Drug addiction is often a symptom of a more profound and unresolved psychological issue for many people. For those who struggle with a substance abuse problem and a mental health issue simultaneously, it is known as dual diagnosis. It may surprise you that dual diagnosis is a common affliction.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) statistics, 9.2 million Americans are afflicted with dual diagnosis disorder. Dual diagnosis is a complex condition that can be exceedingly difficult to treat. Those with this condition must seek specialized treatment found at a dual diagnosis rehab.
What is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
Dual diagnosis treatment is a specialized treatment center where mental health and substance abuse programs are offered in the same facility. This form of treatment, which emerged in the 1990s, is founded on the philosophy that people suffering from dual diagnosis have a better prognosis for long-term recovery with integrated care.
Prior to the 1990s, mental health treatment and addiction treatment were considered separate. People dealing with dual diagnosis disorders were directed to either a drug treatment program or a mental health program based on what was seen as the greater need as far as treatment. As a result, they underwent treatment programs that were insufficient to address the totality of their dual diagnosis. The prognosis for dual diagnosis patients who didn’t get the integrated treatment needed was very poor.
Who Would Benefit from a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program
The integrated treatment approach found in dual diagnosis rehabs provides tremendous benefits. With the help of both mental health professionals and addiction treatment staff, people can pinpoint the cause or causes of their addiction. Also, people will get the support they need to work through past traumatic experiences and learn the coping skills needed to move past these experiences.
Additionally, co-occurring disorder treatment helps clients change negative thought patterns and habits and replace them with healthy and positive mindsets. Specialized dual diagnosis treatment is of tremendous benefits for those who are dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder, in addition to substance abuse disorders.
Dual diagnosis rehab programs will also be of great benefit to those who have “process addictions” in addition to drug addiction. Process addictions (commonly known as behavioral addictions) occur when people engage in compulsive actions despite the negative consequences. Examples of these are compulsive shopping, internet addiction, sex addiction, and gambling addiction.
What to Look for in a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Rehab Program
If you are seeking professional help for a dual diagnosis disorder, you may feel overwhelmed by the available treatment choices. To find the best dual diagnosis rehab in Tennessee, the following components will point you in the right direction:
- Dual diagnosis programs should offer you a long enough stay to address the complexities of the condition. While many treatment facilities offer programs that last 30 days, that time frame may not allow clients to fully work through their underlying issues. Those suffering from dual diagnosis should find programs that last 60-90 days or even longer.
- Facilities that offer dual diagnosis treatment and support need to have the proper state and national accreditation. Some of the accreditation clients you should look for are CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, JCAHO (Joint Commission Accreditation), or COA (Council on Accreditation).
- Since dual diagnosis is a complex and difficult condition to contain, treatment facilities need to offer a wide continuum of care that provides long-term support. These features include comprehensive medical detoxification, inpatient care, intensive outpatient counseling, and sober living. These components allow clients the space and time to address their mental health and addiction issues while gaining the skills and support they need to overcome their problems and become happy and healthy for the long term.
- The programs dual diagnosis centers offer need to offer evidence-based therapies that have been extensively researched and proven to work. These include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), among others.
- It is important to remember that a “one size fits all” approach to dual diagnosis treatment is insufficient. To that end, treatment facilities must employ both individual and group therapy that is specifically tailored to each client. Since dual diagnosis is considered a “family disease,” it is also important for programs to offer family counseling and therapy programs.
Finding the Best Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Tennessee
Finding the right dual diagnosis rehab in Tennessee can be difficult. Fortunately, that search has become much easier for you. Nashville Treatment Solutions offers tailored dual diagnosis treatment programs that fit your unique and specific needs. Our experienced treatment team delivers effective programs and services with empathy and compassion. No matter the severity of your dual diagnosis, we will work with you during and after you complete treatment, ensuring you have the tools and support you need to find lasting recovery.
Call Nashville Treatment Solutions and transform your life.