by Jaime Lafond

Created on: July 06, 2009   Last Updated: July 10, 2009

According to the Foundations Recover Network, approximately 14 million Americans are known to suffer from dual-diagnosis, a term that is used to describe an individual who suffers from a mental health disorder and a substance abuse problem. Moreover, researchers at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York, found that a large percentage of individual who partake in substance abuse programs also have an undiagnosed mental health disorder, and individuals who use mental health services also have an undisclosed substance addiction. Such findings are indicative of the need for well-designed, intensive dual-diagnosis treatment programs.

Unlike standard substance abuse rehabilitation and mental health programs, dual-diagnosis treatment programs are designed to address both conditions simultaneously by addressing the special needs of dual-diagnosis clients.

Dual-diagnosis treatment programs have similarities to standard treatment programs, with the most significant differences being that dual-diagnosis treatment programs treat both conditions simultaneously at the same treatment center, the programs are tailored to address the individual needs of the dual-diagnosed client, and a priority of the program is relapse prevention and follow-up. Some dual-diagnosis treatment programs follow the 12-Step program, while others use various forms of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Supporters of CBT argue that the 12-Step program is meant to be a support group, not a treatment, and focus on CBT in order to understand the clients thought process as a way to tailor their therapy and motivate them on their path to recovery. Researchers at the University of Arizona found that clients have success with both methods of treatment and suggest that taking components from each method may be the key to successful dual-diagnosis treatment.

The first step to any dual-diagnosis treatment program is detoxification. Therapy cannot begin until the client is stable and clear-headed. Once the client is safely detoxed, a dual-diagnosis treatment program will include assessment and evaluation so that both conditions can be diagnosed and treated appropriately. Education and intensive psychological and psychosocial counseling will follow. Depending on the clients' individual needs a dual-diagnosis treatment program will also include additional services, such as, job and housing assistance, family counseling, relationship management, and health screening. Finally, a key component to a successful dual-diagnosis treatment program is relapse prevention. Practitioners at the Ambrosia Treatment Centers located in Florida, explain that the goal of a relapse prevention program is to educate clients about their triggers and prepare them to deal with these triggers once the treatment program is complete. Intensive case-management and follow-up is vital to ensure that signs of relapse can be addressed before clients return to their destructive behaviors.

Ultimately, a dual-diagnosis treatment program is the best treatment option for an individual who suffers from a mental health disorder and addiction. As such, an individual with a dual-diagnosis, and a desire to recover, should seek out programs that specifically offer dual-diagnosis treatment in order to optimize their chance of successful recovery.

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