like recovery/detox, has been shown to increase oxytocin (the bonding hormone) and serotonin (one of the hormones that help us feel good) individual reaching out for help.
It is typical for individuals in this stage to go for short periods without using drugs or alcohol to cope with day-to-day life but then go back to either the pre-contemplation or contemplation step once something difficult arises.
Action – Fourth stage in recovery
Action is when the individual has made quite a bit of change in their life and is fully committed to going into treatment by going long periods abstaining from drugs or alcohol. They have turned from trying to do the recovery themselves to essentially handing it over to professionals trained in recovery from addiction and dual diagnosis treatment. They would instead turn to professionals to get the necessary help.
When the patients are in treatment, they receive the necessary resources to live more productive, healthy lives outside of the treatment facility. They include living more happily with their loved ones. Recovery is a life-long process, so those you choose to keep in your life must also support you and your journey and process.
Once the patients are out of treatment, it is also essential that those in their lives also help them to maintain a clean, sober, and healthy lifestyle. It may mean not having accessible alcohol in their residence or at any get-together or event.
Getting Help for Dual Diagnosis
If you’re dual diagnosed, it’s important to seek out quality dual diagnosis treatment. PCI Centers is a world-renowned center for dual diagnosis treatment and can provide you or your loved one with the resources needed to overcome addiction and mental illness. Don’t wait any longer – schedule a consultation today.
This stage can last from six months to five years, depending on how severe the addiction is and how long it lasts. It takes about two to five years to break the habit and bring about substantial change for most people. It takes time to heal and recover from addiction.
