There are approximately 8 million Americans who suffer with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders, also known 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 evaluate and treat, but if either are left untreated both can be very damaging for the person, leaving them exposed to mental, physical and social consequences. Consequences in these unique cases can be severe, sometimes leading to homelessness, suicide, legal consequences and premature death. With proper diagnosis and specific treatment methods to work on the co-occurring disorders simultaneously, this can be avoided and clients in Little Rock with co-occurring disorders can be productive and live happily.
With increased awareness, study and innovation in the field of co-occurring disorders has come a more wide spectrum of services for these clients. Early diagnosis can be vital in these situations, and many individuals with co-occurring disorders may look for primary care services first before looking for behavioral health services. This offers PCP's an unique chance to identify individuals with co-occurring disorders through screening and then referral to the correct treatment services.
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 normally offered in hospital and residential programs which can help with the initial stabilization process to get them detoxed and off of any medications and drugs they need to stop taking immediately. Doctors and therapists work with patients in these settings to handle both disorders simultaneously with behavioral therapy, counseling, and mental health services, and before discharge come up with a sturdy relapse prevention and aftercare plan to ensure these clients don't immediately relapse due to either disorder being activated.
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