Substance users who have mental problems will have dual diagnosis which normally demands extra treatment when patients are rehabilitated
. The recovery of an individual with dual diagnosis can only be successful when both of his drug or alcohol addiction and mental illness are treated. Normally, medications and therapy are integrated by Dual Diagnosis Treatment to treat people with co-occurring disorders.
People who have mental disorders have the tendency to have dual disorders since they're likely to resort to alcohol or drug use. As they can have problems in making social relationships, they can find recognition from groups having drug-based social activities. For some people, it is more acceptable to be recognized as a drug addict than to be known to have a mental condition.
Since physicians may have difficulties in getting correct diagnosis to people who have more than one disease, it has become difficult to find the best treatment for them. According to some experts, drug abuse can worsen or hide a person's mental health conditions which make him suffer from severe consequences. Those with dual diagnosis may be violent, unable to comply with medications and fail to cooperate with Drug Treatment Programs compared to those who only have a mental disorder or substance abuse.
Treating dual diagnosis should start with submitting the patient to detoxification before his mental problems will be treated. Mental issues like depression, schizophrenia and anti-social personality disorder usually have an association with dual diagnosis.
Dual diagnosis can be best cured using an integrated treatment that's composed of the same physicians who work together in the same setting to give the right approach to people with drug abuse and mental health conditions. The professionals will always ensure that the help provided for the individual's substance abuse and mental health problems are not divided.
An Integrated therapy also recognizes the need to reconcile conventional mental health counseling and drug abuse counseling to deal with dual diagnosis patients. Those who have bipolar disorder may need more than teaching them relationship skills since they must learn the proper ways to avoid the relationships that have pressured them to go into drug abuse.
Dual diagnosis patients should continue the therapy at their own pace. But professionals should let them understand the complexities in overcoming addiction and recognize all their achievements. Continuing treatment must also need the assistance of the patient's family who will help the patients avoid all causes of the interacting disorders.