Only fifty percent of drug rehabs offer a dual diagnosis programs. Furthermore, according to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Treatment Episode Data Set, most of the drug addiction treatment centers that offer comprehensive dual diagnosis programs are privately owned, not state funded and of that number not all comprehensive programs are integrated sufficiently.

Until the last decade or so, dual diagnosis was typically not recognized by treatment professionals. Today, the number of people entering treatment with a mental health disorder continues to grow. In 2002, it was estimated that 40 percent of alcohol abusers also suffered from an independent mood disorder, and 60% of drug abusers suffered from a form of mood disorder. It has been noted that more women suffer from a mental health disorder and substance abuse than men.

A drug rehab that offers comprehensive dual diagnosis programs should have a multidisciplinary team of addiction certified physicians and behavioral health nurses with expert knowledge of mental health disorders. Therapists must be experienced in mental health disorder treatment protocols as well as addiction treatment protocols or best practices.

The ability of a person suffering from both a mental health disorder (such as PTSD, anxiety, or panic disorder for example), and a substance abuse problem to succeed in long term abstinence and recovery will be much more likely if both health issues are properly diagnosed and treated simultaneously.

A comprehensive dual diagnosis program will provide the patient with:
• Regular psychiatric evaluations
• Individualized treatment plan
• Dual diagnosis education
• Medication management education
• Group and Individual counseling (using a variety of therapies)
• Addiction education
• Life skills training
• Exercise and nutritional counseling
• Spiritual workshops or 12 Step meetings
• Individualized after care plan

Without addressing the problems and symptoms of the mental health disorder and without a thorough understanding of drug and alcohol triggers, the person in a drug rehab for dual diagnosis is at greater risk for relapse and a worsening of the mental health disorder symptoms.

There is an endless cycle of addiction. For example, the addict is depressed and longs to be free of those feelings. In desperation, the addict uses drugs or alcohol to alleviate the symptoms. After a short period of time, the alcohol or drugs no longer provide relief and the body has grown accustomed to the drugs and alcohol and demands more, and the symptoms of the depression worsen.

This cycle is repeated until the cycle of addiction is broken, drug use is abandoned, the patient receives a medically supervised detox, proper diagnosis of the mental health disorder is made, stabilizing medication is prescribed if needed, and addiction treatment is obtained.

It is a complex process to accurately diagnose someone who has both a mental health disorder and a substance abuse problem. This is why it is important for the patient to choose a drug treatment center that is able to manage his or her mental health disorder. The first step is always to stop using substances through the aid of a medically supervised detox unit.

This article was contributed by Lakeview Health Systems, a nationally recognized treatment center located in Jacksonville, Florida.

There are thousands of addiction treatment centers across the country. Each one has its own unique way of approaching addiction. It is important that as you are looking at centers you take into consideration some of the best practices that have evolved over the decades of addiction treatment.

There are several elements that comprise addiction treatment. The first is detox. Before an addict (alcoholic or drug abuser) can be treated for addiction, the patient must go through alcohol detox or drug detox. Why? While the body is in the grips of addiction, rational thought and behavior are not possible. Alcohol and drugs distort a person’s brain function, bodily function, emotional function, and intellectual function. In a phrase, addiction impacts the brain, the body, and the mind.

A medically based detox, which is considered a best practice, can ease the difficult, uncomfortable, physical and psychological experience of detox. Not only will it ease the discomfort of alcohol or drug detox, it can ensure that the process is safe as it can be dangerous to simply quit alcohol or drugs cold turkey.

It is important to understand a treatment center’s approach to detox and to their philosophy of utilization of medicines during this period. Best practices demonstrate that prescribing drugs to help a patient move through detox is fine, though there is debate about keeping a person on a drug after the detox process has been completed. A quality drug rehab program will not just substitute one addiction for another. Medication will be used to ease the detox process and the patient will be weaned off all medication, except those for mental health disorders.

Following detox, a formal addiction treatment program is needed to address the underlying reasons for the development of the addiction. This process includes addiction education, group therapy, individual therapy, individualized treatment programs, regular evaluations, multidisciplinary teams, life skills training, nutrition and exercise education, relapse prevention, individualized aftercare plans, and dual diagnosis treatment when needed.

