People often think that addiction is just physical dependency. But the real issue arises when there is a hidden mental health problem behind the addiction. That mental health problem can be anything like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. This combination is called Dual Diagnosis. If both of these things occur together, then treating only the addiction is not enough. Even if the addiction is treated, but the mental issue remains the same, the chance of relapse increases up to 70%.
That’s why Dual Diagnosis Treatment is a modern and evidence-based solution where both mental illness and substance abuse are treated together. If you or someone close to you is suffering from both addiction and mental health issues, then this blog can become a ray of hope for you. In this blog, we will not only answer your questions but also recommend a rehab clinic.
What is Dual Diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis means that a person is facing two separate problems at the same time, one is addiction and the other is a mental health disorder. If a person is addicted to drugs or alcohol and is also dealing with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or PTSD, then that person is called a dual diagnosis patient. When both of these issues exist together, their impact becomes even deeper, and simple treatment doesn’t work.
Often, a person first suffers from a mental issue, and to escape that pain, they start using substances. Sometimes it’s the other way around. A person gets trapped in addiction, and the effects of that addiction damage their mental health.
Such patients cannot be treated with just rehab or just counseling. Their treatment is only possible when both problems are treated together in a structured way. This approach is called Dual Diagnosis Treatment, where experts work on both addiction and mental health so that true recovery becomes possible.
How to Identify If Someone Has a Dual Diagnosis?
Recognizing dual diagnosis can be difficult because it involves two separate issues that often hide from each other. Many times, a person appears to be struggling with addiction, but in reality, they are running away from their depression or stress. Or someone’s mental condition keeps getting worse, but people assume it’s just because of substance use. That’s why it’s critical to understand and recognize this condition.
If someone keeps relapsing again and again, or even after rehab, their condition isn’t improving, then this can be a strong signal of a mental health issue. On the other hand, if a patient is getting treatment for mental health problems but keeps returning to substance use, then this too can be a case of dual diagnosis.
Some common signs may include sudden mood swings, extreme anger or sadness, secretive substance use, distancing from people, or self-harm. But everyone’s symptoms are different, so getting an expert assessment is the best option.
When you or someone close to you is dealing with both of these issues, understand that it’s not just a simple addiction problem. However, it’s a deeper medical condition that requires specialized treatment.
Why Treating Just Addiction or Just Mental Health Isn’t Enough?
Most people think that if someone quits addiction, everything is fine. But in reality, if that person has any hidden psychological pain or emotional trauma, it always comes back in one form or another.
Treating only addiction is like treating just the fever, while ignoring the reason why that fever happened in the first place. Without understanding the root cause, the treatment remains incomplete.
Similarly, if only depression, anxiety, or stress is being treated. But if the person is still using drugs or alcohol, then medications don’t work, and therapy becomes ineffective. Dual diagnosis patients need help from both sides:
- On one hand, structured support to quit addiction
- On the other hand, therapy and psychological care for emotional healing
Until these two things happen together, recovery will either be temporary or completely impossible.
How Does Dual Diagnosis Treatment Work?
Dual diagnosis treatment is a plan where both addiction and mental health are treated side by side. This treatment is not a one-step process. Rather, it involves multiple stages. In this treatment, the patient receives complete support on both physical and mental levels.
Proper Assessment from Day One
First, a complete check-up and psychological evaluation of the patient is conducted. In this, dual diagnosis therapists try to understand:
- How severe the addiction is
- What kind of mental health issue is present (like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, etc)
After thoroughly checking the patient, dual diagnosis therapists determine which stage the patient is in and which treatment will work best. This assessment is the most important step because, without proper understanding, making a plan is difficult.
Detoxification (If Needed)
If the patient’s addiction is more serious, then detox is done first. This means cleansing the body from drugs or alcohol under medical supervision. During dual diagnosis treatment, the patient receives support so that withdrawal symptoms remain manageable and they don’t suffer physically.
Mental and Emotional Healing with Therapy
Therapy is the heart of dual diagnosis treatment. Individual and group sessions are planned for each patient.
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): A method to turn negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones
- DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy): Learning to control mood swings and emotions
- Family Therapy: When needed, family members are included in the process so that a safe environment is built
Therapies help patients understand what emotional pain their addiction was linked to and what the healthy solution to that pain is.
Medication
In some cases, dual diagnosis therapists prescribe medication for mental health, such as to control anxiety or depression. But this always happens under medical supervision, and the patient is closely monitored.
Aftercare Plan
Even after treatment, rehabs like IRC provide an aftercare plan which includes:
- Regular check-ins
- Support groups
- Continuation of therapy
So that the patient doesn’t fall back into old patterns.
How to Choose the Right Dual Diagnosis Center in Pakistan
Choosing the right dual diagnosis treatment center for a loved one is never easy. Every rehab claims to be the best, but what truly matters is finding a place that understands the specific needs of your patient. Below are some essential steps that will help you make an informed and confident decision:
Step 1: Confirm That the Center Offers Genuine Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Not all rehab centers treat dual diagnosis. Many places only focus on addiction and completely ignore the underlying mental health issues. Make sure the center has certified mental health experts on staff. Offers both therapy and medication as part of a structured treatment plan.
Step 2: Look for Experienced Doctors and Therapists
The right center has a qualified team with expertise in both addiction and mental health. Ask the center: Do they have psychiatrists on the team? Are therapies like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) available? Do they offer personalized treatment plans for each patient?
Step 3: Check for Family Involvement Options
Dual diagnosis doesn’t just affect the patient; it impacts the entire family. A quality rehab includes family in the healing process to create a safe and supportive home environment. Look into:
- Are family therapy sessions conducted?
- Are regular progress updates shared with families?
Step 4: Ensure a Confidential and Safe Environment
Recovery requires a private, secure, and non-judgmental space. When you visit the rehab center:
- Does the staff appear supportive and caring?
- Is the facility clean, secure, and welcoming?
- A peaceful environment plays a big role in emotional healing.
Step 5: Ask About Aftercare Support
The right center supports patients not just during treatment, but afterward too. Check if they offer:
- Aftercare plans
- Support groups
- Follow-up sessions
- Relapse prevention strategies
This ongoing support ensures long-term recovery.
Why IRC is Trusted for Dual Diagnosis in Pakistan
IRC is one of the few rehab centers in Pakistan that offers specialized dual diagnosis treatment. With experienced doctors, modern therapies, customized care plans, and a strong aftercare system, IRC helps patients not only break free from addiction but also heal emotionally and mentally.
