4 Reasons Dual Diagnosis Treatment Is Effective

If you suffer from a drug or alcohol addiction, you may be frustrated. Sometimes, an addiction can be difficult to overcome on your own. In addition, certain types of rehabilitative services are not as effective as others. For instance, dual diagnosis treatment is usually one of the most effective forms of treatment for chemical dependency. Here are a few reasons why:

Dual diagnosis treatment addresses multiple conditions at once.

Many people who are dependent on drugs or alcohol also display signs of mental illness. Thus, a person who is addicted to cocaine may also suffer from clinical depression, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Since each of these disorders affects the other, it can be difficult for a person who is chemically-dependent to overcome substance abuse by simply addressing the drug or alcohol abuse.

Dual diagnosis treatment treats the chemical dependency while also addressing the mental health issues experienced by the patient.

Dual diagnosis treatment takes place in an inpatient setting.

Sometimes it's important to remove a chemically-dependent person from the setting or living environment that seems to have helped to sustain the addiction. By eliminating trigger points associated with a certain environment, it can be easier for the patient to overcome his or her addiction.

In addition, in an inpatient setting, access to drugs or alcohol is restricted. The patient is forced to learn new healthy coping mechanisms.

Even if medications are needed to help the addicted person overcome withdrawal symptoms, the medication is usually not addictive or habit-forming.

Dual diagnosis treatment helps patients overcome withdrawals.

People who are chemically-addicted are not simply emotionally dependent on the drugs or alcohol. Their body has developed a physical addiction.

A person experiencing withdrawal symptoms may have unsavory symptoms, such as nausea, profuse sweating, cramps, headaches and other types of physical discomfort. Without professional help in an inpatient setting, it can be difficult for the patient to withstand the painful symptoms of withdrawal in order to overcome his or her addiction.

Dual diagnosis teaches healthy life habits. 

Healthy habits, such as eating properly, exercising and obtaining adequate rest, can help lower the amount of stress that a person feels. In addition, certain habits, such as regular physical exercise, can affect serotonin levels to improve a sense of peace and well-being. Dual diagnosis treatment teaches patients how to incorporate healthy habits into their lifestyle.

If you are addicted to drugs or alcohol and would like to overcome your addiction, schedule an appointment with a dual diagnosis treatment center director like one from Pacific Ridge in your area.