Dual Diagnosis, Drug Addiction, Alcoholism and Their
Similarities
By Jonathan Huttner
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There are many similarities between drug addiction, alcoholism and a mental health disorder.
While the combination of
a drug addiction or alcohol addiction and a mental health disorder is called a dual diagnosis, they should all
be treated simultaneously in a drug rehab, alcohol rehab or dual diagnosis treatment program.
Below are the listed similarities:
1. Drug addiction, alcoholism and mental health disorders are physiological diseases with strong genetic and
hereditary components.
2. Drug addiction, alcoholism and mental health disorders are physical/mental/spiritual diseases.
3. Drug addiction, alcoholism and mental health disorders if left untreated are progressive, chronic, incurable,
and potentially fatal.
4. Denial of the disease of drug addiction, alcoholism and mental health disorders and noncompliance with
attempts at addiction treatment, drug rehab or dual diagnosis treatment are symptoms of the disorder.
5. Drug addiction, alcoholism and mental health disorders manifest loss of control in behavior, thought, and
emotions.
6. Drug addiction, alcoholism and mental health disorders effect the whole family.
7. Growing powerlessness and unmanageability over drug addiction, alcoholism or mental illness’s lead to
feelings of guilt, shame, depression, and despair.
8. Drug addiction, alcoholism and mental health disorders are diseases of vulnerability and isolation.
9. Both the primary symptoms of each disease AND loss of control in behavior/thought/emotion are reversible with
addiction treatment or dual diagnosis treatment.
| Most alcohol and drug addicts would probably prefer to stop drinking and abusing
drugs, but accomplishing this proves to be very difficult at best and impossible at worst without
treatment. Indeed, research shows that some people are actually able to quit drinking and to
stop abusing drugs totally on their own without professional assistance. For the vast
majority of others who exhibit drug addiction or alcoholism, however, they need quality addiction
treatment if there is any hope for long-term sobriety and addiction recovery. |
10. Recovery consists of: Stabilization of the acute disease Rehabilitation of body, mind, and spirit
 11. The risk of relapse in either disease is always high,
and relapse in drug addiction or alcoholism will inevitably trigger a relapse in the mental health disorder.
12. The only hope for life-long recovery lies in working our Recovery Program(s): ONE DAY AT A TIME
If you are looking for an effective dual diagnosis treatment program, you can call the dual diagnosis helpline at 1-800-511-9225 or go to www.steppingstonecenter.org
|
Jonathan Huttner is a principal in Lakeview Health Systems, a
drug rehab program specializing in the treatment of dual diagnosis. Lakeview is also a gay
friendly alcohol rehab and gay friendly addiction treatment program.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jonathan_Huttner
| The Substance abuse research demonstrates that responsible
and effective parental monitoring can reduce future teenage drug and
alcohol abuse even among adolescents who have difficulty controlling their
emotions, who experience stress and anxiety, and who are rebellious,
characteristics it might be added, that are typically associated with teen
alcohol and drug abuse. Some heavy users of marijuana show signs of
withdrawal when they do not use the drug. They develop symptoms such as
restlessness, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, weight loss, and shaky
hands. |
| According to a 1995 Weekly Reader survey, more than half
(54%) of fourth through sixth graders reported learning about the dangers
of illicit drugs at school, but fewer than a third (30%) learned about the
dangers of drinking and smoking at school. |
| According to substance abuse research, for every dollar that
is spent on drug and alcohol recovery, the United States economy saves
seven dollars in healthcare and other related costs to society.
Perhaps the point here is this: by adopting a long-term perspective
and developing and implementing drug and alcohol recovery programs in our
schools, in our social service agencies, and in our places of employment,
perhaps the current financial drain on our society caused by drug and
alcohol abuse can be significantly reduced. Perhaps more importantly,
the incalculable costs of lost lives due to drug and alcohol abuse will be
drastically reduced as fewer people lose their lives to drinking and drug
abuse problems. |
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