In most cases, addiction does not happen alone. It can either be perpetuated by an underlying issue or the addiction leads to a mental disorder. Either way, the best way to deal with the problem is with the help of a dual diagnosis program which treats both conditions simultaneously.
Addiction is a problem which is, in many cases, ignored or downplayed. A certain stigma surrounds drug users and alcoholics, which can lead to the public health problem of addiction being set aside. Adding to this the long-standing stigma about expressing mental health disorders and there is a situation of people suffering from treatable problems without enough support.
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A Co-occurring Disorder Can Be the Root Cause of Addiction
Vulnerable people who suffer from depression and anxiety, a traumatic experience, or faced with unusual life stresses, are more prone to have an addiction. Addiction is also identified as a genetic predisposition. This simply means that parents can pass their susceptibility to their kin and this can be passed from generation to generation.
An underlying mental health problem is one of the many causes of addiction. This can be seen with a lot of servicemen who experienced fatalities around them and suffer from a condition called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. A lot of untreated personnel reached to drugs and alcohol as a way to mitigate the symptoms of their condition which led to dependence and addiction.
Women who were sexually abused and suffered mistreatment can also suffer from addiction. This can be a way to lessen the severity of the emotional trauma and is a way to camouflage the realities of their experience. In today’s society, men are also as vulnerable as women are. Assessment and treatment are important to help an addict face his condition. The high prevalence of people experiencing a mental condition gravitating towards addiction is what makes it crucial to have a comprehensive treatment program that addresses both concerns.
Ranch Creek Recovery’s dual diagnosis treatment facility works painstakingly to simultaneously treat the addiction and underlying problem. The concurrent treatment is needed because one can influence the other and the existence of one can aggravate the other.
More importantly, it is recommended for all drug dependent people to undergo a screening for mental disorders prior to their dual diagnosis rehab so that safety risks are prohibited and relapses can be mitigated.
Underlying Issues Need to Be Addressed When Treating Addiction
Addiction is not just attributed to a single factor but is a complex disease that appears because of a combination of several factors. A mental disorder makes it even harder to treat an addiction because it poses a threat to the effectivity of the program.
It’s very common for people with an undiagnosed mental illness resort to drug and alcohol relapse even after completing their treatment in a rehabilitation center. A dual diagnosis program not only ensures that the drug dependent gets the needed care but also addresses any issues that threaten the effectivity of the recovery process. There is a myriad of other causes for drug addiction. Sufferers of co-occurring disorders should always consider going a dual diagnosis treatment center who can provide the needed remedy for any underlying issues that perpetuate the addiction.
Addressing the underlying issue also helps to provide lasting sobriety as a new perspective on life, the nature of the disease, and the interplay between them allows a recovering addict to approach temptation and potential relapse with a coping strategy.
A Holistic and Experiential Treatment Protocol Helps Treat Any Underlying Issue
A comprehensive and holistic approach to dual diagnosis can be beneficial in so many ways. Not only do dual diagnosis treatment centers such as Ranch Creek create the needed atmosphere that fosters acceptance and self-healing, but they also provide the right venue to gain a new perspective on life.
Incorporating experiential therapies in the treatment process provides physical and mental healing by taking one’s mind off the substance. This helps our patients learn more about self-acceptance, contributing to an overall development of self-esteem and boosting his belief in overcoming any obstacles he might face in the future.
Dual diagnosis treatment centers can help build a new and rewarding life away from addiction. They can create an individualized strategy that targets both the underlying source of addiction and the addiction itself.