www.suboxonedoctor.com - Suboxone Doctor

DUAL DIAGNOSIS TREATMENT

What is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

Dual diagnosis treatment is an exciting new development in addiction treatment and it is believed to be superior to traditional methods. As the name indicates dual treatment offers help for both mental illness as well drug addiction. This treatment was developed in the early 1990’s. Before that people who needed addiction, recovery programs were often not given the same degree of care as others and their mental problems and psychological issues were neglected. However, there was a growing realization that the mental health aspects had also to be managed if a patient was to become clean or sober. Previously, there was not enough treatment for those who had underlying mental or psychological problems, and this caused many people dependent on drugs failing to become sober and relapsing.

This is where dual diagnosis treatment can help those who are dependent on some drug such as heroin.  Addiction treatment offers patients with a drug addiction treatment for their mental health issues. It has been proven that many addicts have underlying psychological problems.

Who qualifies for Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

To be considered for the Dual Diagnosis Treatment you need to meet specific criteria that have been outlined in The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or DSM. These guidelines are published by the American Psychiatric Association. The criteria are important for the treatment of addictions such as to prescription drug, alcoholism or other behavioral addiction. They also set down symptoms for a mental health disorder such as depression, anxiety attacks, schizophrenia and personality disorders. To receive this treatment a person must meet the criteria for addiction and of a recognized mental health disorder.

What does Dual Diagnosis Treatment involve?

An effective dual diagnosis treatment will treat a patient’s addiction as well as mental illness as he or she undergoes drug addiction recovery. In this treatment program there is a flexible approach and that is because the symptoms of mental illness as well as addictive disorders are extensive and vary from individual to individual. The treatment process is usually selected after a doctor’s assessment of the addict’s conditions and needs. Suboxone is a prescription medication that can help in the dual treatment program.