Dual Diagnosis

During the past ten years, researchers and mental health and chemical dependency treatment providers have found that dual disorders do occur with regular frequency. The National Institute of Mental Health, NIMH, has determined that dual diagnoses affect more than 10 million Americans each year. The terms "co-occurring" and "dually diagnosed" are often used interchangeably with the terms "co-morbidity," "concurrent disorders," "co-morbid disorders," and "dual disorder." Individuals who experience a dual diagnosis often face a wide range of psychosocial issues and may experience more than two interacting illnesses. The terms "co-occurring disorders" and "dual-diagnosis" describe a condition where a person is affected by both chemical dependency and an emotional or psychiatric illness. The treatment program at The Canyon utilizes integrative and evidence-based methods that have produced proven results for individuals with addiction and mental health disorders. The Canyon is one of very few facilities that are prepared to deal effectively with a dual diagnosis.

There are many different forms of co-occurring disorders when the different types of psychiatric illnesses and different patterns of alcohol and drug use are all taken into account. However, in terms of recovery, all co-occurring disorders share one thing in common: treatment must address both the emotional or psychiatric illness and the chemical dependency within a comprehensive program to ensure recovery from both.

The degree of impairment due to psychiatric illness may vary greatly from mild to severe, or may occur in mixed patterns. Some experience ongoing periodic episodes or cycles. The nature of co-occurring disorders becomes even more complex when alcohol and drug use is considered. Some people may choose to use a single type of drug while others may use a combination of drugs. Doses vary as well. Some people subsidize their medication by "self-medicating" with street drugs, prescription opiate painkillers, and alcohol daily, while others indulge only during periodic binges.

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Common Issues Associated with Co-Occurring Disorders:

• High-risk behavior
• Family and social problems
• Employment or school problems
• Legal problems and incarceration
• Increased emergency room admissions
• Increased need for acute health care services
• Multiple admissions for chemical dependency due to relapse
• Multiple admissions for psychiatric care due to reoccurrence of psychiatric symptoms

According to research studies sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health, a high percentage of individuals diagnosed with emotional and mental disorders also overindulge in substance abuse:

• 56% of individuals with a bipolar disorder or manic depression
• 47% of those with a schizophrenic disorder
• 32% of people with a mood disorder other than bipolar disorder
• 27% of persons with an anxiety disorder

If you have questions about dual diagnosis please call our call center 24 hours a day .

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