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Dual Diagnosis
Dual
diagnosis occurs when someone has both a mental disorder and an alcohol or drug
problem. These conditions occur together frequently. In particular, alcohol and
drug problems tend to occur with:
• Depression
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/anxiety.html
• Anxiety
disorders
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-easy-to-read.shtml
• Schizophrenia
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/schizophrenia/complete-publication.shtml
•
Personality disorders
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/borderline-personality-disorder.shtml
Sometimes the mental problem occurs first. This can lead people to use alcohol
or drugs that make them feel better temporarily. Sometimes the substance abuse
occurs first. Over time, that can lead to emotional and mental problems.
To
get better, someone with a dual diagnosis must treat both conditions. First, the
person must go for a period of time without using alcohol or drugs. This is called
detoxification. The next step is rehabilitation for the substance problem and
treatment for the mental disorder. This step might include medicines, support
groups and talk therapy.
Alcohol
Addiction, Alcohol Dependence, or Alcoholism:
A
chronic disease characterized by a strong craving for alcohol, a constant or periodic
reliance on use of alcohol despite adverse consequences, the inability to limit
drinking, physical illness when drinking is stopped, and the need for increasing
amounts of alcohol to feel its effects.
Choices
Recovery Center Drug and Alcohol Treatment Programs
can help. Call now and one of our counselors in our South
Florida Addiction Treatment Center will explain how you may be eligible for
enrollment and start your drug and alcohol treatment and recovery today.
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