Dual Diagnosis

Dual Diagnosis is a term that is often used interchangeably with the terms co-morbidity, co-occuring illnesses, concurrent disorders, co-morbid disorders, co-occuring disorder, and dual disorder. Professional literature has used a confusing array of terms and acronyms to describe co-occurring disorders and dual diagnosis.

Individuals who experience a dual diagnosis often face a wide range or psychosocial issues and may experience multiple interacting illnesses (more than two). The term “co-occurring disorders” is becoming a common term used to refer to dual diagnosis, or co-occurring substance abuse disorders and psychiatric or emotional illnesses.

There are several ways underlying substance abuse and mental illness may interact:

•  A dual diagnosis occurs when an individual is affected by both chemical dependency and an emotional or psychiatric illness. Both illnesses may affect an individual physically, psychologically, socially, and spiritually. Each illness has symptoms that interfere with a person's ability to function effectively and relate to themselves and others. Not only is the individual affected by two separate illnesses, both illnesses are interacting with one another. The illnesses may exacerbate each other making diagnosis and treatment more difficult. Psychiatric symptoms may be covered up or masked by alcohol or drug use;

•  Alcohol or drug use or the withdrawal from alcohol or other drugs can mimic or give the appearance of some psychiatric illness;

•  Untreated chemical dependency can contribute to a reoccurrence of psychiatric symptoms;

•  Untreated psychiatric illness can contribute to an alcohol or drug relapse.

At Rio de Esperanza our staff is licensed and trained to appropriately identify an individual who has a “dual diagnosis”.

Referrals will be made for psychiatric consultation. Psychological testing is also available. On-going treatment team meetings allow for continuous review of client progress.

The appropriate identification and treatment of dual disorders allows the client to experience an improved chance of recovery. Enhanced diagnostic skills provide our clients with state of the art treatment.