Dealing with a substance abuse disorder on its own can be overwhelming for anyone. But sometimes, the addiction occurs concurrently with a mental health condition, creating a condition known as dual diagnosis disorder.
Managing both conditions simultaneously makes it even harder to achieve a successful recovery. Therefore, if your family member has been diagnosed with a dual diagnosis disorder, you must involve highly trained experts from a dual diagnosis treatment center to treat both conditions comprehensively and effectively.
But ultimately, the dual diagnosis treatment center you choose is critical to your family member’s recovery.
That said, here are five mistakes you should avoid when looking for a dual diagnosis treatment center for your loved one.
1. Not Factoring in the Duration of the Treatment
You simply have to consider the duration of the treatment program if you want your family member to achieve a successful recovery. A dual diagnosis treatment process can be pretty intricate, and you want to make sure the program provides a long enough treatment stay to address the complex nature of the co-occurring issues.
2. Not Checking if the Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center is Accredited
Dual diagnosis treatment requires a holistic approach. As such, facilities providing this treatment need to have licensing and accreditation from the relevant regulatory agencies in mental health and substance abuse.
Some agencies that assess the treatment standards at dual diagnosis treatment centers include the Council On Accreditation (COA) and the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
3. Choosing a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center Located Far Away
With so many facilities spread out across the country, you might be left wondering, ‘Should I consider dual diagnosis treatment centers near me or go to one that’s far away?’
In truth, both options have their pros and cons, but if it were up to us, we’d recommend one that’s close to where you live.
As referenced earlier in this article, a dual diagnosis disorder is not easy to deal with. If your family member is going to achieve a successful recovery, they will need your full support. While a faraway center will place your loved ones far from their destructive triggers, giving them the support they need from far will prove problematic in the end.
4. Overlooking the Therapies Involved in the Treatment
You must go with a treatment facility that provides both individual and group therapies. Individual therapy is essential in helping the patient better understand themselves, their addiction, and how it affects the people around them.
On the other hand, group therapy lets them know that they’re not battling the problem alone. Engaging and interacting with others who are also trying to make a positive change in their lives will motivate them to do the same.
5. Not Checking if the Staff Are Trained and Qualified
You must make sure that the staff responsible for caring for your family member have the right experience and expertise for the job.
Given the conditions involved, your loved one is most likely in a vulnerable state. As such, leaving them in the hands of people lacking the proper credentials could prove counterproductive. Don’t hesitate to ask about the qualifications of the clinicians hired at your preferred facility.
Finding Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers Near Me
People with a dual diagnosis disorder are at a high risk of relapse because one condition might contribute to the other. For instance, a person suffering from depression might develop excessive alcoholism to cope with their depressive state.
For this reason, you need to find a facility that meets all the necessary requirements. Hopefully, the tips highlighted in this article should have you looking in the right direction.