There are an estimated 8 million Americans who struggle with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders, also known as a dual diagnosis. People who have a mental health disorder, whether properly diagnosed or not, are more likely to have some type of drug or alcohol addiction issues. This can be challenging to identify and treat, but if either are left untreated both can be very damaging for the person, leaving them vulnerable to physical, mental and social consequences. Consequences in these special cases can be very serious, at times leading to homelessness, suicide, legal consequences and premature death. With the correct diagnosis and specialized treatment to work on the co-occurring disorders at the same time, this can be avoided and individuals in Portola Valley with co-occurring disorders can lead perfectly happy and productive lives.
With increased awareness, study and innovation in the field of treatment for co-occurring substance abuse disorders has come a more broad range of 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 PCP's a special opportunity to identify individuals with co-occurring disorders through screening and then referral to the appropriate treatment services.
People with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders need a more extensive array of services than the typical treatment client, services that are normally provided in inpatient and residential programs which can provide services for the initial detoxification process and off of any medications and drugs they need to stop using immediately. Doctors and therapists work with patients in these settings to handle both disorders simultaneously with counseling, behavioral therapy, and mental health services, and before program completion develop a robust relapse prevention and aftercare plan to make sure these clients don't immediately relapse due to either disorder being stimulated.
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