About Rehabilitation of Dual Diagnosis Patients

People with a mental illness who develop a drug addiction are categorized as having a dual diagnosis. Rehabilitation of dual diagnosis patients usually requires pharmacological treatment coupled with intense therapy and continued follow-up. Most drug rehabilitation centers offer dual diagnosis treatment. Some facilities focus exclusively on patients that have a dual diagnosis. Consider costs, location and program reputation when looking for an appropriate rehab program.

Integrated Care

• Integrated dual diagnosis rehabilitation programs offer long-term therapy and guidance that leads to job placement, housing and money management.

Inclusively

• The addiction and the mental illness should be treated at the same time for the patient to have a greater chance of achieving long-term recovery, reports The National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Counselors

• Look for counselors who are trained to deal with addiction and mental illness when interviewing facilities.

Family

• Insist on family counseling to understand the dually diagnosed patient and the specific needs of the patient following discharge.

Long-Term

• Rehabilitation of dual diagnosis patients often continues beyond inpatient treatment to include community living situations that provide ongoing supervision and oversight, making sure that individuals continue with their needed medications and recovery support.

Prevalence

• Dual diagnosis is a social problem that requires attention. Statistics show that nearly 50 percent of homeless adults suffer from dual diagnosis.