DUAL DIAGNOSIS REHAB PROGRAM AND CO-OCCURRING DISORDER

Dual Diagnosis, also known as co-occurring disorder, is the term that describes one who has a combination of mental health issues along with an addiction.  Often, it is difficult or impossible to describe which problem came first.

Imagine being on the ocean in a small boat away from shore when a storm hits…. The tides and strength of the ocean are overwhelming and scary. You know there is a force at work which is much stronger than you and the boat. You're unsure if you'll be able to manage the boat back to safety. For people dealing with severe emotional issues, the feeling can be very similar.  It is a feeling of being out of control at times.  Somewhat cruelly, this feeling is peppered with times of being completely in control, only to experience serious regret for mistakes that were made during the out of control periods.  Yet, the power of emotional issues is unrelenting and the feeling of control again slips out of your grasp, dragging you further and further out to sea.

Many people who suffer with emotional disorders such as major depression, anxiety, mania, bipolar illness, trauma and compulsive disorders will often describe a life that is not their own. They feel helpless in their efforts to bring control and calm into their chaotic and painful emotional worlds. Soon, that helpless feeling turns to hopelessness.  Often, women and men dealing with strong emotional tugs and pulls will become addicted to alcohol, drugs, sex, or other behaviors to suppress or alter the emotional state that is causing them stress and discomfort.

For example, often people who are addicted to alcohol or drugs are depressed.  Sometimes, the person is depressed because of the effects of the substance, while at other times they were depressed before they became addicted.  Often, these people will use substances to self-medicate in a desperate attempt to regain emotional stability and happiness.  They use to forget, to feel better, “to cope”.  In the end, it only makes things worse. 

When treating an alcohol, drug, or other addiction the major task of the treatment team is to first diagnose, then to treat the co-occurring illness from many different perspectives and disciplines. The treatment team is tasked with diagnosing whether your emotional issues were caused by the addiction or, alternatively, if they had a hand in predisposing you to the addiction.  The distinction is important.  The treatment path shifts considerably, depending on the answer.  This requires a highly experienced and credentialed treatment team.

If you take a look at the staffing page of Paradise Recovery, what you will find is a list of some of the best and most highly credentialed treatment providers in the country.  Here is what the team at Paradise Recovery often recommends for the evaluation of dual diagnoses: a thorough psychiatric evaluation, psychological assessment, psychological testing, dietary assessment, chemical dependency assessment, physical fitness evaluation, family history and spiritual history. Occasionally, a neuropsychological assessment or neurofeedback evaluation is recommended.  Some of the more effective treatments for dual diagnosis clients are: individual and group therapy, EMDR, cognitive and behaviorally-based therapeutic approaches, family therapy, medication, acupuncture, neurofeedback, and dietary changes.  Meditation and movement therapies are sometimes helpful.  Regular exercise often has a surprising impact.  Notice there are a lot of approaches to be taken in the treatment of dual diagnosis.  Paradise Recovery offers a multi-faceted approach that is expertly integrated into a treatment program that correctly addresses all of your needs.  You are an active participant.  It takes your full attention to manage and change an emotional issue that is complicated by an addiction.

Without achieving emotional stability for any significant period of time, it makes recovery almost impossible! The cognitive and learned behaviors associated with co-occurring illness often makes sobriety much less likely. The studies are clear.  You must treat the co-occurring illness and underlying issues associated with addiction for the best chance at success.  Sadly, most treatment programs are not equipped to offer a solid treatment approach around dual diagnosis.  Paradise Recovery is fully committed to providing the best in addiction treatment and dual diagnosis.  We have the people and the tools to bring you back to safe ground.

Think of your treatment team at Paradise Recovery as the oarsmen of your boat, along with you.  Together we will expertly diagnose the currents and the tide.  Together we will plot a course back to shore and get you on stable footing again.  You are no longer alone.  There is no need to be afraid anymore.  We are here to help you.