Over two decades ago, medical researchers investigating poor outcomes in conventional drug rehab programs made a groundbreaking discovery -- these programs failed because they neglected to address every contributing medical factor. The recommendation was made to reform the way rehab was approached. The approach advocated was the dual diagnosis treatment plan, one proven far more effective than other conventional methods. According to the leading provider of dual diagnosis treatment in Akron, OH, progress has been slow. Even today, only a few expert centers offer comprehensive, integrated treatment of this variety. Luckily, we at Akron Drug Rehab Centers place great merit on dual diagnosis treatment.
In general, dual diagnosis treatment centers explain that comorbidities are common in general medicine. Diabetes, for instance, often occurs together with coronary complications. Doctors always treat comorbidities together for the best outcome. Comorbidities, when they occur in mental health conditions, are called dual diagnoses, and require a similar approach.
Our dual diagnosis treatment specialists explain that substance abuse involves effects on the brain that make it impossible for an addict to exercise willpower or restraint. Addictions, therefore, are mental disorders. Dual diagnosis is a mental health condition where the patient experiences problems such as depression, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder alongside their drug or alcohol addictions.
Dual diagnoses are common, as seen by experts in dual diagnosis treatment in Akron, OH. One in two of those experiencing substance abuse suffer from mental disorders. Treating either disorder while leaving out the other tends to make for an ineffective solution. The idea with dual diagnosis treatment is to offer comprehensive care to both disorders to ultimately recover.
A complete diagnosis of every mental health comorbidity is made, and care at Akron Drug Rehab Center is designed to include concurrent treatment for each one of them to ensure the best chances of recovery. In most cases, it takes the close care and supervision of inpatient treatment to make sure that the patient receives thorough management of every disorder present.
In dual diagnosis conditions, it's possible to see either condition appear first, and then lead to the other. Often, patients develop depression, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, or another such condition to begin. This may make them turn to nicotine, alcohol, or drugs for the way to help them feel better.
In other words, they use these substances as a form of self-medication. Experts in dual diagnosis treatment in Akron, OH express the opinion that while temporary benefits may arise, substance abuse only worsens symptoms over time.
An addict experiencing obsessive-compulsive disorder, when offered treatment for addiction alone, will often see a quick relapse simply because the obsessive instincts present are likely to push him to drug use. It can happen with every kind of dual diagnosis. A person hooked on the anti-anxiety drug Xanax, cannot be treated for Xanax addiction alone. The anxiety disorder, if left untreated, is likely to push the patient to use Xanax again.
Close associations exist among different types of addiction and specific disorders.
According to a study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, 1 in 2 of those with schizophrenia turn to marijuana. Since marijuana use is known to mimic the symptoms of schizophrenia, researchers aren't clear at this point why the drug is preferred by schizophrenics. The similarity in symptom structure, however, means that treating the one disorder without paying attention to the other isn't likely to work well in the end.
Those who suffer from PTSD are often prescribed opioid painkillers for help with various painful conditions. These patients quickly develop dependence on these medications. Treating PTSD is important if treatment for addiction to painkillers is to work over the long term.
The addiction specialists for dual diagnosis treatment in Akron, OH argue that the guiding principle of any successful dual diagnosis treatment plan is to see the patient as an individual, and not as a collection of disorders to medicate. Seeing the patient as an individual helps doctors to create individualized treatment plans that take the patient's abilities, thoughts, and desires into account. These treatment plans are far more likely to succeed.
Once detox and psychiatric treatment conclude, cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most effective treatment plans used for patients. Over a dozen or more visits, expert psychotherapists help the patient to change the way that they see life, and learn new positive attitudes.
Complementary treatment plans are often known to work, as well, and are offered by us at Akron Drug Rehab Centers. From self-hypnosis to yoga, the best treatment plans include every treatment option to address every aspect of the patient's affliction. It is the only way that works.
If you or a loved one is suffering from drug or alcohol addiction alongside their underlying psychological disorder, then dual diagnosis treatment may be the best solution. To learn more about our dual diagnosis programs and treatment plans, call Akron Drug Rehab Centers at (234) 312--4745 today!