MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO INITIATE TREATMENT
Compulsory conditions
- Abstinence maintenance: In order to deal properly with Dual Diagnosis, it is essential that the patient remains abstinent to all types of substances. This is especially necessary in the case of a residential centre.
- Psychopathological stabilization: The psychopathological stability of any psychiatric patient is essential in order to carry out a clinical and rehab treatment. When dealing with Dual Diagnosis patients, it is essential to control this element.
- Adherence to treatments: It is crucial that the patient follows correctly each of the treatment levels: psychopharmacological, psychotherapeutical or psychosocial.
Complementary conditions
• Problem awareness: Even though it would be excessive to request from the patient that s/he is aware of her/his problem, the patient must have enough awareness in order to recognize her/his need for treatment.
• Need for treatment / Wish to change: Only if the previous point is met will the patient feel part of the treatment process. However, in the case of a residential centre, it is difficult be sure at the beginning whether what the patient says about problem awareness and desire to change really corresponds to a clear wish of treatment and not only to having somewhere to live.
• Voluntary request: It is essential that the patient requests himself the treatment. Only then will it be possible to reach an optimal compromise with the therapeutic process.
