Co-occurring disorders (COD) are substance abuse and mental disorders that occur simultaneously. In order to be considered as co-occurring disorders, both a substance abuse disorder and mental disorder must both be diagnosed and recognized as being independent from each other. A substance abuse disorder includes substance abuse, substance dependence and substance-induced disorders. Common substance abuse disorders include abuse of alcohol, cannabis opioids, cocaine, PCP, sedatives, hypnotics, amphetamines, hallucinogens, inhalants, caffeine and nicotine. At least one of these must be diagnosed as being abused, along with a mental disorder. Mental disorders commonly diagnosed are dissociative disorders, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, mood disorders, factitious disorders, sexual and gender identity disorders, sleep disorders, adjustment disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, somatoform disorders and impulse-control disorders.

When at least one disorder of each criteria is diagnosed, treatment can begin for each disorder separately and simultaneously. Treatment for each disorder is separate and distinct, with reduction or elimination of the substance abuse issues being the initial goal. When the substance abuse disorder has been addressed, the underlying mental disorder can be more accurately addressed.

Treatment is available for people with COD. Dual diagnosis programs address both the mental and substance abuse issues simultaneously for both treatment and follow-up services. Given the high incidence of COD, treatment facilities can and must address both issues in order for success to be registered in either mental disorder treatment or substance abuse treatment. Patients cannot move forward or toward change without successfully addressing and treating both disorders.

Obviously, the more severe the disorder the more intense the treatment regime required. Treatment can vary from outpatient services to residential treatment, from short-term (30 days) to long-term (6 months to one year) depending on the severity of either or both disorders. Perhaps the most critical element of treatment is the accurate diagnosis of the mental disorder. Drug addiction can be addressed initially by stopping the drug use. Drug use is easily identified. Treatment is then possible. Mental disorders require professional assessment to determine the extent of the disorder and, then, to what extent it is intertwined with the substance abuse disorder. Some substance abuse disorders mimic mental disorders, such an methamphetamine use and bi-polar diagnosis or attention deficit disorder. Careful, trained professional assessment is critical for making a true and accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Substance abuse treatment and mental health treatment go together and it is virtually impossible to address one without the other. Treatment facilities that address one or the other must make available outside services to address what is not available “in-house”. Hawaii Island Recovery specializes in treatment of COD patients, with experienced professionals trained in both substance abuse and mental disorders. Call 866-515-5032 if you have a question concerning COD or use our online form.

Filed under: Dual Diagnosis

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