The Onset of Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Treatment for addiction has gone through many changes over the years. Earlier on in the 20^th century there really wasn’t any treatment. People with an addiction to drugs or alcohol were essentially locked up in a sanitarium to “dry out”. Even the creation of Alcoholics Anonymous didn’t mean there was treatment, it only meant there was a support group to help addicts keep from using, hopefully. One of the first true breakthroughs was the realization that addiction is often a symptom of another issue, such as a trauma. For example, early childhood trauma, being the victim off a crime such as rape, even a physical trauma, can all lead to someone using alcohol or drugs to help deal with their trauma. In other words to “self-medicate”. Sometimes these traumas can be so deeply rooted that the addict isn’t even aware he, or she, is dealing with one. Especially if the trauma is old, the addict may feel he’s already “dealt with it” long ago. Treatment providers began to realize that until the disorder was addressed the addict would likely relapse again and again.

A dual diagnosis treatment program is one that treats both the addiction and the co-occurring disorder either concurrently or consecutively. During detox, only the addiction is being addressed since a patient in this situation is not ready to begin therapy in earnest. However, once the detox is complete and the patient moves onto residential treatment, or partial hospitalization treatment (PHP) the clinical staff can begin to address the co-occurring disorder with one-on-one sessions and other therapies that can help.

At LANNA we are firm believers in co-occurring disorder treatment. It is the basis of our program, which was created by some of the leading clinicians in the addiction field. Our clinical staff has been hand picked for their experience and expertise. They’ve not only worked in many of the best facilities around the globe but had a hand in starting many of them. Our program begins with a thorough medical and psychological assessment. We create a package of proven, evidence based treatment and therapies that will work best in your situation. These include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), mindfulness training, one-on-one sessions, group sessions, plus arts therapy, yoga, meditation and much more. Add to all of this that you are in one of the most luxurious locations on the face of the earth, where you’ll have all the privacy and peace you need to really focus on getting your life back and renewing your zeal for living. You may also have a spiritual reawakening, as well. Many people who visit Chiang Mai and experience the rich cultural and spiritual heritage do. LANNA truly is a life changing experience.