Dual Diagnosis Treatment
If a Person Has Both an Alcohol/Drug Problem and an Emotional Problem, Which Should Be Treated First?
Ideally, both problems should be treated simultaneously. For any substance abuser, however, the first step in treatment must be drug detox or alcohol detox- a period of time during which the body is allowed to cleanse itself of alcohol or drugs. Ideally, drug detox or alcohol detox should take place in a medical detox program located in a drug rehab or alcohol treatment program. It can take a few days to a week or more, depending on what substances the person abused and for how long.
Until recently, alcoholics and drug addicts dreaded drug detox and alcohol detox because it meant a painful and sometimes life-threatening “cold turkey” withdrawal. Now, doctors are able to give hospitalized substance abusers carefully chosen medications which can substantially ease withdrawal symptoms. Thus, when drug detox or alcohol detox is done in a medical detox program, it’s safer and less traumatic.
What Is Next After Drug Detox or Alcohol Detox?
Once drug detox or alcohol detox is completed, it’s time for dual diagnosis treatment; rehabilitation for the alcohol or drug problem and treatment for the psychiatric problem.
Drug rehab for a substance abuse problem usually involves individual and group psychotherapy, education about alcohol and drugs, exercise, proper nutrition, and participation in a 12-step recovery program such as Alcoholics Anonymous. The idea is not just to stay off booze and drugs, but to learn to enjoy life without these “crutches.”
Treatment for a psychiatric problem depends upon the diagnosis. For most dual disorders, individual and group therapy as well as medications are recommended. Expressive therapies and education about the particular psychiatric condition are often useful adjuncts. A support group of other people who are recovering from the same condition may also prove highly beneficial. Adjunct treatment, such as occupational or expressive therapy, can help individuals better understand and communicate their feelings or develop better problem-solving or decision-making skills.
Must a Dual Diagnosis Patient Be Treated in a Hospital?
Not necessarily. The nature and severity of the dual diagnosis the associated risks or complications, and the person’s treatment history are some of the facts considered in determining the appropriate level of dual diagnosis treatment. There are several different levels or intensities of dual diagnosis treatment including full hospitalization or inpatient treatment, partial hospitalization, and outpatient treatment.
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