How to Choose a Suitable Dual Diagnosis Facility

An addiction is a chronic mental disorder characterized by a constant drug-seeking behavior. Illegal substances harm the brain in many ways, eventually slowing down the mental and physical processes. For instance, a person addicted to alcohol may experience a marked deterioration in his or her mental faculties, which makes it difficult to carry on with normal, everyday activities. Such an individual is said to suffer from dual diagnosis - a condition where a mental disorder occurs simultaneously with substance abuse.

Every year, a large number of people suffering from mental disorders or addiction check into a rehab facility to get treated for any or both the issues. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), about a third of all people experiencing mental illnesses and about half of the people living with severe mental illnesses also experience substance abuse.

Integrated treatment crucial for dual diagnosis
With dual diagnosis becoming increasingly common in the U.S., it is important to ensure that patients have access to an integrated treatment program where both the mental disorder and addiction are treated simultaneously. However, a number of factors should be taken into account before opting for a dual diagnosis treatment facility.

Some of these factors that can help a person choose an appropriate treatment facility are:



Select a licensed rehab center: When a person finally decides to get treatment for dual diagnosis, it is important to make sure that it is done in an accredited and licensed rehab center. There is a whole list of requirements and criteria that a treatment facility needs to fulfill before getting a license to function as a full-fledged rehab. Therefore, one should ensure that the facility one opts for meets the necessary criteria before proceeding with a treatment plan.

Make a visit to the rehab: One should personally visit the rehab, at least once, before getting admitted. The entire setting and surroundings of the center, the accommodation, the improvements made over the past few years, the kind of care and treatment available, etc. can greatly influence an individual's ability to remain sober.

Check the duration of the program: It is important to check with the rehab facility regarding the type of detox programs offered. In case, none of the programs offered by the facility suit the patient's needs, it is always beneficial to enquire about the possibility of tailor-made programs that can serve the purpose.

Getting post-treatment support: One should check with the rehab facility regarding the post-treatment support. For individuals who are more vulnerable to a relapse, availability of post-care support is extremely important to reduce the chances of falling back to substance abuse or mental disorder.

Involvement of family members: Treatment programs that include family counseling by an expert, during the recovery process, have higher chances of success. However, in cases where such counseling is not available, one can always refer to a professional counselor or a support group.

Seek help for dual diagnosis
Apart from these, one should also check the details of the doctors, the type of the treatment options available and the duration for which the facility has been in existence. Gathering all this information might reduce the chances of taking a wrong decision.

If you know someone who has been diagnosed with co-occurring disorders and is seeking dual diagnosis help contact Florida Dual Diagnosis Helpline. The experts available at the 24/7 helpline number 866-337-7631 can help you find and connect with the best dual diagnosis treatment centers.


 By Barbara Odozi


Article Source: How to Choose a Suitable Dual Diagnosis Facility