There are approximately 8 million people in the United States who suffer with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders, also sometimes referred to as a dual diagnosis. Individuals who suffer with a mental health disorder, regardless of whether it has been properly diagnosed or not, are more likely than those who don't to have some type of drug or alcohol addiction issues. This can sometimes be hard to asses and treat, but if either are left untreated both can become more harmful for the person, leaving them exposed to mental, physical and social consequences. Consequences in these special cases can be very serious, sometimes leading to suicide, homelessness, legal consequences, and premature death. With the correct diagnosis and specialized treatment to handle the co-occurring disorders simultaneously, this can be avoided and clients in Burlington with co-occurring disorders can be productive and live happily.
With increased understanding on the subject, research and innovation in the field of treatment for co-occurring substance abuse disorders has come a more broad spectrum of treatment services for these individuals. Early diagnosis can be key in these circumstances, and many individuals with co-occurring disorders may seek primary care services first before seeking behavioral health services. This offers PCP's a special opportunity to identify individuals with co-occurring disorders through screening and then referral to the appropriate treatment resources.
Individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders require a more broad spectrum of services than the non dual-diagnosis client, services that are commonly offered in inpatient and residential rehab programs which can assist with the initial stabilization process to get them detoxed and off of any medications and drugs they need to stop using immediately. Doctors and therapists work with clients in these settings to treat both disorders concurrently with counseling, behavioral therapy, and mental health services, and before discharge come up with a strong relapse prevention and aftercare plan to ensure these clients don't quickly relapse because of either disorder being activated.
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