The process referred to as dual diagnosis is one that describes people that have been diagnosed with a mental illness in addition to a chemical dependency of some sort. The presence of a chemical dependency makes it extremely difficult to treat mental illness, and vice versa. Thus dual diagnosis is more intensive than ordinary chemical dependency or brain related treatment.

Though it all looks scary, it is actually not as serious as it sounds, and dual diagnosis is usually effective. Studies have shown that at least half of the population that are victims of any sort of addiction also suffer from mental illness, and there is a high probability that mentally ill folks will eventually become drug addicts. This show clearly that the two regularly go together.

The reason for this is not far fetched: People suffering from anxiety disorder usually don't realize it on time until they become addicted to sedatives and alcohol, which can be a lifelong habit, because they just seem to make such people feel better or normal. Foe instance, depressed people often find medications that play on serotonin to make them feel better. Self medication is often the reason why both conditions are linked, and a greater part of dual diagnosis treatment is focused on this cause and effect relationship.

Fortunately, almost any drug treatment program or mental illness treatment worth its salt is fully informed about this relationship, and dual diagnosis treatment can be administered by the two treatment programs. thus if you or a loved one find yourselves in a treatment program that does not provide any form of dual diagnosis treatment, you should quit immediately.

Often, one of your conditions is designated as a primary one that needs to be treated first. In most cases, it is usually the addiction, but there are occasions when more serious forms of mental illness will need to be the priority. Thus, the initial stage of dual diagnosis treatment is the determination of the nature of patient's mental illness, and the extent of the addiction.

Some treatment programs have gained high renown for their dual diagnosis treatment, and have thus specialized on this and make it their niche. if you are a dual diagnosis patient and it is within your power to make decision, ensure you go for such programs. there are also many support groups and therapists that are experts on dual diagnosis treatment.

Never let your dual diagnosis status worry you and deter you from seeking treatment. You must realize that most addicts are dual diagnosis patients but are not aware of it. And you won't believe this; being a dual diagnosis patient can be beneficial, for example, if due to anxiety disorder, you started drinking, when you treat the disorder, the addiction will also be cured. A case of getting two for the price of one you say.