Marijuana Addiction Treatment and Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Dual diagnosis treatment and marijuana abuse treatment are completely done in different settings until the 1990s. As a result, people with weed addiction don’t receive a treatment for their co-occurring disorders, and those with mental disorders did not receive a cure for marijuana addiction.

Today, mental health specialists and addiction experts consider addiction and co-occurring disorders as a unique case that should be given proper treatment simultaneously.  An integrated dual diagnosis treatment and marijuana addiction treatment ensures that people get treated for their underlying medical problems to prevent bigger issues.

Integrated Care

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), since the dual diagnosis treatment and marijuana addiction treatment have been combined, the relapse rate among recovering individuals went down. Moreover, the cases of suicide attempts have been reduced, while more people stay sober for a long  time.

Benefits of Integrated Care

Medical staff providing dual diagnosis care and treatment for marijuana abuse should meet certain qualifications and certifications to provide the treatments. People with co-occurring disorders have special needs, so the medical professionals should have proper background and experience to help them overcome both their drug addiction and psychological issues.

· The medication therapy is more effective when the treatment plan addresses the cannabis

addiction and mental health disorder at the same time.

· When the dual diagnosis treatment and the treatment for marijuana addiction are combined,  

the serious side effects of mental problems, such as a low level of motivation, reduced attention

span, and a fear of socializing with others are completely addressed.

·  There is no issue now in giving psychotherapeutic medications during the co-occurring disorders

Treatment.

· Integrated dual diagnosis treatment and marijuana addiction treatment help treat the symptoms

that are commonly classified as relapse triggers: panic attacks, depression, or mood swings.

· Group therapy is more effective for people suffering from dual diagnosis.

Approaches of Integrated Treatment

In 2001, Dr. Kenneth Minkoff, a pioneer in the field of Dual Diagnosis Treatment, wrote the principles of effective care:

·  Clients with dual diagnosis should be welcomed into the marijuana addict treatment despite their

psychological issues.

·  Marijuana addiction and mental disorder should be addressed equally during the treatment.

·   Marijuana addiction and mental disorder should be treated as a chronic, relapsing conditions that

need long-term care and support.

·A team of medical professionals should ensure that they provide care for people suffering from

dual diagnosis during the integrated weed addiction treatment.

·During the marijuana abuse treatment, clients should be evaluated early for co-occurring

disorders to begin the dual diagnosis at once.

·  Clients should be treated with respect and dignity despite their addiction and mental problem.

Group meetings and therapy sessions are recommended once the integrated dual diagnosis treatment and marijuana addiction treatment options are combined. These sessions are designed to help clients overcome social anxiety, compulsive behavior and feeling of hopelessness.