Treating co occurring disorders starts with an assessment process, patients are examined for physical and mental disorders that may be associated with their addiction. At that time, clinical doctors will also decide whether inpatient or outpatient treatment will best address the patient’s addiction. Discovering co occurring disorders can greatly benefit the client. Without discovering a mental disorder such as schizophrenia or depression, the patient can successfully detox only to relapse later because a disorder was not treated. Co occurring treatment can be expected from top rated dual diagnosis treatment centers.

Patients, when searching for a rehab center, have the option of thoroughly checking a center’s background to make sure that only the most effective rehab services are offered. It all starts with the initial realization that help is needed for an addiction, and then reaching out to top rated dual diagnosis treatment centers and choosing where to begin the process.

Top rated dual diagnosis treatment centers provide the tools necessary for patients to regain control of their behaviors and live a life free from the dependence of stimuli. These programs take place in a rehab center under the constant supervision of medical professionals. Every dual diagnosis program is designed around each patient’s unique and specific needs in order for treatment to be as effective as possible.

Dual diagnosis drug rehab centers begin their programs with a thorough assessment in order to determine the mental and physical well-being of the patients. Following the assessment, patients will undergo a detoxification (detox) process which is the safe removal of all toxic substances from the body. Once patients have cleansed their bodies, they will begin to cleanse their minds with a combination of traditional and experiential therapies. The therapies are designed to teach patients how to recognize their triggers and negative behaviors that contribute to both their addiction and mental health disorder in order to replace them with positive coping mechanisms.

The patient will receive care for both the mental illness and chemical dependency simultaneously. These treatment programs will be individualized, thus they will differ somewhat to fit the patient.

During detoxification the withdrawing addict is monitored 24/7 by a trained medical staff. The staff is authorized to wean the patient off of the substance abused by give tapering amounts of medication to the patient.

Long term dual diagnosis treatment centers have shown to be more effective helping addicts to initially find sobriety. This is because the addict is removed from their normal life and the stressors that might be triggering their drug use and placed in a consistent, healthy environment.

Receiving care at a long term dual diagnosis treatment centers will significantly increase longevity, as well as provide patients with a new outlook on life.

Dual Diagnosis Drug Rehab Centers

Dual diagnosis drug rehab centers are places that handle drug addiction and mental illness. Drug addiction and mental illness are both tough subjects to deal with, especially when it is a loved one who is suffering.

Long term dual diagnosis treatment centers have trained psychiatric professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, therapists or physicians that may be able to help. These individuals are familiar with the criteria a patient must meet to receive co occurring disorders treatment. These individuals are also qualified to design an individualized dual diagnosis treatment plan, increasing the chances of lasting recovery.

Developing Co-Occurring Disorders

According to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, “Sometimes people may use alcohol or drugs to help cover up or mask symptoms of a mood disorder. This ‘self-medication’ may appear to help, but it actually makes things worse”. Those who are suffering from both conditions may exhibit the following symptoms:

• Compulsion to regularly use the addicting substance
• Inability to stop using the substance
• Ensuring constant availability of the substance
• Obsession with the perceived benefits of regularly using the substance
• Displaying risky behavior
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Bipolar disorder
• Panic disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Other anxiety disorders
• Extreme weight loss or changes in appetite
• Destruction of dental health
• Impaired coordination and/or speech
• Lack of motivation
• Appears anxious, fearful or paranoid for no reason
• Hyperactivity or agitation
• Unusual smells on breath, body or clothing
• Frequently getting in trouble
• Sudden change in friends or hobbies

When mental health disorders or substance addiction are left untreated, they can lead to many detrimental effects on the physical and mental well-being of those who are suffering. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, those living with a mental illness have a significantly higher risk of developing chronic medical conditions, as well as have difficulty thinking or making decisions, irritability, the fear of social situations or leaving their homes, impulsive behavior, inattention, hyperactivity, hallucinations, avolition, repetitive thoughts or behaviors and physical or emotional impairment. Those who suffer from mental health disorders, as mentioned before, often turn to self-medication to ease their symptoms. Self-medication is extremely dangerous and can lead to overdose or death.

When people self-medicate, they run the risk of not taking the correct medication or taking too much and overdosing. The risk of overdose is also increased even if they take a medication correctly because the body will become tolerant to the substance’s effects and need more and at a more frequent rate in order to feel anything. When the user takes more, their chances of an overdose are significantly increased. Additionally, overtime, the body will become used to the substance creating the pain-relieving or mood-boosting receptors that the brain will discontinue its natural production and the body will rely solely on the substance to feel certain feelings. When people use a substance for too long, they will become tolerant and dependent on it; they will no longer be able to function normally without a substance.