Dual diagnosis is the condition when someone is suffering from a mental illness and a substance abuse problem

People with drug addictions are often saddled with various underlying mental health issues. This is a problem that is clearly recognized by Dual Diagnosis Programs. The traditional treatment for a person that was dependent on drugs included getting them clean and sober. Afterwards, they were counseled and placed on a program to treat any mental issues. Clearly, the drug issue and mental health issue were treated separately. The fact is that studies show that most drug dependency is due to an undiagnosed mental health issue. Therefore, it just makes good sense to treat both issues at the same time. Thus, Dual-Diagnosis Programs were born to improve treatment of drug addicted individuals.

Dual-Diagnosis Programs

The purpose of the dual diagnosis program is to make sure that those addicted to drugs receive the mental health treatment that they require to live a healthy and normal life without drug dependency. Here is an interesting fact to note. Many drug addicted individuals have underlying problems like depression, bi polar disease, schizophrenia, or an anxiety disorder. Dual-Diagnosis Programs take a look at the drug addiction and the mental health issue and customize a treatment plan to address those problems.

Entering A Program

Is a Dual-Diagnosis Program right for you? Well, those that have been treated in the past with the traditional method might be prime candidates for the advanced treatment. Dual-Diagnosis Programs offer a higher level of care that is aimed at treating the addiction along with the mental health issue. The fact is that more and more drug addiction centers find that this is the only way to make sure that the individual overcomes the addiction and becomes a happy and healthy person.

However, in order to enter a Dual-Diagnosis Program the addicted individual must undergo a complete evaluation by a drug addiction professional or mental health professional. Getting one's life together begins with realizing that drug addiction and mental health issues are present and require treatment. Get help and live a happy and healthier life-with Dual-Diagnosis Program treatment.