Understanding Dual Diagnosis
Dual diagnosis – commonly referred to as comorbidity, or co-occurring conditions – refers to a situation where a person is battling a mental health condition and an addiction at the same time. It’s a situation which can be especially challenging, frustrating and overwhelming for both individuals and their families.
Dual diagnosis is a highly common occurrence. Up to half of all Australians struggling with alcohol or drug addiction are also battling mental health issues. These conditions are often complex and interrelated. They can form a mutually reinforcing cycle, with substances exacerbating feelings of anxiety and depression, driving us to numb those feelings with further substance use.
Examples may include a person whose mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety, leads to problematic alcohol or drug use; a person whose problematic alcohol or drug use leads to a mental health diagnosis; or a person whose alcohol or drug misuse worsens or alters a pre-existing mental health condition.
Specialists In Dual Diagnosis
Dual diagnosis can have a significant impact on recovery. If mental health issues are treated without also directly identifying and addressing substance addictions, treatment is likely to be ineffective in the longer-term. Similarly, if substance abuse is addressed without identifying and treating underlying mental health issues, relapse is far more likely.
Research indicates that integrated, simultaneous treatment programs for both substance abuse and mental health issues offer the best chance for long term success. In 1993, South Pacific Private became the first comprehensive, integrated addiction and mental health treatment centre, and we’re proud to continue to bring a full team of mental health and addiction specialists to every client.
Your Pathway To Recovery At South Pacific Private
Every client at South Pacific Private is welcomed by a full team of clinical experts dedicated to providing wraparound support including medical detox, specialist nursing care, psychiatric assessment and treatment, counselling, psychotherapy, guided group sessions with families and loved ones and ongoing, individualised case management.
With specialists in both addiction and mental health, we’re able to treat conditions in tandem, in line with clinical best-practice.
If you’re concerned you may have a problem with addiction and a mental health issues or have been diagnosed with a dual diagnosis please call us on 1800 063 332 or contact us here to see which programs may be right for you.
