What is Dual Diagnosis?

The need for a proper diagnosis when it comes to drug and alcohol addiction is of utmost importance if successful recovery from these addictions is to be made. The medical treatment and support given relies heavily upon a full and accurate diagnosis. But what about abuse of more than one substance? Or the presence of a more deep seated behavioural or psychological disorder?

It is extremely common to find individuals abusing a whole range of drugs at the same time. This can be due to many different reasons: social influences, behavioural problems, personality disorders, etc. The diagnosis of an individual who abuses two or more drugs or harmful substances at the same time and shows signs of a personality or behavioural disorder is known as dual diagnosis. For example, an individual may have developed a habit of simultaneously abusing alcohol along with cocaine, in a night club environment. Or another individual may mix his main drug with another to counteract any adverse reactions or even to enhance reactions. The presence of a behavioural or psychological disorder, such as schizophrenia or chronic depression, has a great influence on the specific course of action that must be taken in order to make a successful recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.

It is extremely important for medical and support professionals in specialist drug and alcohol addiction rehab centers to know if more than one substance is being abused. Dual diagnosis has major implications when treating the patient. For example, some medicinal treatments may react adversely with other substances in the body if their presence is unknown to the treating professionals. An addict who only admits to abusing one substance when in reality he is abusing others risks endangering himself and greatly reducing his chances of recovery.

Behavioural or psychological problems make recovery treatment of dual diagnosis cases a delicate matter, but one that can be successfully completed. Full support and specially tailored counselling sessions, usually hand in hand with a specialist institution can work on this side of the dual diagnosis case.
Dual diagnosis is an important part of a successful recovery program. Only good drug and alcohol addiction recovery centers will be qualified enough to be able to make these dual diagnosis observations and thus choose suitable and effective treatment accordingly.

Return to Drug Abuse Articles