There are an estimated 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 have 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 challenging to diagnose and treat, and if either one of them are left untreated both might become more harmful for the person, leaving them exposed to physical, mental and social consequences. Consequences in these special instances can be very serious, at times leading to suicide, homelessness, legal consequences, and premature death. With the correct diagnosis and specific treatment methods to work on the co-occurring disorders at the same time, this can be avoided and people in Hiawatha 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 services for these individuals. Early intervention can be key in these situations, and many people with co-occurring disorders may look for primary care services first before seeking behavioral health services. This offers primary care physicians a special opportunity to identify individuals with co-occurring disorders through screening and then referral to the correct treatment resources.
Individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders require a more extensive array of services than the non dual-diagnosis client, services that are typically provided 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 patients in these settings to treat both disorders simultaneously with counseling, behavioral therapy, and mental health services, and before program completion devise a robust aftercare plan to ensure these clients don't quickly relapse because of either disorder being triggered.
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