A person has a dual diagnosis when they experience mental health issues alongside substance addiction. Health care providers sometimes uncover this combination when a patient seeks treatment, as they work to understand the patient’s life more deeply. Doctors once believed — and some still do — that mental health disorders had no connection to alcohol and drug addiction.
Today, many health care providers have changed their stance. They now treat both conditions simultaneously. Patients with a dual diagnosis are generally harder to treat, but that shouldn’t discourage anyone from seeking the help they need.
How to Define Dual Diagnosis
Dual diagnosis doesn’t follow a single formula, which makes it even harder to treat. No fixed definition exists beyond the basic combination: a mental health affliction paired with addiction. This combination varies widely from person to person. That’s why healthcare professionals must understand each individual on a personal level. Doing so lets them treat each patient’s specific set of needs.
How to Treat Dual Diagnosis
Dual-diagnosis patients need simultaneous treatment for both conditions — their addiction and their mental health affliction — to recover successfully. This approach challenges both the health care provider and the client. Simultaneous therapy can drain a person’s energy, so finding a facility experienced in handling these cases matters.
If you or someone you love has received a dual diagnosis and is seeking treatment, look for a center with skilled healthcare professionals who specialize in treating these patients. California Recovery Center is uniquely equipped to treat dual-diagnosis patients. Ready to begin your recovery journey? Reach out to us today!
