Why is it important to understand dual diagnosis?
Traditional drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs that focus on abstinence from substance abuse without addressing mental health issues typically experience higher relapse rates and lower long-term success rates. Dual diagnosis facilities and treatment programs consider the treatment of mental health disorders to be just as important as eliminating substance abuse. Treating both simultaneously can help ensure that individuals enter recovery with their mental health symptoms under control and are given the tools to achieve long-term recovery.

Treating mental health issues alone can be futile without treating the behavioral and physical effects behind substance abuse disorders. Similarly, helping someone end their substance abuse pattern
Without also treating existing mental health conditions, use can be difficult, if not impossible. Therefore, understanding both and how they are connected is crucial.