1. Don’t Rely on Self Diagnosis
This is especially important and one that is often overlooked. Many addicts, or those close to them, could inaccurately be labeling a secondary disorder such as depression or schizophrenia. Before complete rehabilitation takes place, many are going to want to undergo a full panel of mental and emotional testing in order to be presented with the most effective treatment options instead of relying on self-diagnosis.
2. Is Substance Abuse Part of a Self-Medicating Process?
For those that are abusing drugs or alcohol it is also important to recognize if the substances are being used as a self-medicating process or used in conjunction with the mental disorders. Issues such as depression are often treated with drugs or alcohol, but there are other disorders in which the two issues are simply taking place at the same time and treatment must be altered.
3. Treatment Must be Concurrent
Those that carry out rehabilitation without also treating the mental disorder, using either counseling or prescription medication, will dramatically increase their chances of relapsing. It’s a good idea for females to consider a womens dual diagnosis treatment plan from a facility experienced with this type of treatment. For those that are receiving treatment with multiple specialists, it is also important to discuss the effects of detox or substance abuse on the prescription medication.
4. Substance Abuse Increases the Risk of Mental Illnesses
The longer that the substance abuse goes on, there will be an increase in the chance of developing a mental disorder or exacerbating the side effects. This is why those struggling with substance abuse should seek out assistance immediately. Studies show that certain substances will even give rise to new symptoms, often leading to severe medical issues. It’s important to find counselors and therapists who are experienced in treating those who are both addicts and have mental illnesses. It can be a tough balance to treat mental illnesses along with addiction because prescribing any type of medication can be dangerous.
5. Understanding Symptoms On and Off Substances
Finally, substance abusers should attempt to keep an honest and open log about the side effects of their mental illnesses both on and off either the drugs or alcohol. These types of logs will help both the addict and the treatment specialists differentiate what exactly is taking place in order for treatment to be more effective.
Recent studies now show that upwards of 50 percent of substance abusers also struggle with mental disorders. Mental disorders are often linked to addiction and can even be caused by addiction. This is why a thorough understanding of dual diagnosis treatment options is so vital along with concurrent treatment.