As many as one in two people with a serious mental illness will also fight drug or alcohol addiction at some point in their life. This is not just because of people attempting to self-medicate, but also because people with mental illnesses are often more vulnerable to the effects of drugs and alcohol. They may not need as many doses to become addicted, or as much of the drug to see effects.

Most dual diagnosis patients will be able to achieve recovery if they are serious about putting in the effort. But it is very important that both issues be dealt with at the same time, because either one left untreated is likely to aggravate the other. Treating alcoholism in a person who also has depression must include dealing with the depression, or the alcoholism is likely to recur, for instance.

Being able to talk to professionals about both major issues at the same time can help people with addictions to figure out how to best treat their problems. Specialists who are experienced at dealing with the problems facing mentally ill alcoholics and addicts can be an invaluable resource. A support system is also vital– those who have recovered from similar issues can share tips and inspiring stories.

A dual diagnosis treatment center is a specialty facility itself, but some centers additionally specialize within the field. There are facilities that treat people with mostly eating disorders and a drug or alcohol addiction, and centers that treat mostly people who are bi-polar and have a drug or alcohol addiction, for example. There are even facilities for people with a sex addiction and a drug or alcohol problem. These centers may provide additional help for patients in the form of vast experience with the same issue, not just similar ones.

An inpatient facility is the best choice for people who have not had previous treatment and counseling. These provide detox treatment, which allows the drugs or alcohol to leave the patient’s system, and then transition into further care. Outpatient care might be appropriate for people who have already detoxed, or those leaving inpatient programs. Many facilities offer both inpatient and outpatient programs.

It is very important that any person going into a program be committed to their recovery. No one except the courts can force an adult to enter a program, but those who have been cajoled into going by well-meaning family members or friends are unlikely to see results unless they fully participate and commit to their own recovery. Only those people who are determined to succeed are likely to do so.

Choosing to go into alcohol or drug rehab is a big decision, and for people with another condition, picking the right one is very important. People with mental issues as well as addictions need to address both of their problems simultaneously in order to have the best chance of achieving recovery, and a dual diagnosis treatment center is often the best option for this. When patients understand how their problems interact, they can learn how to deal with them in more functional ways.