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Dual Diagnosis

Dual diagnosis describes the complex relationship between addiction and simultaneously occurring mental heath conditions.

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  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Trauma
  • Codependency and Relationship Issues
  • Dual Diagnosis

Understanding Dual Diagnosis

Dual diagnosis is a term used to describe when a person is experiencing mental health issues alongside alcohol and drug addiction. This situation is also commonly referred to as comorbidity, or co-occurring conditions, and it can be especially challenging, frustrating and overwhelming for those experiencing it.

Examples of a dual diagnosis may include:

  • A mental health problem or disorder such as depression or anxiety that leads to or is associated with problematic alcohol and/or other drug use
  • Problematic alcohol and drug misuse that leads to or is associated with or associated with a mental diagnosis such as  anxiety or depression
  • Alcohol and/or other drug misuse that worsens or alters the development of a person’s mental health issues

What you need to know

  • Dual diagnosis is very common. In Australia, up to half of all people struggling with alcohol or drug addiction are also battling mental health issues.
  • 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.
  • 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 long-term. Similarly, if substance abuse is addressed without identifying and treating underlying mental health issues, relapse is far more likely.
  • Specialisation and clinical expertise is critical. Australian health services have noted that too often, services specialising in substance abuse treatment aren’t equipped to identify and treat mental health issues, and visa versa. Research indicates that integrated, simultaneous treatment programs for both substance misuse and mental health issues offer the best chance for long term success.

Your pathway to recovery at South Pacific Private

Established almost 30 years ago South Pacific Private was Australia’s first treatment centre equipped to treat a comprehensive range of addictions, mental health conditions and trauma, and to treat them in tandem within an integrated, holistic program.

Every client is welcomed by a full team of clinical experts dedicated to providing wraparound support including medical detox, specialist nursing care, psychiatric assessment and treatment, counseling, psychotherapy, guided group sessions with families and loved ones, and ongoing, individualised case management.

South Pacific Private’s dedicated family program the cornerstone of our multi-tiered approach to dual diagnosis treatment. It is what sets us apart of other treatment centres and hospitals.  Partners, friends and families are frequently the most impacted by the experiences of clients with dual diagnosis, and their support in recovery can be key to long-term success.

At South Pacific Private, we’re committed to healing families, repairing relationships, restoring healthy dynamics and to laying the foundations to long-term success in complex cases of dual diagnosis.

If you are not sure if you need help, you can take one of our online self assessments. These guides are for you to evaluate your own condition, and to provide guidance on whether it is necessary to seek further help. If an addiction or disorder is escalating — as many do — the earlier you reach out, the better.

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WE HEAL FAMILIES

Why Choose South
Pacific Private?

With decades of experience, South Pacific Private is Australia’s leading treatment centre for addiction, trauma, depression and anxiety. Our uniquely comprehensive programs change lives, repair relationships and heal families by identifying and addressing the underlying causes laying the groundwork for sustained, long-term recovery.

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WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN MORE?

Curious?
Take a Self-
Assessment

  • Please Select
    • Alcohol Addiction
    • Anxiety
    • Codependency
    • Depression
    • Disordered Eating
    • Drug and Substance Addiction
    • Gambling Addiction
    • Gaming, Social Media and Device Addiction
    • Love Addiction
    • Love Avoidance
    • Prescription Drug Addiction
    • Sex Addiction
    • Trauma
    • Work Addiction

The goal of our self-tests is not to provide you with a diagnosis for yourself or for someone you care about. Instead, they are an opportunity for you to better understand how a behaviour might be impacting upon your life or the life of your family. Use these tests to enhance your awareness of what the problem might be.

These tests should be answered honestly in order to provide accurate insight and are a chance for you to reflect upon the current situation.

WANT TO READ ON?

Navigate To
Other Mental
Health Pages

Depression

Clinical depression is very different, and far more serious, than simply feeling down or having a bad day.

Click here to read more >

Anxiety

Anxiety refers to a complex and often overwhelming combination of negative emotions which can include dread, worry, panic, nervousness and fear.

Click here to read more >

Trauma

Just as physical trauma can leave lasting scars, so too can psychological and emotional trauma.

Click here to read more >

Codependency and Relational Issues

Pioneering the treatment of codependency in Australia, we specialise in supporting all clients to explore their relationship history and relationship patterns.

Click here to read more >

Stories of Recovery

Read More

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South Pacific Private recognises the Gayamaygal people as the traditional owners and custodians of the land upon which we work. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and future and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

South Pacific Private is working towards Rainbow Tick Accreditation.

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24 Beach St,

Curl Curl NSW 2096

ABN 84 003 340 912

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