The clients who are diagnosed with both mental illness and substance use disorders are difficult to manage during the treatment process. Therefore, a patient-centered approach to the patient must consider the severity and impact of the need for an integrated and holistic approach to care.
This article provides guidelines on assessing and treating dual-diagnosis consumers, focusing on integrating care, personalized therapy, and periodic evaluation.
- Comprehensive Assessment
Because persons with dual diagnoses have different needs, a comprehensive evaluation must be done to identify them. This process should involve an assessment of clinical needs, taking into account mental health problems and substance use problems. One must consider that through objective assessment tools, the practitioner will be able to determine the exact extent of each condition and thus reduce the chances of mis-prescribing a patient.
- Integrated Treatment Teams
Integrated care team is an essential aspect of the grey area in practice because of the interrelated nature of medical treatment. This team should comprise psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, addictions counselors, and nurses working as a team. Everyone in a team can ensure all-sided care as they contribute to the health issues of a given patient.
- Individualized Treatment Plans
Every client with a dual diagnosis of Malibu has their own needs and situations. This means the treatment plans should be as unique as the individual’s goals, preferences, and problems. The study’s main findings support the assertion that it is possible to improve engagement and outcomes when evidence-based practices are implemented in conjunction with culturally competent care.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Therefore, CBT is an appropriate therapeutic model for clients with dual diagnosis. This way, it assists the patients in altering negative cognitions and coping behaviors related to mental and substance use conditions. CBT helps build people’s strengths since it aims to empower people to develop ways of dealing with distress, thus advocating for long-term recovery.
- Motivational Interviewing
Motivational interviewing encourages the client to achieve their goal by elaborating on the source of their indecision. It assists those dependent on chemicals and keeps them engaged in rehab.
- Trauma-Informed Care
A significant number of dual-diagnosis clients, therefore, have a history of trauma, which makes treatment more challenging. Trauma-informed care focuses on the effects of trauma and on the way clinicians incorporate this knowledge into their practice. Thus, when establishing rapport with their patients, the practitioners can then proceed to educate the patients, and even heal them.
- Relapse Prevention Strategies
Relapse prevention strategies must be formulated to maintain recovery. People should be taught about the signs and signals and how to deal with them. Other things that may be of importance include follow-up support groups and aftercare solutions that may also help somebody to uphold set progress.
- Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation
Having a system that helps with periodic assessment of treatment outcomes also directs the intervention according to the patient’s needs. This enables one to track down any arising complications and ensure that people get the best treatment throughout their rehabilitation.
- Family Involvement
This is because involving the families in treating these patients can improve their support systems and, hence, their results. Families’ engagement in the learning process ensures that they understand cases of dual diagnosis, enhancing their involvement in the recovery.
- Holistic Approaches
Some other nonpharmacological options like mindfulness, yoga, and nutritional counseling can be incorporated to enhance the regular treatments. These approaches are holistic and more of self-responsibility as people seek to improve their health.
Final Thoughts
Dually diagnosed people should be treated in a relatively comprehensive method that will take into consideration the dually diagnosed disorders. By using assessment, multidisciplinary care teams, and individualized treatment plans, practitioners can improve treatment outcomes remarkably. As for another medical ailment, stressing a team approach, iterative assessment, and comprehensive management benefits people’s recovery process and overall well-being.
