Johnny Patout, CEO of New Beginnings Adolescent Recovery Center, identifies four factors needed to successfully treat a dual diagnosis patient
Failing to see the addict as anything more than his or her addiction is a huge issue that causes many treatment centers to omit providing treatment to the person as a whole.
Dallas, TX (PRWEB) May 21, 2014
Approximately 8.9 million adults who abuse drugs also have a mental health disorder, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. However, only 7.4 percent of those individuals receive effective treatment for both issues, which leaves many addicts struggling to recover.
Johnny Patout, CEO of New Beginnings Adolescent Recovery Center, the leading teen residential treatment program in the Southwest and one recognized nationwide for teen rehabilitation, has identified four key factors in effectively treating a patient suffering from both a mental health disorder in addition to a substance abuse disorder.
1. Integrate treatment. “Failing to see the addict as anything more than his or her addiction is a huge issue that causes many treatment centers to omit providing treatment to the person as a whole,” said Patout. “For patients with co-existing mental health disorders such as depression, ADHD or bipolar disorder, this kind of treatment philosophy simply will not work. Recovering addicts still affected by their mental health disorder will often return to their addiction at some point. It is crucial that the treatment center provide aid for all co-occurring disorders at the same time. This is the only way to ensure an addict reaches and maintains recovery.”
2. Treat trauma. “Mental health disorders and traumatic experiences often walk hand in hand,” said Patout. “However, many addiction professionals continue to believe that addicts need to go through a period of abstinence from any substances before they are ready to address their traumatic past experiences. In reality, this is counterproductive. Without first addressing their mental health issues and past experiences, most addicts will not be able to achieve recovery, much less effectively maintain it. Addressing such issues early in treatment will help set the stage for a smoother recovery process down the road.”
3. Focus on the group. “Group therapy has proven to be one of the most important factors in treating patients with co-occurring disorders,” said Patout. “Those who suffer from mental health disorders can often lend themselves to isolation or fear. Providing a safe, comfortable environment in which they can explore their issues with peers can help them build trust and self-confidence. Additionally, instilling the importance of group therapy while in rehab will increase patients’ chances of maintaining their aftercare group therapy when they leave the center.”
4. Monitor medications. “Taking the proper medication can be a struggle for any individual suffering from a mental health disorder,” said Patout. “Add a substance abuse disorder to the mix and it can be a recipe for disaster. Treatment centers have the unique ability to help these individuals by integrating their medication therapy plans and ensuring the patients adhere to the recommended dosages. Doctors and counselors can work together to ensure the patient is getting the correct medication and experiencing the intended response. Closely monitoring their medications in conjunction with non-pharmacological therapy can help make the process more comfortable for the recovering addict.”
For more information on teen drug addiction and recovery, please contact a New Beginnings representative at 1-888-706-1870.
About New Beginnings Adolescent Recovery Center
New Beginnings Adolescent Recovery Center, the leading teen drug rehabilitation program in the Southwest and one recognized nationwide, has been helping teens overcome addiction for more than 30 years. New Beginnings offers a continuum of care for inpatient treatment, residential treatment, partial hospitalization and outpatient programs, and works with private insurance providers to find the lowest costs for their patients. For more information, visit http://www.newbeginningsteenhelp.com/.
