There are approximately 8 million Americans who suffer with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders, also sometimes referred to as a dual diagnosis. People who suffer with a mental health disorder, regardless of whether it has been properly diagnosed or not, are more likely to have some type of substance abuse disorder. This can be difficult to evaluate and treat, and if either one of them are left untreated both might become more damaging for the individual, leaving them exposed to mental, physical and social consequences. Consequences in these special instances can be severe, sometimes leading to homelessness, suicide, legal consequences and premature death. With proper diagnosis and specialized treatment methods to work on the co-occurring disorders simultaneously, this can be prevented and individuals in East Lyme with co-occurring disorders can be productive and live happily.
With increased awareness, study and innovation in the field of co-occurring disorders has come a more broad spectrum of treatment services for these clients. Early intervention can be key in these situations, and many people with co-occurring disorders may seek primary care services first before looking for behavioral health services. This offers primary care physicians a special opportunity to identify people with co-occurring disorders through screening and then referral to the correct treatment resources.
Individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders need a more extensive array of services than the typical treatment client, services that are normally provided in inpatient and residential programs which can provide services for the initial stabilization process to get them detoxed and off of any drugs and medications they need to stop using immediately. Clinicians and treatment specialists work with clients in these settings to treat both issues concurrently with counseling, behavioral therapy, and mental health services, and before discharge devise a robust relapse prevention and aftercare plan to ensure these clients don't quickly relapse because of either disorder being activated.
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