Persons with Co-Occurring Mental and Substance Abuse Disorders - Alcohol and Drug Treatment Programs - Galena, AK.

There are an estimated 8 million Americans who suffer with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders, also known as a dual diagnosis. Individuals who have a mental health disorder, regardless of whether it has been properly diagnosed or not, are more likely than those who don't to have some type of substance abuse disorder. This can be difficult to asses and treat, and if either one of them are left untreated both might become more harmful for the person, leaving them exposed to physical, mental and social consequences. Consequences in these special cases can be very serious, sometimes leading to suicide, homelessness, legal consequences, and premature death. With proper diagnosis and specialized treatment to handle the co-occurring disorders concurrently, this can be avoided and people in Galena with co-occurring disorders can be productive and live happily.

With increased awareness, research and innovation in the field of treatment for co-occurring substance abuse disorders has come a more wide range of treatment services for these clients. Early diagnosis can be key in these situations, and many individuals with co-occurring disorders may seek primary care services first before seeking behavioral health services. This offers primary care physicians a special opportunity to diagnose people with co-occurring disorders through screening and then referral to the correct treatment resources.

People with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders require a more extensive array of services than the typical treatment client, services that are normally offered in inpatient and residential programs which can provide services for the initial stabilization process to get them detoxed and off of any medications and drugs they need to stop using immediately. Clinicians and treatment specialists work with patients in these settings to address both disorders concurrently with behavioral therapy, counseling, and mental health services, and before discharge come up with a strong aftercare plan to make sure these clients don't quickly relapse because of either disorder being triggered.

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