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 do have a mental health disorder, whether properly diagnosed or not, are more likely than those who don't to have some type of substance abuse disorder. This can sometimes be difficult to asses and treat, but if either are left untreated both might be very problematic for the individual, leaving them exposed to physical, mental and social consequences. Consequences in these unique cases can be very serious, sometimes leading to homelessness, suicide, legal consequences and premature death. With proper diagnosis and specialized treatment to work on the co-occurring disorders concurrently, this can be prevented and individuals in Earlham with co-occurring disorders can lead perfectly happy and productive lives.
With increased understanding on the subject, study and innovation in the field of treatment for co-occurring substance abuse disorders has come a more broad spectrum of services for these clients. Early intervention can be key in these situations, and many people with co-occurring disorders may look for primary care services first before looking for behavioral health services. This offers primary care physicians an unique chance to diagnose individuals with co-occurring disorders through screening and then referral to the appropriate treatment services.
People with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders need a more extensive array of services than the typical treatment client, services that are usually offered in hospital, inpatient, and residential rehab programs which can help with 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 patients in these settings to handle both issues simultaneously with behavioral therapy, counseling, and mental health services, and before discharge devise a sturdy relapse prevention and aftercare plan to ensure these clients don't immediately relapse because of either disorder being activated.
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