Persons with Co-Occurring Mental and Substance Abuse Disorders - Drug and Alcohol Treatment Facilities - Athens, AL.

There are an estimated 8 million people in the United States who suffer with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders, also known as a dual diagnosis. Individuals who have a mental health disorder, whether properly diagnosed or not, are more likely than those who don't to have some type of drug or alcohol addiction issues. This can sometimes be difficult to asses and treat, but if either one of them are left untreated both can become more detrimental for the individual, leaving them vulnerable to mental, physical and social consequences. Consequences in these special cases can be very serious, sometimes leading to homelessness, suicide, legal consequences and premature death. With proper diagnosis and specialized treatment methods to address the co-occurring disorders concurrently, this can be avoided and people in Athens with co-occurring disorders can lead perfectly happy and productive lives.

With increased awareness, research and innovation in the field of treatment for co-occurring substance abuse disorders has come a more broad spectrum of treatment services for these individuals. Early intervention can be vital in these circumstances, and many individuals with co-occurring disorders may look for primary care services first before looking for behavioral health services. This offers primary care physicians a special opportunity to identify people with co-occurring disorders through screening and then referral to the appropriate treatment services.

People with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders require a more broad spectrum of services than the non dual-diagnosis client, services that are typically provided in hospital and residential rehab programs which can assist with the initial stabilization process to get them detoxed and off of any medications and drugs they need to stop taking immediately. Clinicians and treatment specialists work with clients in these settings to address both disorders simultaneously with counseling, behavioral therapy, and mental health services, and before program completion develop a sturdy relapse prevention and aftercare plan to ensure these clients don't quickly relapse because of either disorder being triggered.

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