Individuals get addicted to substances, including drugs and alcohol due for various reasons such as escaping problems, enjoyment, relaxation, etc. In some people, it leads to alcohol or drug dependence. This is a detriment to the physical as well as mental health of the body. A severely addicted person is often diagnosed with common co-occurring disorders. 

Emotional issues, including grief, low self-esteem, guilt, anger, and so on, have a strong impact on the person’s addiction, which leads to mental health issues. A few disorders, like eating disorders, PTSD, schizophrenia, ADHD, bipolar disorder, etc., are often linked with addiction. 

It can be challenging to manage a substance use disorder and mental health problems at the same time. This is why a dual diagnosis treatment considers the psychological aspects of addiction rather than only concentrating on drugs or alcohol.

Treatment centers for dual diagnosis can assist an individual to address their mental illnesses as well as addiction problems. But, how can it benefit them? In this blog, you can learn about various advantages that a residential treatment center offers in dual diagnosis. 

Advantages of dual diagnosis treatment center

• More Attention: Knowing what your healthcare providers are treating makes it simpler to receive focused care. Both substance use disorder and any co-occurring mental conditions are addressed in a dual diagnosis. It is significantly less effective to treat one problem while ignoring the other than to treat both conditions simultaneously.
  
  There are many ways that drug misuse and mental illness share symptoms. They must be treated concurrently to prevent one disorder from impeding the treatment of the other condition.  

• An upturn in Success of Recovery: There is a better probability of recovery when both the addiction and the mental health disorder are treated. It is because both the underlying causes of addiction and the symptoms of mental health issues are being managed. 

• Improvement in Mental Health: You can break negative patterns and develop healthy coping mechanisms in therapy by receiving dual diagnosis treatment rather than just individual mental health or substance abuse centers.  

• Progress in Physical Health: It is well known that having a substance use disorder is poor for your physical health, whether through an overdose or continued exposure to pollutants. But like substance abuse, psychiatric illnesses can also harm your physical health.
  
  To help you get better, dual diagnosis treatment focuses on both your physical and mental needs, ensuring that you get the diet, rest, and exercise. 

• Increase in Motivation to Recover: Certain stressors can lead back to your substance abuse issues. You can escape this pattern by developing coping skills. Your ability to identify these triggers and create a strategy to cope with them in the future is the central goal of a dual diagnosis program. 

• Good Quality of Life: Simply by being more knowledgeable about their condition, patients with dual diagnosis disorders frequently see an improvement in their quality of life.
  
  Patients frequently feel more in control of their lives and prepared to face future obstacles after learning more about their body and mind by taking holistic treatments such as massage, art therapy, yoga, counseling, etc. These therapies can help you find greater balance and pursue other hobbies that will prevent relapse. 

• Plan for the Future: Making any effort toward a better future can be incredibly hard when co-occurring disorders are present. When you are dealing with drug dependence and psychiatric conditions on top of that, it could be quite difficult for you to continue your studies or keep your employment.
  
  By seeking assistance through dual diagnosis programs, you can learn the coping mechanisms you need to deal with intense emotions and triggers that interfere with your daily life.

Symptoms of Co-Occurring Disorder 

A mental health professional can diagnose a substance use disorder or mental health. The common symptoms of co-occurring disorders can aid the individual to recognize when they need help. Here are a few: 

• Intake substances regularly. 
• Avoiding health and hygiene.  
• Drastic changes in behavior. 
• Losing your control when it comes to substances. 
• Trouble in handling daily tasks. 
• Concentration problems 
• Withdrawal from family or friends 
• Consuming substances under difficult conditions. 
• Taking part in dangerous activities. 

Treatment Options for Dual Diagnosis (Inpatient Treatment Center) 

There is a multitude of options when it comes to treating dual diagnoses. Before entering the treatment center, you will likely get an assessment of the overall condition. Some common medications for dual diagnosis are; SSRIs, anti-anxiety medications, antipsychotic medications, and anti-addiction medications.  

Therapy is almost always used to assist a person in overcoming mental illness and drug addiction. Various forms of therapy can assist people in managing dual disorders. A person will form a strong relationship with their therapist during rehabilitation while receiving long-term residential therapy. Some of the therapy approaches that are included in dual diagnosis are Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). 

Conclusion 

You need care from someone who truly understands you when managing a dual diagnosis. A treatment plan that prioritizes you as a person rather than your problems is what you need. A terrific initial step is to locate an exceptional, holistic therapy program. You will regain control of your life by working with experts who care about you and know how to assist in this time of need.