A Drug Treatment Center And Mental Illness: What Is Dual Diagnosis?

For many addicts, struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol is not their only battle. Mental illness is a big part of addiction, but a drug treatment center that is dual diagnosis strives to heal both the addiction and the mental illness. Depression or bipolar disorder are two common mental illnesses that a dual diagnosis treatment center sees every day. Through intensive individual and group therapy and close monitoring of medications, addicts can become stronger and healthier, while at the same time, recovering from their addiction.

Addiction is a disease that is often accompanied by severe depression and anxiety. Bipolar disorder is also common as a co-occurring condition.  Many addicts who suffer from a mental illness find that it is a vicious cycle, and they experience feelings of hopelessness and isolation. Drug treatment centers that offer dual diagnosis are well equipped to help addicts make sense of it all.   A well statffed dual diagnosis center will have full time psychiatrists on staff who are highly trained in the interaction of addiction and mental lillness. Once equipped with an understanding of thier condition patients are taught methods of improving their mental health while working towards a meaningful and lasting recovery from their addiction.

A dual diagnosis treatment center is not something to be feared, rather it is an opportunity for addicts to address their illness in a nonjudgmental and neutral atmosphere. Unfortunately, both addiction and mental illness are met with social stigma and scorn and addicts can feel like they are unlovable and not "worth" saving. The role of  drug treatment centers is to help addicts restore hope to their lives and rebuild their self-esteem one step at a time. Recovery from addiction is difficult, but combined with mental illness, it can be near impossible. There is hope within reach, however, for every addict who chooses a dual diagnosis treatment center. Don't be afraid!