Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Central Texas

Currently, as many as one-third of addiction sufferers are also battling a mental illness--and experts believe that statistic may be even higher in reality. The term dual diagnosis refers to sufferers who have both an addiction and a mental or mood disorder. Battling just one of these illnesses can be difficult--even debilitating, but combating both at the same time is a decided challenge. With dual diagnosis treatment in Central Texas, sufferers can obtain simultaneous treatment for both conditions. Within the setting of our drug and alcohol addiction rehab in Central Texas, dual diagnosis sufferers can learn to manage their co-existing disorders to lead a more healthful life.

Dual Diagnosis Explained

A dual diagnosis refers to the presence of two conditions: an addiction and a mental or mood disorder. These two conditions are separate and distinct but they do affect one another and typically exacerbate each other. Sometimes referred to as co-existing disorders or concurrent disorders, dual diagnosis can be alleviated with dual diagnosis treatment in Central Texas.

A dual diagnosis treatment facility employs healthcare providers who can deliver simultaneous treatments that help people manage both of their conditions. Dual diagnosis treatment programs for addiction treatment in Central Texas allow simultaneous treatments to addicts. Treating one disorder and not the other is not considered effective dual diagnosis treatment.

Moreover, both conditions require specialized therapies delivered by trained and certified medical caregivers and addiction specialists. With effective dual diagnosis addiction treatment, sufferers are more likely to achieve long-term recovery.

The Connection Between Addiction and Mental Illness

Researchers have determined that dual diagnosis is, unfortunately, not rare. Although these conditions are separate, they go hand in hand far too often. Either of these conditions can appear first and pave the way to the development of the other. Drug and alcohol rehab centers routinely screen new patients for dual diagnosis because it so common among addiction sufferers.

It often happens that people who suffer from addiction have abused drugs or alcohol to the point that these substances alter the brain's chemistry. These alterations can lead to either temporary or permanent mental conditions. Drugs and alcohol have a profound effect on the brain and, with acute or chronic abuse of these substances, the brain suffers to the point that it becomes damaged.

Conversely, some dual diagnosis sufferers experience a mental illness before they develop an addiction. It's important to remember that people don't always know they have a mental illness. Conditions like anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder can go undiagnosed. Individuals who experience symptoms of mood disorders may turn to drugs or alcohol to alleviate those symptoms.

By developing a pattern of alcohol or drug abuse, addiction can quickly ensue. Self-medicating with drugs or alcohol is particularly dangerous. Once someone develops a tolerance for these substances, they tend to increase their dose. This paves the way to a full-blown addiction and dual diagnosis.

Types of Mental Health Disorders

Any combination of addiction and mental illness can constitute a dual diagnosis, but drug and alcohol treatment centers have found that certain types of mental disorders are more common in co-existing disorders than others. One of the most common mental disorders associated with dual diagnosis is depression.

Clinical depression may be common, but it's also serious. Moreover, there are various types of depression that can occur such as persistent depressive disorder, psychotic depression, seasonal effective disorder, and bipolar disorder. Dual diagnosis treatment in Central Texas can include therapies designed to help sufferers combating any form of depression along with an addiction.

Another common mental illness associated with dual diagnosis is post-traumatic stress disorder. This mental illness may be prompted by a childhood trauma or a trauma experienced or even witnessed as an adult. PTSD sufferers may experience insomnia, nightmares, flashbacks, hyper-arousal, and anxiety.

Many sufferers who experience these symptoms may rely on prescription medications, illicit drugs, or alcohol to help combat these symptoms, but when a tolerance is developed, addiction may be just around the corner. Dual diagnosis rehab is able to help sufferers manage their PTSD as well as their addiction. Other common mental illnesses associated with dual diagnosis include anxiety, OCD, and schizophrenia.

With dual diagnosis treatment in Central Texas, people suffering from co-existing disorders can get the specialized treatment they need to manage these conditions. Dual diagnosis treatment centers can't necessarily cure these disorders, but they can provide sufferers with the tools and resources needed for successful disease management.

Once a dual diagnosis is effectively managed, sufferers can experience improved health and more fulfilling lives. If you suspect you have concurrent disorders, make time to visit a dual diagnosis treatment facility near you. Call us now at (877) 804-1531.