- Adderall
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- Dual Diagnosis
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- Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB)
- Gender Specific Issues
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- Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)
- Marijuana
- Methadone
- Methamphetamine
- OxyContin
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Process Addiction
- Ritalin and Concerta
- Sex and Love Addiction
- Steroids
- Suboxone
- Synthetic Cannabis
- Trauma
- Valium
- Video Game Addiction
- Xanax
Dual Diagnosis
The combination of mental illness and substance abuse can be a double-whammy. Sadly, in many cases, only one of the two problems is identified, leading to an inadequate treatment plan that never truly works. At The Way Out, we boast extensive experience in identifying AND treating clients affected by both mental illness and addiction – a condition known as dual diagnosis. For more information on high-quality treatment options, call The Way Out today at 1-877-WAYOUT7.
Addiction and mental illness often go hand in hand
One of the most important things you should realize right away is that the dual diagnosis problem affecting you or your loved one is quite common. You are NOT alone. Just consider these statistics:
- According to a 2011 University of Utah study, more than 60 percent of those diagnosed with Bipolar I Disorder are also addicted to drugs. This number is far higher than the prevalence of drug addiction among the general population, which stands at about 10 percent.
- Those diagnosed with schizophrenia also have a high incidence of drug addiction – roughly 46 percent of schizophrenics are hooked on drugs.
- Depression, too, has a strong link to substance abuse. According to the University of Utah study, about 27 percent of people who are diagnosed with a major depressive disorder are also suffering from addiction.
At The Way Out, one of the key benefits of our dual diagnosis strategy is its integrated, comprehensive approach. Both the substance abuse and mental illness conditions are treated simultaneously in a coordinated manner. This method works wonders, but don’t just take our word for it: the federal government’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has also come out strongly in favor of dual diagnosis care, and credits dual diagnosis with achieving higher overall success rates.
Identifying the problem
For family and friends of the dual diagnosis patient, it may sometimes be difficult to recognize that substance abuse is happening. Many of the warning signs of addiction – such as being rebellious, argumentative, or “spacey,” – may also be associated with the individual’s mental illness. There may be a tendency to shrug off these warning signs as just “typical” behavior.
In cases like this, there are other warning signs to look out for, signs that will strongly suggest that substance abuse is also occurring. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, these warning signs include:
- The person in question is suddenly having money problems
- There is a sudden appearance of new “friends”
- Valuables are disappearing from the house
- Drug paraphernalia is found in the house
- The person spends long periods of time in the bathroom
- You begin noticing dilated or pinpointed eyes
- You begin noticing needle marks
Once it is confirmed that your friend or loved one is a dual diagnosis case, it is essential that he or she enter drug rehab right away. Dual diagnosis individuals, when left untreated, have a greater propensity for violence, suicide, and homelessness.
Dual diagnosis CAN be successfully treated – here’s how
Dual diagnosis clients are highly capable of leading happy, fulfilling lives – but only if they receive the professional care that is so urgently needed. At The Way Out, our network of dual diagnosis providers is limited to only those facilities that meet our strict quality standards. These providers use proven techniques that achieve long-term results. Those techniques include:
- Detoxification that is done in a medically-supervised, compassionate manner. Detox is an essential first step – the client must have all the drugs and alcohol out of their system before treatment begins.
- Following detox, our treatment programs will simultaneously address both the substance abuse and mental health issues – thereby avoiding the need for clients to travel to and fro between two different locations.
- The client’s input will ALWAYS be included when creating a recovery plan. That way, client feedback will be reflected in treatment goals and the strategies used to achieve change.
- Clients are given basic education about their particular disorder, and are taught healthy coping skills so that future stress or adversity can be handled without relapse.
Family and friends can be a lifesaver for dual diagnosis patients
Left untreated, a dual diagnosis condition can indeed be life-threatening. The substance abuse will gradually worsen, leading to erratic and sometimes-dangerous behavior. The friends and family of the addict can be a lifesaver in this situation by steering their loved one toward treatment.
How can you encourage this person to enter dual diagnosis care? An effective strategy is to avoid enabling your loved one’s addiction. Actions such as lending the addict money, providing them a place to sleep, or lying to cover up their drug use all count as enabling. People sometimes mistake enabling for kindness, but in fact enabling is doing the addict great harm, as it only encourages them to keep getting drunk or high.
Instead of enabling, you can suggest to the addict that it is time for treatment. Thanks to reading this webpage, you now know a lot of information about dual diagnosis – why not make an effort to tell the addict how successful dual diagnosis rehab can be? Don’t be discouraged if the addict initially is resistant to treatment – continue to press for dual diagnosis treatment in the weeks and months ahead, and continue to refuse the addict’s pleas for money or other enabling favors.
Once the addict is in dual diagnosis treatment, your continued support will be greatly needed. Make it a point to be calm and understanding as the addict begins their new life in recovery. Although it is OK to ask about their psychiatric treatment, don’t make that treatment the sole focus on the conversation.
Instead, make sure the addict knows that they are loved and cared for. And remember, when it comes to dual diagnosis rehab, The Way Out is available around the clock to answer any questions you may have. Pick up the phone and call us today at 1-877-WAYOUT7. You’ll be glad you did.