Dual Diagnosis - Addiction And Mental Health
Addiction and Mental Health, Dual Diagnosis, Mental Health and Addiction, Dual-Diagnosis
|
To put it in simple terms, dual-diagnosis is about mental health and addiction, it's the occurrence of a mental health problem that exists alongside an addiction problem. These issues are also known by the professionals as co-occurring disorders and it simply means that the two issues must be managed alongside one another and in the correct way, in a registered dual-diagnosis rehab or a clinic setting in order to find out what the real issues are. The diagnosis of a primary psychiatric illness in a long term substance user is a challenging task because drug use itself can often induce various psychiatric symptoms, making it vitally important to be able to correctly differentiate between the substance induced (drugs or alcohol) and pre-existing mental illness, then actually treating them in the correct manner. Those with co-occurring disorders, also known as dual diagnosis issues, face complex challenges. Having the addiction alongside the mental health problem means that they have greatly increased rates of relapse, hospitalization or even homelessness and they regularly find it more difficult to stay drug and alcohol free. In other words, one often makes the other considerably worse and vice versa, leaving behind a confusing mess of symptoms, confusion and distress.
|
Drugs, Alcohol and Mental Health
|
Mental Health and Addiction (Dual-Diagnosis) Treatment |
Drug abuse and use, including the regular consumption of alcohol and prescription drugs, often produces symptoms that resemble symptoms of mental illness and this can make it very difficult to differentiate between substance induced psychiatric symptoms or syndromes and any existing mental health problems. Commonly, psychiatric disorders among most substance users disappear with a period of complete abstinence and that is why we always treat our clients with an appropriate period in detox and primary rehab initially, before allowing any diagnosis to be made. Any substance induced psychiatric symptoms can occur during the intoxicated state as well as during the withdrawal so that is the reason why we need a prolonged period of time during which the client is completely substance free. Thankfully, the main symptoms usually disappear, leaving behind a true and clearer picture of what requires medical treatment but in some cases these substance induced psychiatric disorders can persist for a long time after detoxing. An example of this would be prolonged depression or psychosis after regular cocaine or amphetamine abuse. We also find that anxiety and depression are regularly induced by sustained alcohol abuse and this again, usually disappears after a period of sobriety. Long term benzodiazepine addiction is the most problematic to treat and is the most notable addiction for inducing prolonged withdrawal effects, having symptoms that sometimes persist for many years after the client stops using. |
The good news is that it is possible to recover fully and manage any mental health problems when substance free, if treated correctly. I myself struggled with over 25 years of depression and drinking and drugs, alongside one another but without the alcohol or drugs, life is now very manageable. We work with what is, in my opinion, the finest fully equipped clinic for the management of all dual diagnosis issues here in Cape Town and we also have equally specialised clinics around South Africa. It is very common for mental health issues to exist alongside all of the substance addictions but we must also remember that mental health issues also exist alongside many peoples process addictions and eating disorders. Whatever the situation, we assess every client individually and then we find the perfect treatment suited to them. Amongst our rehab and recovery packages, we have an exclusive CapeRecovery Experiences specifically for the treatment of dual-diagnosis issues (including depression). We look after each of our clients throughout the rehabilitation process at every single stage from primary, secondary and tertiary rehab to continued care and fully supported sober living. We integrate everyone within the supportive and vast Cape Town Recovery Community and look after the family back home by keeping them fully informed at all time. We also have cover for specialist treatment of all addictions (drugs and alcohol), behavioural addictions (Porn, Love, Sex, Gambling, Gaming, etc) and eating disorders. It's the only complete rehab and recovery package of its kind found anywhere in the world!
|
Contact CapeRecovery
So, Addiction and Mental Health often go hand in hand, it's not uncommon and it's also not unusual to be confused about which one came first, if you are concerned that you or someone close to you are living with a dual-diagnosis issue then Contact Us today and we will find the perfect Mental Health and Addiction (Dual Diagnosis) treatment package to suit the individual.
