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Dual Diagnosis


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A physician will render a “dual diagnosis” when the patient is both a drug or alcohol addict and also exhibits signs of an additional psychological disorder or psychiatric disease. When dual diagnosis is the medical finding, it is imperative that both the drug or alcohol addiction and the mental illness be treated concurrently at a rehabilitation clinic because this scenario can make relapse more prevalent. When the patient is considered possibly harmful to themselves or others, immediate admission into a drug treatment facility is highly recommended.

These combined effects exacerbate symptoms and can make recovery difficult. However, our addiction treatment facility specializes in a dual therapeutic treatment with a time-tested approach for a safe and comfortable recovery. Treatment from medical professionals who specialize in drug addiction is crucial to attaining recovery and preventing relapse.

Sometimes, the symptoms of the drug and/or alcohol addiction may conceal the symptoms of a mental illness or vice versa. Typically, the addicted person with a dual diagnosis may display one or more of the following behaviors:

  • Difficulty with intimacy
  • Erratic mood swings
  • Inability to maintain employment or attend classes
  • Difficulty formulating and conveying thoughts
  • Become socially inept or solitary
  • Inability to manage finances or control spending
  • Violent tendencies or uncontrolled anger

A common mistake made by many dual diagnosis programs is dedicating too much energy towards one diagnosis while neglecting the other. At The Addiction Recovery Center's rehabilitation facility, our world class team of psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, therapists, doctors and nurses will promptly commence therapeutic treatment of both the addiction and the mental illness after the diagnosis is rendered to ensure a successful recovery.

Patients who seek treatment for a dual diagnosis are taught to develop and follow a recovery plan for their mental illness that supports and complements the sober recovery plan for their addiction. It’s important to know that addicts with a dual diagnosis can realize recovery, and through treatment, will learn skills to cope with their addiction and receive therapy for their mental illness.  Our rehabilitation center will provide a dual approach to help you utilize a larger support network and start living a sober, happy and fulfilling life.