Dual Diagnosis Essay

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People who are suffering with a mental health problem will often turn to drugs and/or alcohol as a way to cope with the symptoms of their mental health disorder. On the other hand, people who have a long history of substance abuse may develop symptoms of an emotional or psychiatric illness. This disorder is known as a dual diagnosis, which simply described, means an individual has a co-occurring mental health disorder and an addiction to drugs and/or alcohol.
Dual Diagnosis: A Brief Overview
Unfortunately, the relationship between a mental health illness and substance abuse is common than many may realize. Dual diagnosis is an extremely broad category. For example, the co-occurring disorders may range from someone’s symptoms of a personality …show more content…
A dual diagnosis can affect effect people socially, economically, physically and …show more content…
Mental health disorders are a broad category and the relationship between an emotional or psychiatric condition and substance abuse can be complicated. However, in the majority of cases, it is beneficial for the individual to have both the mental illness and the substance abuse problem addressed together. Some of the most treatment options for a dual diagnosis may include detox, which is important for successful treatment of substance abuse or substance addiction, medication therapy and/or behavioral therapy. There are several types of behavioral therapy that may be beneficial in the treatment of dual diagnosis, including:
Dialectical behavioral therapy, which is designed to reduce self-harming behaviors. For example, this type of therapy may focus on suicidal thoughts and drug abuse that stem from depression.
Integrated group therapy is typically designed for people with bipolar disorder and substance abuse problems. Integrated therapy uses a group setting to simultaneously target the symptoms of both disorders.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is used as a tool to change an individual’s unhelpful and false
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