Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Ideally, the drug addiction and mental health problem should be treated simultaneously. For any substance abuser, however, the first step in dual diagnosis treatment must be detoxification or drug detox- a period of time during which the body is allowed to cleanse itself of alcohol or drugs. Ideally, drug detoxification should take place under medical supervision. It can take a few days to a week or more, depending on what substances the person abused and for how long.
Until recently, alcoholics and drug addicts dreaded detoxification because it meant a painful and sometimes life-threatening “cold turkey” withdrawal. Now, doctors are able to provide those persons in a medical detox program select detox medications which can substantially ease withdrawal symptoms. Thus, when detoxification is done under medical supervision, it’s safer and less traumatic.
After Drug Detox in a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program
Once drug detoxification or drug detox is completed, it’s time for dual diagnosis treatment; rehabilitation for the alcohol or drug problem and treatment for the psychiatric problem.
Drug rehabilitation or drug rehab for a substance abuse problem usually involves individual and group psychotherapy, education about alcohol and drugs, exercise, proper nutrition, and participation in a 12-step recovery program such as Alcoholics Anonymous. The idea is not just to stay off booze and drugs, but to learn to enjoy life without these “crutches.”
Treatment for a psychiatric problem depends upon the diagnosis. For most disorders, individual and group therapy as well as medications are recommended. Expressive therapies and education about the particular psychiatric condition are often useful adjuncts. A support group of other people who are recovering from the same condition may also prove highly beneficial. Adjunct treatment, such as occupational or expressive therapy, can help individuals better understand and communicate their feelings or develop better problem-solving or decision-making skills.
