Steps to Finding a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Near Me

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Rehab centers have treatments for all kinds of addictions, including a dual diagnosis. A dual diagnosis is when someone has a substance use disorder and a mental disorder. It is also called a co-occurring diagnosis. Many people suffering from the condition usually do not know that one leads to the other. Most times, they will need to have a correct diagnosis before they can begin treatment.

A person who has a mental disorder, such as depression, may turn to alcohol as a way to find relief. But over time, the alcohol dependence becomes an addiction without curing depression. So, the person ends up with a co-occurring disorder. The same is true for a person who battles anxiety and turns to pills to suppress it.

Typically, a diagnosis of a mental disorder does not necessitate a diagnosis of substance use, even though it can deteriorate mental health. And a substance use diagnosis does not always mean there is an underlying mental health disorder. You can read this article to learn more about why this issue happens. Unfortunately, this problem is becoming more prevalent in the country.

These disorders do not always co-exist in people, so they usually have different treatment methods. However, if both are diagnosed in one person, it is best to treat them at the same time instead of separately. A treatment center will treat each disorder, bearing in mind how one can influence the other. In some places, they treat substance use by allowing a withdrawal process. And while treating substance addiction, they also administer therapy for mental health wellness.

A person with a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis usually depends on drugs or alcohol when things become difficult or strained. They may also begin to withdraw from loved ones or support groups, making bad decisions along the way. In addition, their mental state begins to worsen; where they used to have mild depression, it becomes worse.

The following are some of the mental health disorders that someone with a dual diagnosis usually has:

  • Insomnia
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Borderline personality disorder
  • Anorexia or bulimia
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

These disorders may lead to alcohol or drug abuse in a bid to reduce their effects or fix them. However, that is hardly ever the case. People suffering from the disorders become hooked and dependent on substances before they know it.

Finding a Treatment Center Near You

If you are looking for a dual diagnosis rehab near you, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. They are in the best position to direct you to a rehab center close to you with suitable treatment methods. It has a list of all rehabs that handle this issue; the treatment protocol for dual diagnosis is different from substance use or mental health disorder treatment.

Also, you can use a locator tool to find one on a map. Follow this link https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/ to the tool, type in your address, and have the tool show you the one closest to you. It is an efficient and effective tool for locating behavioral health centers.

Ask your doctor or therapist for treatment center recommendations near you. Some offer places where you can go if they know about the dual diagnosis problem, but you can ask to see if they can refer you to one or more.

Additionally, try searching for a rehab yourself. These days, there are many reliable treatment centers all over the country, so there is likely to be more than one close to you. Go online and search for dual diagnosis treatment centers using your exact location, not just the state or city of residence. You will find more than one center with reviews from people who have used them.

Choosing the Right Treatment Center for Dual Diagnosis

As mentioned before, several centers may be close to you, and you need only ask or search. However, you must know how to pick one out of the lot before starting treatment.

Here are ways to choose the right rehab center:

  • The rehab center must have the necessary accreditation, certification, and license. You do not want to use a center that does not pass the test or adhere to regulations, especially as it affects your health.
  • Choose one that specifically meets your needs, not just one closest to you. You may not want to be far from home, but recovery is more important than the distance in this case. So, make a list of all your needs or have your therapist do it. Next, eliminate rehabs that do not come close to the list until you find the right one. It does not have to meet all the requirements on your list; 80 or 90 percent will do.
  • Look for one that does not have too many patients and few therapists. It usually equates to inadequate therapist-to-patient care. Popular rehabs with an excellent reputation are good because they know the job, but it may also signify they have too many people checking into the rehabs. Check the staff and therapist’s strengths to ensure you will get the attention you need.
  • Find out if there are certified and qualified nurses, psychologists, and psychiatrists. These people will attend to you, so you want to be sure they are available and well-trained to perform their duties.
  • See if the center offers other treatments or focuses only on treating dual diagnoses. It may not be a deal-breaker, but it helps to learn how established the center is and its success rate.

Conclusion

If you or someone you know has this diagnosis, finding a rehab for dual diagnosis is the first step towards recovery. It is easy to find a dual diagnosis treatment near you. Many rehab centers treat the issue while a few others focus primarily on it. Use the internet to find one or two within your area or city. The reviews will also help you choose the right one.

A locator tool will also take you to a center if you enter your address. And if you are already seeing a therapist, ask them for a recommendation. It is always best to have more than one so that you can comfortably make a choice and not be restricted to just one.