Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Why It's Important to Seek Help for Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Addiction is already a serious disease, so consider how complex the issue becomes when another behavioral or mood disorder is present in the same individual. Fortunately, this condition, known as dual-diagnosis, is a well-known trigger for addiction, and many drug rehabilitation facilities, such as Durham drug and alcohol addiction treatment centers, offer dual diagnosis treatment programs.

For those who struggle with not only addiction, but other mood disorders like bi-polar disorder or depression, specialized programs are necessary for dual diagnosis treatment. In order to successfully complete and maintain treatment for drug addiction, all psychological disorders must be treated as well. For example, an individual with bi-polar disorder needs to be treated for issues associated with this disorder that can lead to the desire to use drugs or alcohol. This is why it is important to disclose full medical history upon admission to a drug and alcohol addiction treatment center.

What is the Relation between Addiction and Mood Disorders?

According to many studies, addiction and mood disorders occur together more often than not. An obvious reason for this would be that individuals who suffer from mental illness often turn to drugs or alcohol to escape the reality of the conditions they are struggling to deal with. For example, someone with depression may become tired of feeling down constantly and finds that certain substances bring bursts of energy (like cocaine) or feelings of euphoria (opioid substances). Even though this is just one example, there are many other situations similar to this one that occur every single day.

It is also possible for an individual to become addicted to drugs and alcohol first, and then find out later on that they also suffer from a mood disorder. The danger with both situations is that abusing drugs and alcohol leads to physical dependence and can amplify manic behavior or worsen symptoms of mood disorders.

Regardless of how the addiction begins, dual diagnosis treatment requires attention from trained addiction counselors. Treatment for drug addiction involved self-reflection and understanding of the conditions that brought the individual to addictive behavior in the first place. Durham drug and alcohol addiction treatment centers have addiction specialists and medical professionals waiting to help bring individuals seeking dual diagnosis treatment the skills and tools vital for a successful recovery.

Why Professional Dual Diagnosis Treatment is Necessary

Abusing drugs and alcohol to escape reality and the symptoms of mood disorders is self-medicating. Self-medicating is extremely dangerous for a couple of reasons. Substance abuse intensifies mood disorder symptoms, like aggression and depression, and can lead to erratic behaviors that can put a person in great trouble. The risks of self-harm, overdose, or suicide are also increased when trying to treat this condition alone with drugs or alcohol.

Focusing on just one condition can be detrimental to the individual. In order to successfully treat addiction, both illnesses need to be treated simultaneously.

Mood disorders and addiction can be overpowering together, so both need to be treated at the same time with counseling sessions and support groups. With the help of drug addiction counselors, recovering addicts can learn to manage their conditions in a healthy way.

Durham drug and alcohol addiction treatment centers welcome anyone who is ready to stop living a life full of stress and addiction. From medical detox programs during inpatient rehabilitation all the way to outpatient counseling for relapse prevention, rehab centers offer dual diagnosis treatment and other forms of treatment for drug addiction to ensure the success of every patient that enters one of the facilities.

Durham drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs can help you or your loved one overcome the weight of addiction to live a drug-free life. For more information on available inpatient and outpatient rehab programs, contact Durham Drug Treatment Centers at (877) 804-1531.