There are approximately 8 million Americans 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, 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 hard to diagnose and treat, and if either one of them are left untreated both might be very damaging for the person, leaving them open to mental, physical and social consequences. Consequences in these unique instances can be severe, sometimes leading to suicide, homelessness, legal consequences, and premature death. With proper diagnosis and specific treatment to work on the co-occurring disorders at the same time, this can be prevented and clients in Lehigh with co-occurring disorders can lead perfectly happy and productive lives.
With increased awareness, study and innovation in the field of co-occurring disorders has come a more wide spectrum of treatment 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 looking for behavioral health services. This offers PCP's an unique opportunity to identify people with co-occurring disorders through screening and then referral to the appropriate treatment resources.
People with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders need a more extensive array of services than the non dual-diagnosis client, services that are normally offered in hospital and residential programs which can assist with the initial stabilization process to get them detoxed and off of any drugs and medications they need to quit using immediately. Clinicians and treatment specialists work with patients in these settings to address both disorders simultaneously with counseling, behavioral therapy, and mental health services, and before program completion develop a robust aftercare plan to make sure these clients don't immediately relapse because of either disorder being activated.
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