Dual diagnosis presents certain hurdles to addiction treatment that must be addressed in order for the person to maintain sobriety. In addition to traditional methods of dual diagnosis treatment, traditional Chinese medicine continues to show positive results in helping individuals overcome their addiction and manage their mental health symptoms.
What is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
Dual diagnosis is the term used to describe a person who suffers from a substance abuse problem and a psychological disorder such as depression, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, etc. Often the psychiatric problem occurs first followed by an attempt to feel better through self-medication with drugs or alcohol. Other times the alcohol or drug dependency occurs first and leads to depression, anxiety and more severe emotional and mental problems. Whatever the case may be, a patient’s chances of recovery from either disorder are miserably slim unless both disorders are simultaneously treated through dual diagnosis treatment.
What is Chinese Medicine?
Chinese medicine is a centuries-old practice of using herbal remedies and holistic treatments to treat a variety of physical and mental ailments. These natural, alternative treatment methods are clinically proven to be just as effective as Western medicine in many cases.
Combining Dual Diagnosis Treatment and Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional treatments like antidepressants, mood stabilizers and other medications are still preferred by many patients and their doctors, but alternative holistic dual diagnosis treatments are gaining popularity over strictly pharmaceutical methods. This is because in addition to wanting natural treatments, patients experience more success during recovery and maintaining sobriety when treated holistically.
Holistic dual diagnosis treatments seek to heal the person as a whole — mind, body and spirit. Instead of treating the substance addiction and the underlying disorder separately, a holistic approach treats all the issues as one. Since most addictions are a symptom of an underlying problem, holistic treatments for dual diagnosis are often much more effective. It’s also proven that dual diagnosis sufferers have a better chance of recovery when all disorders are treated by the same treatment plan at the same treatment facility.
In addition to traditional dual diagnosis treatment methods of cognitive behavioral therapy and prescription medications, holistic dual diagnosis treatment includes a variety of alternative treatments to treat the body, mind and spirit. The most popular forms of holistic treatment are herbal and nutrient therapy, yoga, art therapy, equine therapy, and more.
No one treatment works for every individual, so it’s important to keep an open mind when seeking a dual diagnosis rehab. Weigh the pros and cons of traditional versus alternative methods of treatment and always seek medical advice before choosing to engage in any type of treatment. Some people find that medications will aggravate symptoms of depression and anxiety, but for many others pharmaceuticals are the only way they can safely detox and treat their dual symptoms. A good dual diagnosis rehab will offer a wide range of treatments, including conservative and holistic methods.
Call Casa Palmera today and ask how or holistic dual diagnosis treatment program can free you from your addiction and mental health disorder.
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