What Is Dual Diagnosis?
Individuals diagnosed with both alcohol or drug problems and an emotional /psychiatric problem.
In many cases, clients will suffer from a psychiatric disorder and in order to feel calmer, peppier, or more cheerful, a person may drink or use drugs; doctors call this behavior “self-medication.” The following psychiatric problems are common to occur in dual diagnosis:
- Depressive disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder
- Anxiety disorders, including panic, obsessive-compulsive disorder and phobias
- Psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and personality disorders
In other cases, when alcohol or drug dependency is the primary disorder, severe substance abuse can create symptoms of a psychiatric disorder including depression, fits of rage, hallucinations, or suicide attempts.
According to a report by the Journal of the American Medical Association:
- 37% of all alcohol abusers and 53% of drug abusers also have at least one serious mental illness
- Of all people diagnosed as mentally ill, 29% abuse either alcohol or drugs
- Someone suffering from schizophrenia is at a 10.1% increased risk of being an alcoholic or drug abuser
- Someone suffering from antisocial personality disorder is at a 15.5% increased risk of being an alcoholic or drug abuser
Pasadena Recovery Center Treatment
Approach to Dual Diagnosis
The Dual Diagnosis Program at Pasadena Recovery Center is an inpatient treatment program for person who are suffering from dependency and psychiatric problems. The PRC treatment philosophy for clients that are dually diagnosed is to successfully educate clients about their mental disorder and medication maintenance while maintaining the 12-steps of sobriety. Some of the services offered include:
- The Primary Case Manager and the Treatment Team will assess the client’s needs and create a dual-treatment plan
- A Physician will complete Medical Exams & Psych Evaluations
- Daily Goal Setting & Planning
- Individual & Family Counseling with the Psychiatrist
- Selection and application process for a 12-Step Sponsor as clinically indicated
- 12-Step Meetings
- Recreation
- 12-Step Education as relevant to the individual patient
- Out-patient follow-up
- Placement in appropriate Sober Living and or Board & Care Facilities