It’s very common for people who have problems with drugs and alcohol to have underlying chemical imbalance that results in mood disorders. People may be using alcohol and drugs to self-medicate in an attempt to control mood swings resulting from depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder. Someone who has a chemical imbalance and is simultaneously addicted to drugs or alcohol is said to have “Dual Diagnosis,” also known as co-occurring disorders. If you’re not sure if you have dual diagnosis, its important to attend get a clinical diagnosis and tailored treatment at a drug rehab for dual diagnosis.
Drug Rehab Programs and Dual Diagnoses
Drug rehab for dual diagnosis treatment is necessary. It’s estimated that approximately 70% of people who struggle with alcohol and drug addiction have mood disorders. People may drink or take drugs in an effort to balance out the highs and lows associated with these disorders. Consistent and prolonged use of alcohol or drugs results in change to brain chemistry that further aggravates the problem. For this reason, when seeking treatment for alcohol or drug addiction it’s important to find a drug rehab for dual diagnosis.
Drug Rehab Treatment and Dual Diagnosis
When you research drug rehab treatment, find out if they have the proper staff personnel to evaluate whether you may have dual diagnoses. If you’ve never been diagnosed, the time to find out is before or when you enter drug rehab for treatment. If you don’t find out whether you have an underlying mood disorder that could be contributing to your alcohol or drug addiction, you may not remain sober.
Chemical imbalance requires management so extreme mood swings don’t knock you off balance. A clinical therapist or psychologist on staff at a drug rehab for dual diagnosis is qualified to give you a clinical evaluation that determines whether you have dual diagnosis. This then allows for a treatment plan to be developed specifically for you that may include prescribed medication or extra therapy sessions in order to assist you in managing symptoms without the use of drugs and alcohol.