Dual diagnosis treatment centers make it easier for people to get the help they need for both substance abuse and mental health issues. It can be difficult to find a treatment center that treats both issues in a holistic way, but it is possible. A New Hope Center for Recovery is one such treatment center that offers a comprehensive guide to dual diagnosis treatment.
A dual diagnosis is when someone suffers from both a mental illness and a substance abuse problem. Many times, these two problems will feed into each other, making it difficult to treat one without the other. For example, someone with depression may turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate, which can then lead to addiction. There is no one cause of dual diagnosis treatment. Instead, there are a variety of risk factors that can increase someone’s chances of developing both a mental illness and a substance abuse problem. These risk factors include:
- Family history of mental illness or addiction
- Childhood trauma or abuse
- Poverty
- Unstable home life
- Exposure to drugs or alcohol at a young age
Mental health disorders can also increase the risk of developing a substance abuse problem. For example, someone with anxiety may turn to alcohol to calm their nerves, which can then lead to addiction.
Treating dual diagnoses can be difficult because the two disorders often feed into each other. For example, someone with depression may self-medicate with drugs or alcohol, which can then make their depression worse. The most effective treatment for dual diagnosis is a comprehensive approach that addresses both mental illness and addiction. This may include medication, therapy, and support groups. It’s important to find a treatment team that you trust and feel comfortable with. There are many benefits to getting treatment at a dual diagnosis treatment center. The first benefit is that you will be able to get help for both disorders at the same time.
If you’re concerned that someone you know may be suffering from dual diagnosis, the best thing to do is to talk to them about your concerns. If they are open to it, you can also help them find a treatment team that can help them.