Providing all of these elements requires trained medical and therapeutic staff. Check to see whether the treatment center you are considering has addiction certified physicians or Master’s level therapists, psychiatric nurses and clinicians. Despite the growing number of people who suffer from a mental health disorder and substance abuse, many treatment programs cannot handle the needs of the dually diagnosed. Best practices are based upon decades of research. Today’s researchers understand far more about addiction and brain function than thirty years ago.

It is beneficial to anyone seeking treatment to ask questions related to the elements of treatment programs. Breaking through addictive behavior and thinking takes skill and education. If given the proper tools based upon best practices, addiction treatment works.

This article was contributed by Lakeview Health Systems, a nationally recognized treatment center located in Jacksonville, Florida.

Substance abuse can be caused by different factors. Some people succumb out of curiosity, social acceptance, depression or self-destruction. It also takes many different forms. One can be addicted to Nicotine, Cocaine, Heroin, Marijuana or many other substances.

Whatever reason, when drug addicts first ventured into the dangerous world of addictive drugs, none had a clear view of the things they were getting themselves into – particularly the agony and despair that takes over their lives. Even if they were trying to destroy themselves, they never realized the pit they’ve entered until they are already trapped and powerless. Before they know it, their life is a mess and drug rehab is severely needed.

It’s sad that many drug users commit crimes such as theft, prostitution or selling drugs in order to support their uncontrollable needs. While intoxicated, some become violent and inflict harm on themselves just to have a closer feel of reality. Even worse, sometimes they harm other s.

Aside from the physical damages substance abuse brings, its effects on the person’s emotional and spiritual well-being is more devastating. Families are torn apart, friendships are shattered and their souls left empty. More heart-breaking is that our society often presents the evils these abusers are committing, but they fail to expose the other side of the story. People don’t want to be around intoxicated people for fear of being harmed. They are left to rot alone in their own misery thus causing them to seek more refuge in drugs to cover up the pain.

Often what society loses sight of is that the addict is a victim as well— a victim of losing control of their actions and the desire to preserve themselves. We can’t always focus on the harm they bring others but need to consider the harm they bring to themselves as well… especially if these are people we love and care for. They need our help.

Will you condemn a cancer patient for being sick? Obviously not. The best course of action is to take him to the hospital and have him treated. Will you blame a dead person for not being able to rise up? The same goes for drug abusers. Why bury them in shame and isolation when there’s still hope to get their lives back? Wouldn’t it be better if that cancer patient gets well and starts again with new strength to enjoy life and make up for lost time with his loved ones? Of course.

Drug addiction should be treated the same way—as a disease. It can be cured if proper medication and attention is given. Fortunately, there are many drug rehab facilities out there dedicated to restore people’s lives.

Time spent in these drug rehab institutions or homes can help them overcome their addiction and come out physically, emotionally and most importantly spiritually healed. The approaches taken by treatment centers may differ but they are all headed toward one goal – curing and healing the addict.

If you have a loved one suffering from drug addiction, the best way to show your love and concern is to encourage them to redeem themselves. This can be achieved in several ways and rehabilitation houses are definitely worth considering. Find a place that cares not only for their bodies but for their souls. It’s never too late to make things better. Even in movies, happy endings are usually depicted by scenes of families being reunited, lessons being learned and second chances being given. This, too, can happen in real life.

Learn more about the benefits a trusted drug rehab program can offer.

Music Therapy has been shown to have a significant effect on an individual’s relaxation, respiration rate, self-reported pain reduction, and behaviorally observed and self-reported anxiety levels. A coordinated program of music and music therapy interventions in response to crisis or trauma, designed and implemented by a qualified music therapist, provides opportunities for:
•    Non-verbal outlets for emotions associated with traumatic experiences
•    Anxiety and stress reduction
•    Positive changes in mood and emotional states
•    Active and positive participant involvement in treatment
•    Enhanced feelings of control, confidence, and empowerment
•    Positive physiological changes, such as lower blood pressure, reduced heart rate, and relaxed muscle tension
•    Emotional intimacy with peers, families, caregivers
•    Relaxation for family groups or other community and peer groups
•    Meaningful time spent together in a positive, creative way
•    Increase in self-esteem
•    Teach coping skills for emotions that can later be generalized in every-day living.

Group music therapy sessions will include:
•    Drumming and Drum Circles to increase non-verbal emotional expression and help the clients work together as a group.
•    Improvisation on various instruments to encourage the creative process, emotional expression, and increase self-esteem.
•    Progressive muscle relaxation to soothing music to decrease anxiety, fear, and stress associated with crisis and trauma.
•    Lyric analysis of client preferred music for emotional expression.
•    Songwriting and composition for an increase in self-confidence and as an outlet for emotional expression.
•    Guided meditation and imagery to teach clients coping skills for anger, anxiety, and fear associated with crisis, trauma and the disease of addiction.

