Dual Diagnosis Treatment Programs in Naples Florida
Dual diagnosis is the term used to describe someone who is suffering from a psychological mood disorder in addition to having a problem with drugs or alcohol. A person suffering from dual diagnosis has two distinct illnesses and needs to be treated for each disorder with its own dual diagnosis treatment plan. To find the best dual diagnosis treatments and various rehab options to aide in the struggle against dual diagnosis disorders contact Drug Treatment Naples at (877) 804-1531 today.
Mental Health Disorders and Addiction
There are certain mental health disorders that often co-occur with drug or alcohol addiction. These disorders tend to include but are limited to:
- Eating disorders
- Depression
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety
Eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia or binge eating are often linked to addiction. Both disorders have common risk factors, intensify during stressful life situations and involve preoccupations and compulsive behaviors.
Dual diagnosis that pairs depression and addiction is common. Alcohol is usually the addictive substance, as this is a CNS depressant, which can in itself trigger depression or sadness.
OCD is a mood disorder that encompasses anxiety. Roughly 20% of those with OCD also have an addiction to drugs or alcohol. It helps those with OCD cope with their anxiety or as a means of escape.
PTSD occurs when someone suffers from great stress after having been part of a traumatic event. This can include military combat, a violent attack, a natural disaster, sexual attack or abuse during childhood. People with PTSD also often suffer from depression, ADD, chronic pain or a chronic illness. PTSD sufferers often turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to escape stress or cope with everyday life.
Anxiety sufferers or those who suffer panic attacks may use drugs or alcohol to calm themselves or to alleviate their fears of impending doom.
Alcohol and Depression: These two disorders often co-exist because someone who is depressed may want to drink alcohol in order to feel better or to numb their pain. The two states of feeling depressed and drinking alcohol feed into one another, each making the other state worse.
Opiates and OCD: Those who suffer from OCD have a fear of certain things or thoughts. They may be afraid of germs, certain numbers, or be overly concerned with symmetry. Taking opiates can slow down the brain's thinking processes, allowing the person with OCD to become more relaxed and less distressed, though addiction can then become a co-existing disorder.
Dual Diagnosis Addiction Treatment
Dual diagnosis treatment methods can include:
- Psychopharmacology
- Psychotherapy
- Behavioral management
Psychopharmacology involves giving medication to treat the psychiatric disorder. Drugs such as SSRIs may be given to help alleviate depression, for example.
Psychotherapy in dual diagnosis treatment includes counseling to help the patient gain the coping skills needed to stop self-medicating with drugs or alcohol.
Behavioral management used in dual diagnosis centers is a form of behavioral modification techniques often used to treat mood disorders. Approaches used may include modeling good behavior, giving a person cues to remind them of triggers, or teaching patients avoidance or fear reduction techniques.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers
A drug treatment center that provides dual diagnosis treatment will often follow these steps:
- A period of assessment to determine patient history
- Therapy and counseling
- Individualized care that is specific to your disorders
- Aftercare
Aftercare services or management following dual diagnosis treatment takes place on an outpatient basis. This type of care should be continued for at least a year. Therapy and support goes on so patients can continue to avoid a return to addictive behaviors.
If your or a loved one is dealing with the daily struggles of a dual diagnosis, help is available by calling Drug Treatment Naples at (877) 804-1531.