Treating Drug Addiction and Alcoholism: Dual Diagnosis

Statistics indicate that mental illness has a profound influence on drug and alcohol addiction.  Those who suffer from mental illness are far more likely to use and abuse addictive substances than those that do not have a mental illness.  It has been published that nearly 66% of people with a substance dependence problem have at least one mental disorder and 51% of people with a mental disorder have at least one substance abuse problem.  

Historically, mental illness and addiction have been diagnosed and treated separately from one another.  The correlation of mental disorders and drug or alcohol abuse had not been considered until recently.  Studies have demonstrated that addressing and treating underlying mental disorders is extremely effective in the rehabilitation and long term sobriety of drug and alcohol addicts. 

Those who suffer from mental illness have been known to self-medicate with intoxicating substances, many of which are addictive in nature.  The nature of alcohol and many drugs is to alter brain chemistry.  Long term abuse of such substances compounds the problems associated with mental illness and thus perpetuates the cycle of drug and alcohol use and abuse. 

Co-occurring disorders can be addressed and properly treated in a treatment center that employs experienced, trained professionals in the fields of mental illness and addiction.  By having qualified staff on site and within the facility at all times, a cooperative, personalized rehabilitation and treatment program and be developed and implemented. 

 In cases of severe mental illness and drug or alcohol addiction, communication, structure and follow up are essential to ensure successful recovery.  Also, because many mental disorders are often treated with medication, a trained staff that specializes in addiction recovery can coordinate successful implementation of a treatment program with full support and cooperation from the mental health staff. 

Ongoing therapy is an essential part of recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.  Those who suffer from mental illness also experience immense benefit from psychotherapy couple with an appropriate regime consisting of medication and support.   By coupling therapy to treat drug or alcohol addiction with therapy to address and relieve the symptoms of mental illness, the rate of progress can be expedited and the beneficial results enhanced.