In the broader addiction treatment community, there has been some discussion in the past about whether addiction or mental health issues should be treated first, while others feel that they can be treated at the same time in a co-occurring or dual-diagnosis setting. At Desert Cove Recovery, we feel that it is essential to address the multiple issues and challenges toward living a rewarding life that come with substance abuse and other disorders. In fact, it can be the critical difference between repeated relapses or lasting sobriety.
Rather than arguing the chicken-or-the-egg theory, time and efforts are better spent finding solutions to the problems individuals face in life, and studies have suggested that one disorder can exacerbate another. With multiple program and therapy tools available, experienced clinicians and other treatment professionals work together with the patients to improve the symptoms of each disorder, which can continue to get better over time through involvement in support groups.
For example, in the upcoming issue of the journal Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, study authors from the Department of Veterans Affairs and Massachusetts General Hospital found that dual-diagnosis patients responded well to active ongoing participation in 12 step meetings. Other research has demonstrated that simultaneous treatment of co-occurring disorders improves substance abuse rates as well, rather than treating one diagnosis at a time.
With the new year upon us, there isn’t a better time than now to start on the road to recovery with successful treatment. Whether you are seeking help for yourself or a loved one, contact Desert Cove Recovery today to find out more about our mental health and addiction treatment program.
