When an individual is struggling with substance use disorder or drug abuse, getting professional help is key. Often, individuals abusing drugs also suffer from an underlying mental health issue. This, combined with their addiction, creates what medical professionals call a co-occurring disorder. It is addressed through dual diagnosis treatment. Dual diagnosis is a term that describes a person facing medical, emotional, and mental illness, along with a substance dependency. Usually, when confronting this disorder, the first step is detox. When seeking the appropriate drug detox treatment program, it may be necessary to check that the center can treat both of the co-existing conditions. Not every treatment program is prepared to do so. At The Ranch TN, we can offer dual diagnosis and drug detox. Thus, you or a loved one can come to us to get the support necessary to heal.
What Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
Co-occurring conditions are a common problem among those dealing with substance abuse. The National Institutes on Mental Health (NIMH) report that substance abuse is accompanied by a co-existing psychiatric condition 60 percent of the time. The government agency further reports that substance abuse accompanies 56 percent of all bipolar cases, 47 percent of all instances of schizophrenia, 32 percent of non-bipolar mood disorders, and 27 percent of cases of anxiety disorder. In total, estimates are that somewhere between 10 to 14 million Americans are living with co-existing substance dependency and at least one other psychiatric/medical condition. However, in this program, some other treatments and therapies are used to help individuals, such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Experiential therapy
- Trauma-informed therapy
- Psychodrama therapy
- Motivational interviewing
Though the reality of dual diagnosis is well documented, why it occurs is less certain. It may be that people with medical/emotional/mental illness turn to substances like drugs or alcohol to self-medicate away their distressing symptoms. On the other hand, if such illnesses have been treated for many years with strong medications, this may have led to chemical dependency.
The Importance of Drug Detox
Drug detox is particularly helpful in separating potential instances of dual diagnosis. Only after the drug is removed from a person’s body can a truly proper assessment be made based on observation of remaining symptoms. Medically supervised drug detox will handle the process of weaning the body from its dependency gently and knowledgeably. A calm, secure, and supportive environment makes the initial phase of detox as comfortable and anxiety-free as possible.
The initial drug detox phase typically lasts one week. Following the drug detox phase, medical and mental health experts will be able to assess the patient’s overall health. If a dual diagnosis is determined, therapies can be initiated, which will address both conditions at the same time. Drugs may have damaged the patient’s physical health. Therefore rest, proper nutrition, and gentle exercise may be prescribed to prepare for the coming stages of recovery.
Dual Diagnosis and Drug Detox at The Ranch TN
Any co-existing emotional or mental health conditions must be properly diagnosed. This is because they may place the drug recovery process at risk for relapse. Those who are struggling under a dual diagnosis will need special attention given to dealing with issues of isolation, loneliness, shame, depression, and fear. Dual diagnoses come in a variety of combinations and require highly individualized treatment plans. But to make a lasting recovery, individuals need to have both conditions addressed.
Fortunately, The Ranch TN’s expert and experienced staff can develop the necessary treatment plan to help patients heal. Thus, when you or a loved one is looking for a drug detox and rehab facility, look to us. Our facility is fully prepared to treat co-existing conditions. So reach out to us today at 1.844.876.7680.
