There are approximately 8 million people in the United States who struggle 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 drug or alcohol addiction issues. This can sometimes be hard to asses and treat, and if either are left untreated both might become more harmful for the individual, leaving them vulnerable to mental, physical and social consequences. Consequences in these special instances can be severe, at times leading to homelessness, suicide, legal consequences and premature death. With the correct diagnosis and specific treatment methods to work on the co-occurring disorders simultaneously, this can be avoided and people in Laurel 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 range of services for these individuals. Early diagnosis can be vital in these circumstances, and many individuals with co-occurring disorders may seek primary care services first before seeking behavioral health services. This offers primary care physicians an unique chance to diagnose people with co-occurring disorders through screening and then referral to the correct treatment resources.
People with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders require a more broad spectrum of services than the typical treatment client, services that are commonly provided in hospital, inpatient, and residential programs which can help with the initial detoxification process and off of any drugs and medications they need to quit taking immediately. Doctors and therapists work with clients in these settings to address both disorders concurrently with behavioral therapy, counseling, and mental health services, and before discharge develop a strong relapse prevention and aftercare plan to make sure these clients don't immediately relapse due to either disorder being stimulated.
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