What is Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Professionals?
Professionals who struggle with addiction and mental health issues often struggle in silence. Any executive can develop addiction and mental health issues. No lawyer, doctor, or other professional is immune. While lawyers may have money and power, they also have the same issues in life others have, on top of having more on their plate at work than many others might. Treatment programs designed for them can help address dual diagnosis treatment, a holistic approach focused on treating the entire person.
Professionals and Substance Use
The rates for professionals who struggle with dual diagnosis is higher than in the typical workforce simply due to the higher levels of stress seen in professional jobs. The hours, anxiety, and stress put on their roles (which may include saving other people’s lives), can take a toll over time. Drug use may begin to help cope with it then manifest quickly into dependence and addiction. Some professionals work with medications and drugs (pharmacists, anesthesiologists, etc) and can take the drugs without people noticing they are missing. Opioid use is higher in professions where people have easy access to these drugs and medication due to the availability and highly addictive nature of the drugs. Eating a lot of meals out for socialization reasons can increase the chances of people drinking on a frequent basis. In addition, if someone is struggling with mental health issues (depression, anxiety or something else), drinking can be a good cover for those challenges in front of colleagues and bosses.
Finding Help
Professionals are not often going to seek out treatment for dual diagnosis right away. They may deny a problem exists. Doctors who abuse drugs may cause harm to the people they serve because they are under the influence. They may even lose their license to practice. When a professional goes into treatment, it is usually because their loved ones asked them to consider going and they are ready to stop denying a problem exists. They often receive extensive support in an environment that welcomes professionals and offers confidential, flexible options for treatment. This includes:
- Group work
- Individual therapy
- Medication support
- Resources and treatment from addiction specialists for professionals
Privacy and personal confidentiality is key to success as they give themselves time to heal from addiction. They may also enjoy this space that offers them quiet rest away from work and responsibility to recalibrate. Outpatient and inpatient care are good option but it is important to provide support in aftercare so professionals are not risking their licenses, stay clean, and feel connected to others who understand their needs. If they feel supported, they are more likely to get the mental health and addiction support they need for recovery.
The Palmetto Center is based on a Therapeutic Community model. We help people learn how to live free of addiction. Our community support provides structure while trained counselors offer life skills training and therapeutic techniques to help you move past addiction. Our program provides special focus for professionals including chiropractors, nurses, doctors, lawyers, and more who need help with addiction recovery. Call us to find out more: 866-848-3001.
