Outpatient Treatment for Dual Diagnosis

Author: Justin Mckibben

Outpatient Treatment for Dual Diagnosis: What is Dual Diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis is a term used for those who struggle with mental illness who also have coexisting problems with drugs and/or alcohol. The relationship between the two is complex, and the treatment of people with co-occurring issues with substance abuse and mental illness is more complicated than the treatment of either condition alone.

Dual diagnosis is unfortunately very common, as many people with mental illness have ongoing substance abuse problems, and many people who abuse drugs or alcohol also experience some form of a mental illness. That being said, outpatient treatment for dual diagnosis is especially important to those with coexisting conditions who wish to stay available at work or at home.

Outpatient Treatment for Dual Diagnosis: What is Outpatient?

Outpatient treatment for dual diagnosis includes a variety of programs in which the patient attends classes or appointments at regular intervals at the treatment facility. This treatment typically consists of some form of personal counseling or peer counseling. The specific types of therapy available in an outpatient treatment for dual diagnosis setting include the following:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy

The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy in outpatient treatment for dual diagnosis patients is to help the individual avoid or cope with situations that are likely to result in drug abuse.

• Motivational incentives

Motivation incentives rely on positive reinforcement to convince a patient to abstain from drugs while living in less controlled environment during outpatient treatment for dual diagnosis.

• Family therapy programs

Family therapy programs in outpatient treatment for dual diagnosis is intended to improve the functioning of the patient’s family by including the family in the process and educating them on the realities of mental illness and/or addiction

Outpatient Treatment for Dual Diagnosis: Important Factors

There are many mitigating factors that can determine whether or not any one clinic or rehab facility is a wiser choice than alternatives. The types of treatments offered matter quite a lot and should never be overlooked when considering treatment facility options. But, when you’re looking for the best outpatient treatment for dual diagnosis to provide the help you need, there are other factors that should be considered, including:

• Distance

Depending on where you live, distance from home or work can be a huge factor in choosing an outpatient treatment for dual diagnosis. The drive time can have an impact how effective the treatment can be.

Not only does the amount of time you spend getting to and from outpatient treatment for dual diagnosis matter, but the area as well. It’s typically never a good idea to have old stomping grounds surrounding an addict while they make an attempt at recovery through outpatient treatment for dual diagnosis.

• Flexibility

Flexibility is important because a more flexible outpatient treatment for dual diagnosis is likely to evolve as treatment needs change. If someone in outpatient treatment for dual diagnosis isn’t responding to one particular type of treatment, these facilities can quickly alter the treatment strategy in order to maximize the odds of success.

Many people seeking outpatient treatment for dual diagnosis want no part of the stigma attached to addiction or mental illness, both having their share of blow back. They want to have lives that are as close to normal as possible, so that there is no extra attention brought to their situation. This means that any outpatient treatment for dual diagnosis facility needs to have treatment options available when it’s most convenient and needed by the individual.

• Support

Support is one of the most purposeful elements to look for in the best outpatient treatment for dual diagnosis centers. Without support, an individual is forced to struggle with things they will face in the outside world every day such as temptation, withdrawals, and countless other obstacles they may face.

Support certainly should not be considered as a luxury, it should be a requirement for outpatient treatment for dual diagnosis because recovery means having a continued plan of action. The outpatient treatment for dual diagnosis facility in question should always to offer consistent support for all patients seeking treatment.

It is a sad but definitive reality that mental illness and addiction quite often go hand in hand, and some people understand the need to treat both simultaneously for the fullest effect or treatment. Outpatient treatment for dual diagnosis helps someone to experience as much as they can from a program dedicated to a complete program of care while still living their lives, taking care of their families, or pursuing their careers. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, please call toll free 1-800-951-6135