Dual Diagnosis Long Term Treatment in New Mexico

Persons with a dual diagnosis who already live in New Mexico or those who are seeking treatment for their particular mental health and substance abuse issues will find centers throughout the state that are ready to meet their needs.

Dual Diagnosis

• A person diagnosed with a mental illness and drug addiction has a dual diagnosis. Common combinations include bipolar disorder and substance abuse or anorexia and a chemical dependency. The Journal of American Medicine estimates that 37 percent of diagnosed alcoholics and 57 percent of drug abusers also have a psychiatric diagnosis of mental illness. Out of all Americans diagnosed with a mental disorder, 29 percent also misuse alcohol or illicit drugs. The percentage of Americans with a dual diagnosis receiving treatment for both disorders is much lower at 12 percent.

Availability of Dual Diagnosis Treatment Statewide

• Persons needing inpatient treatment for mental illness and a concurring substance abuse issue can find treatment centers throughout the U.S. state of New Mexico. According to Recovery Connection, New Mexico is "one of the most preferred" states in which to receive treatment for drug addiction, dual diagnosis and alcoholism. A good addiction treatment center should have acquired its Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization accreditation, as well as state licensing. Addiction treatment centers should also have a detox program, dual diagnosis program and a family program so family members as well as the dual diagnosis patient can benefit from treatment. Treatment centers are located in the smaller communities as well as in the largest cities.
  New Mexico is large geographically and sparsely populated. The state is bisected by three interstate highways: I-10, I-25 and I-40.

Overview of Treatment Centers in New Mexico

• In Alamogordo, the Counseling Center and the Otero County Council both provide treatment to patients with dual diagnoses. In Albuquerque, the Albuquerque Healthcare for the Homeless, Albuquerque Treatment Center 1 on San Mateo Boulevard, both Crossroads programs, the Evolution Group, University of New Mexico and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center provide services for dual diagnosis patients.
  In Bernalillo county, the Five Sandoval Indian Pueblos and La Buena Vida provide services for patients carrying a dual diagnosis. In Espanola, north of Santa Fe, Ayudantes and Una Ala work with dual diagnosis patients. In Las Cruces, both Families and Youth Inc. (FYI) programs and both Southwest Counseling Center programs offer services to those with dual diagnosis issues.
  Services are available for dual diagnosis patients statewide.