Persons with Co-Occurring Mental and Substance Abuse Disorders - Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Centers - DHS, VA.

There are approximately 8 million people in the United States who struggle with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders, also sometimes referred to as a dual diagnosis. People who do have a mental health disorder, whether properly diagnosed or not, are more likely than those who don't to have some type of substance abuse disorder. This can sometimes be hard to evaluate and treat, and if either are left untreated both can be very damaging for the individual, leaving them open to physical, mental and social consequences. Consequences in these special cases can be severe, at times leading to suicide, homelessness, legal consequences, and premature death. With the correct diagnosis and specific treatment to address the co-occurring disorders concurrently, this can be avoided and individuals in DHS with co-occurring disorders can be productive and live happily.

With increased understanding on the subject, research and innovation in the field of co-occurring disorders has come a more broad range of services for these individuals. Early diagnosis can be vital in these circumstances, and many individuals with co-occurring disorders may seek primary care services first before looking for behavioral health services. This offers primary care physicians an unique opportunity to diagnose individuals with co-occurring disorders through screening and then referral to the correct treatment services.

People with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders need a more extensive array of services than the non dual-diagnosis client, services that are normally offered in hospital and residential rehab programs which can provide services for the initial detoxification process and off of any drugs and medications they need to quit taking immediately. Clinicians and treatment specialists work with clients in these settings to treat both issues concurrently with behavioral therapy, counseling, and mental health services, and before discharge develop a strong relapse prevention and aftercare plan to make sure these clients don't immediately relapse due to either disorder being stimulated.

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