Consider two individuals enrolling in a rehabilitation program to address their addiction. One treatment center conducts a thorough assessment and identifies a co-occurring mental health disorder for one person. In contrast, the other center overlooks or fails to adequately address the apparent signs of psychological and emotional issues underlying the other person's substance use disorder. Which individual is more likely to achieve sustained recovery in the long run?
Although no rehabilitation center can guarantee outcomes, it is reasonable to assume that the person who receives comprehensive, integrated dual diagnosis treatment will have a greater chance of success than the person who does not. When a substance use disorder and mental health condition are co-occurring, it is a dual diagnosis.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), almost 10 million adults in the United States struggle with dual diagnoses of mental health and substance use disorders. The challenges of treating dual diagnosis include the complex interactions between the co-occurring issues, the difficulty of diagnosing both conditions accurately, and the lack of access to specialized treatment centers. Some of the most common mental health disorders associated with comorbidity include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. In this article, we will explore these challenges in more detail and highlight proven solutions to help those in recovery obtain lasting results and a balanced existence.
Identification and Diagnosis
Mental illness and substance misuse symptoms can overlap and be difficult to distinguish. Mental health professionals may be skilled at identifying and treating mental health issues but may not be sufficiently trained to recognize and diagnose substance use disorders. Conversely, substance abuse treatment providers may lack the training to identify and diagnose mental health issues.
This means that individuals with dual diagnosis may need help finding professionals with the necessary expertise to treat their complex condition. Furthermore, there may be a need for standardized screening and assessment tools specifically designed for identifying and diagnosing co-occurring disorders, which further complicates the process.
Inaccurate or incomplete diagnosis can lead to inappropriate treatment, which can worsen the symptoms of the underlying conditions and hinder the individual's recovery. Therefore, it is crucial to have a coordinated and integrated approach to dual diagnosis treatment that includes mental health and addiction professionals, using evidence-based screening and assessment tools to ensure accurate identification and diagnosis of both conditions.
Stigma and Resistance to Treatment
Individuals with dual diagnosis may experience stigma or discrimination due to their mental health and substance abuse issues, leading to feelings of shame or isolation that can hinder their recovery.
Stigma and discrimination can also affect the quality and accessibility of treatment options, as providers may lack the necessary expertise or cultural sensitivity to treat individuals with dual diagnoses effectively. Additionally, individuals may resist treatment due to various factors, including distrust of healthcare providers, fear of stigma, hopelessness, and practical barriers like cost or lack of access to treatment. Resistance to treatment can make it challenging to engage individuals with dual diagnoses in the treatment process and to encourage them to participate in ongoing care.
To overcome these challenges, it is essential to address stigma and discrimination through education and increased awareness and provide culturally competent and personalized care that meets the unique needs of individuals with dual diagnoses. Additionally, efforts to reduce resistance to treatment should focus on building trust and rapport with patients, using evidence-based therapies tailored to individual needs, offering comprehensive and holistic support services, and addressing practical barriers to care.
Access to Care/Treatment Options
Individuals with dual diagnosis may face several barriers to accessing care, including financial, geographic, and demographic factors that can limit their ability to obtain needed treatment. There may also be difficulties in finding appropriate treatment options specifically tailored to the needs of individuals with dual diagnoses. Additionally, some treatment settings may not have expertise in addressing mental health and substance use disorders simultaneously, which can further limit access to care for individuals with dual diagnoses.
Improving access to care by increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting the integration of mental health and substance abuse services is essential to address these challenges. This can involve developing specialized treatment programs and training healthcare providers to diagnose and treat dual diagnosis effectively. Other strategies include increasing funding for mental health and substance abuse treatment, promoting policies that support access and affordability, and investing in telehealth and other innovative technologies to reach individuals in underserved areas. Improving access to care for individuals with dual diagnosis can help reduce the burden of mental illness and substance abuse and improve overall health outcomes.
A Whole-Self Solution: Treatment with Biopsychosocial Focus
The biopsychosocial model is often the focal point of multidisciplinary and integrated treatment strategies for people with dual diagnoses. This method acknowledges the complex relationship between a person's biological, psychological, and social aspects and aims to treat the whole person. When practitioners adopt a holistic perspective, individuals with a dual diagnosis can get the individualized care they need for a full recovery.
A person's unique and complex experience results from interactions between biological variables like genes and physiological processes, psychological elements like thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and social factors like family, community, and culture. The biopsychosocial model provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and managing the complexities of dual diagnosis by considering the interconnected nature of these diagnoses. Biopsychosocial therapy plans are highly successful because they consider each patient’s unique requirements and circumstances and tailor the therapies accordingly.
To create a comprehensive and successful treatment plan for people with dual diagnosis, healthcare specialists from different fields must work together. Their combined knowledge and experience allow for developing a treatment strategy that considers both mental health and addiction. An interdisciplinary approach to health care can enhance patient outcomes and quality of life.
For a while, dual diagnosis treatment posed a significant challenge to healthcare professionals due to the complex interplay between mental health and substance use disorders. As a result, many were deprived of appropriate care and support because of inadequate treatment options, which, coupled with stigma and limited resources, made long-term recovery difficult. However, with the advent of specialized dual-diagnosis treatment centers like Wish Recovery, individuals can heal in a safe and supportive environment focusing on holistic, evidence-based care tailored uniquely to their needs. Contact us today for more information about our services or to verify insurance.
August 01, 2023
