Addiction Treatment Program
Recent strides in research about mental health and addiction treatment tell us that more than half of the people affected by one condition (such as an drug addiction) are also affected by at least one other condition (such as an emotional condition), and vice versa. We also have learned that when all conditions are not treated at the same time (or one or more conditions is under-treated), recovery is far more difficult. Unfortunately, because many addiction treatment programs and mental health programs treat only one condition, many people are under-treated (or inappropriately treated). This means that drug addiction treatment (as well as mental health or alcoholism addiction treatment program) is less likely to be effective, and relapse of one or both conditions is far more likely.
SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, is the federal agency designated to oversee addiction treatment and mental health services facilities in the United States. Over recent years SAMHSA has increased its emphasis on and commitment to integrating mental health and addiction treatment to better serve the millions of underserved Americans affected by co-occurring emotional and addictive conditions. This is referred to as dual diagnosis.
For the most successful treatment experience, it is important that you or your loved one select a treatment provider that addresses all of your needs. As such, whether you are seeking services through an addiction treatment center (for drug addiction treatment or alcoholism addiction treatment) or through a mental health provider, ensure that they are committed to meeting all of your needs. Treatment for both of these conditions is referred to as dual diagnosis treatment.
