Dual Diagnosis / Co-Occurring Disorders

What is Dual Diagnosis? A person who has both a substance abuse problem and an emotional/psychiatric problem is said to have a dual diagnosis (co-occurring disorder). To recover fully, the person needs treatment for both problems.

The links are clear: The U. S. Department of Health and Human Services states alcohol and other drug [AOD] use can both cause psychiatric symptoms and mimic psychiatric disorders, and psychiatric disorders can mimic addictive disorders. With over 70% of addicts suffering from co-occurring disorders (dual diagnosis), this fact is vital to successful treatment.

Depression, anxiety and symptoms relating to bipolar disorders, as well as some symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorders, can result from AOD use. Persons who actually suffer from such disorders may find some relief in drug use. AOD use can also cause, worsen or mask psychiatric symptoms and disorders. Alcohol, for example, is a leading cause of depression.

Valid treatment approaches for addiction must address this issue of co-occurring disorders (dual diagnosis). To do so requires the latest in science-based technology and medicine.

Failure to Treat Dual Diagnosis May Lead to Chronic Relapse

The reality is there are many people who habitually relapse, not because they do not want to be clean and sober, but because they have a condition that has been missed by the treatment centers they sought help from.

When choosing treatment for a co-occurring disorder (dual diagnosis), there are some important points to remember.

Dual Diagnosis: How to Help

• Though people can learn to manage co-occurring disorders, they cannot be “forced” into treatment. Often long-term treatment for dual diagnosis can require medication to assist in overcoming issues.
• The recovery begins the day a person enters treatment for substance abuse or mental health problems, but choosing a treatment facility which specializes in both can speed recovery.
• Most people take a good deal of time to recover -- usually months and sometimes even years. This commitment requires a large amount of courage and support to complete.
• Those in a treatment program designed for dual-diagnosis (co-occurring disorders), like the one offered at Brookside Institute, learn two skills. One helps them deal with day to day life without drug or alcohol. The other helps them overcome the issues of mental illness.
• The best way to help a friend or family member suffering from co-occurring disorders (dual diagnosis) is to offer encouragement to make the right choices, support in finding help and the patience to see the treatment process through.

Although in many cases people with mental illness are more sensitive to the effects of alcohol and other drugs, they begin for the same reasons as anyone else: lack of friends, poor people skills, loneliness or unhappiness.

While dual disorders are common, dual diagnosis and treatment is not.

Most treatment centers do not recognize dual diagnosis.

Brookside Institute: Hope for Dual Diagnosis (Co-Occurring Disorders)

At Brookside Institute, we believe there is hope for persons suffering from co-occurring disorders (dual diagnosis). We believe our approach to dual diagnosis allows patients the opportunity to receive the treatment they need for dual conditions so they can recover.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), people with dual disorders have a much better chance of recovery from both disorders when they receive combined, or integrated mental health and substance abuse treatment from the same clinician or treatment team.

Ineffective treatment can increase the risk of other issues such as: hospitalizations, financial and family problems, violence and sometimes even suicide.

There are self-help groups and programs, which can be very helpful, but the effectiveness of any of these programs depends on the foundation laid during initial treatment.

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse or a dual disorder please call us. Remember, most dual disorders are NOT diagnosed and tragically, are one of the main reasons for relapse and long-term, chronic addiction. Can you or your loved one afford to have a condition missed? If not, call us.

Brookside Institute Treats Dual Diagnosis (co-occurring disorders)