What is Music Therapy?

Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. (American Music Therapy Association definition, 2005).
Music therapists assess emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills through musical responses; design music sessions for individuals and groups based on client needs using music improvisation, receptive music listening, song writing, lyric discussion, music and imagery, music performance, and learning through music; participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning, ongoing evaluation, and follow up. Music therapy can serve children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly with mental health needs, developmental and learning disabilities, Alzheimer’s disease and other aging related conditions, substance abuse problems, brain injuries, physical disabilities, and acute and chronic pain, including mothers in labor. Music therapists work in psychiatric hospitals, rehabilitative facilities, medical hospitals, outpatient clinics, day care treatment centers, agencies serving developmentally disabled persons, community mental health centers, drug and alcohol programs, senior centers, nursing homes, hospice programs, correctional facilities, halfway houses, schools, and private practice.

How Does Music Therapy Make A Difference In Response To Crisis Situations?
The directed use of music and music therapy is highly effective in developing coping strategies, including understanding and expressing feelings of anxiety and helplessness, supporting feelings of self-confidence and security, and providing a safe or neutral environment for relaxation. Research results and clinical experiences attest to the viability of music therapy even in situations outside of traditional therapeutic settings. Music is a form of sensory stimulation, which provokes responses due to the familiarity, predictability, and feelings of security associated with it. Feedback from relief workers and caregivers indicates that music therapy sessions helped to develop a stronger sense of readiness to cope with day-to-day stressors and potential future crisis situations.

Beachway Therapy Center is a private affordable drug and alcohol treatment facility. We have15 full time employees to care for and assist our 16 guests in their journey to recovery. This translates into unsurpassed individualized therapy and counseling for our guests and their families. We offer family counseling, education and encourage families to get involved. Beachway Therapy Center is a state licensed treatment facility dedicated to provide intensive, deep therapy to addicts and alcoholics suffering from the disease of addiction. Our policy is to utilize professionally trained therapists who specialize in specific areas of addiction treatment to obtain our goal of intensive, deep-rooted therapy. Two therapies used by our professionals are EMDR and Hypnotherapy, along with other main stream therapeutic processes to achieve our goal of reaching deep within the client and discovering the core issues to be addressed. Our personalized treatment plans are designed to address other issues such a Trauma, Grief and Loss, Borderline, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, Anger Issues, Sex addiction, Eating Disorders and more.

Beachway Therapy Center offers both music and art therapies in our 1500 square foot studio to encourage creativity and enhance the recovery process for individuals struggling with substance and alcohol abuse.

Courtesy of Beachway Therapy Center

Addiction Treatment Facilities for Co-Occurring Disorders

Recovering from an addiction of any kind is not a simple process, but it is made even more difficult when two or more addictions or disorders co-exist. A person who abuses cocaine may also abuse alcohol. An anorexic might abuse prescription drugs or even street drugs to suppress appetite. A veteran who got hooked on heroin might also suffer from post-traumatic stress syndrome.

Very frequently, substance abuse is connected with a psychological disorder, though it is often difficult to determine cause and effect. A person who smokes a lot of marijuana, for example, also suffers from depression. But is the drug usage a result of the depression or vice versa? Because these issues can be very complex, your best approach is to choose one of the many addiction treatment facilities that specialize in dealing with dual diagnoses.

Most often, the substance abuse must be tackled first, especially when heavy alcohol use or use of dangerous drugs has been the norm. In such cases, the client will most likely need to undergo detoxification to get the substance out of his or her system. This process must be medically managed in order to control unpleasant and even dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Once detox has been accomplished, counseling will focus on both the addiction and the co-occurring psychological problem.

If it is a case of being addicted to two substances, detox is even more important and must be handled very carefully. In some cases, measured amounts of the less dangerous substance will be administered while the patient undergoes detox for the more dangerous drug. In essence, the patient will have to be detoxed twice.

How to Find Addiction Treatment Facilities for Dual Diagnosis

At SoberRecovery.com, we maintain a list of reputable addiction treatment facilities that you can use as a trusted resource. Click on “Dual Diagnosis Programs” under the heading Special Focus Programs on our home page.