What is Dual Diagnosis?
A “dual diagnosis” describes an individual diagnosed with both a mental health condition and an addiction problem. Since signs of drug misuse often mirror those of mental illness, it may be difficult to diagnose a co-occurring condition definitively. Yet, an already existing mental health problem might become much worse due to addiction. Before, mental health and addiction treatment were often handled independently. They were handled separately by two distinct teams of experts at two different locations. Many individuals were placed in danger of not receiving treatment for their mental illness or experiencing a relapse with their substance abuse since it was thought that one aspect of their life had to be stabilized before addressing the other. Thankfully, dual-diagnosis treatment programs were developed once specialists realized that these problems were so intertwined that they would not be treatable alone.
The Role of Family Support and Social Support in Dual Diagnosis Recovery.
Dual-diagnosis patients can benefit greatly from the love and understanding of their loved ones and the encouragement of their peers along their road to recovery. Family and social support can be invaluable when treating a person with a dual diagnosis, which is a complicated disease requiring a diverse approach.
Family Support.
Providing for family members diagnosed with a dual diagnosis by other members can play a key role in helping their loved ones get well. They may assist with transportation to appointments, medication administration, and everyday activities and give moral support and encouragement. Attending therapy sessions and support groups may provide a secure and comforting space for family members to discuss their loved one’s struggles.
However, loved ones of those who suffer from a dual diagnosis may also need assistance. They may benefit from joining their support groups or therapy sessions if they are experiencing emotions of guilt, humiliation, or hopelessness. Family members can also educate themselves about dual diagnosis and its associated symptoms and treatments in order to better assist their loved ones.
Social Support.
Having people around you who care about you is important while you’re recovering from a dual diagnosis. This might come in the form of help from people in the community or from peers who have gone through similar experiences. Feelings of isolation and loneliness can be alleviated with the help of friends and family.
Individuals who suffer from a dual diagnosis can benefit greatly from attending a support group like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. Those who participate in such groups are able to feel comfortable opening up about their struggles, making meaningful connections with others, and receiving constructive feedback and guidance.
Taylor Recovery Center Can Help You Reclaim Your Life.
Taylor Recovery Center has been included among the nation’s top addiction treatment facilities by many research and data organizations. Taylor Recovery Center is dedicated to being the best in Houston when it comes to treating mental and drug abuse illnesses. Our professional and caring staff provide sophisticated, result-oriented treatments in a serene environment. Our dual diagnosis treatment programs are coordinated, meaning that they incorporate a team of well-versed addiction and mental health specialists.