Detox

The detox process is essential to all forms of substance abuse treatment because it makes the physical body ready and able to take in new information and routines. For people with dual diagnosis the detox process is absolutely crucial because it rids the body of toxins from addictive substances as well as the chemicals from prescription medications that may be interacting in a harmful way.

One main problem that dual diagnosis patients suffer from is mixing medications and drugs. People who suffer from depression often take their anti-depressant medication but also drink alcohol excessively. These two drugs counteract each other and produce adverse effects. The person wonders why the depression is not lifting; however alcohol is a depressant and just worsens the condition. In other cases where people experience high levels of anxiety or other similar disorders, but also do uppers or stimulant type drugs, their anxiety is only increased and never treated. There are many other examples in which the prescription drugs for mental illness interact with illicit drugs and create further psychosis.

Once a person has agreed to detox, a medical facility is absolutely crucial for this process. Because the person is being detoxed off of all drugs to cleanse the body, he/she must be under twenty-four hour supervision until the detox is completed. The withdrawal symptoms that a dual diagnosis patient experiences are unpredictable and generally very severe. In addition, the chemical imbalances in the brain can cause irrational thoughts and actions, but in a medical setting these situations can be remedied quickly and effectively.

After a person has detoxed the treatment process can commence. Just as it was important during the detox process, it is also important that the chosen treatment facility has experience in dealing with dual diagnosis patients. This way patients have access to psychiatric care as well as addiction/recovery care. At Gulf Coast Recovery, our Dual Diagnosis Program has the capacity to deal with multiple illnesses without creating further problems or complications. Our program is designed specifically for the dual diagnosis patient and our staff understands the special needs of these patients. If you or someone you love needs help for substance abuse and mental illness, please give us a call.