People who have a dual diagnosis must deal with both an addiction problem and a mental illness. They have special needs when it comes to seeking to treatment because both of these conditions must be addressed. Not all rehab facilities are equipped to provide the best care for dual diagnosis patients. Individuals who have a mental illness should look for these specific programs when choosing a treatment facility, as it can make a big difference in the chances for a successful addiction recovery.

Data from a SAMHSA survey was analyzed for information about the availability of dual diagnosis addiction treatment in the United States. SAMHSA provides the most comprehensive information about rehab facilities in this country.

It was discovered that 35 percent of the 13,454 addiction treatment centers in the study offered special services for dual diagnosis patients. The most likely ones to offer treatment programs or groups for mental illness were the rehab facilities run by state governments (50 percent). Local and federal governments came next, and then centers run by private non-profit organizations. Those which were run by private for-profit organizations and tribal governments had the least likelihood of offering dual diagnosis services. This information may be able to help dual diagnosis patients in their search for the care they need.

Rehab centers that provided dual diagnosis programs were also more likely to offer other special services. They were 10 percent more likely to have HIV testing and family counseling, 11 percent more likely to have Hepatitis B testing and domestic violence services, and 16 percent more likely to offer transitional social services.

Dual diagnosis programs are important for individuals to learn how to manage both their mental illness and drug addiction or alcoholism. Since the two conditions usually aggravate each other, getting treatment for them at the same time is ideal.