What is Dual Diagnosis?

Janine Meyer
Jun 20, 2019
4 min read

Updated: Mar 19

At PRC Recovery, emphasis is laid on addiction being treated as a mental disorder. That being said, we cannot ignore that co-occurring disorders are a very real component for some and need to be treated accordingly.

Studies done by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) show that dual diagnosis affects as much as 45% of people diagnosed with substance abuse disorders in the US. We must offer an integrated treatment plan that addresses both disorders as interconnected mental issues.

What Is Dual Diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders refers to the substance abuse disorder not being the only illness presented. Other mood or psychiatric disorders are also diagnosed and may include the following:

Panic Disorders
Depression
Bipolar
Schizophrenia
Borderline Personality Disorder
Eating Disorders

How We Treat Dual Diagnosis

Psychological and medical assessment by our consulting doctor to screen for possible barriers.
Intake Assessments with a life history questionnaire were done at admission to identify possible previous diagnoses and challenges faced by the client to determine goals for the individualised treatment plan.
Daily inventory is done by the client to establish thinking and behavioural patterns or monitor progress in key areas.
A mood journal is also introduced for clients who struggle to identify their emotions or to help them see recurring patterns. It is also used to monitor the adverse effects of medication and prompt the registered counsellor for undiagnosed illnesses.
Refer positive screenings to our consulting clinical psychologist and consulting psychiatrist for confirmation of screening and possible therapeutic and medicinal intervention.
Our registered counsellor conducted a personality typing and strength survey to help the case management team and the client with effective one-on-one counselling.
Integrated treatment plan addressing both disorders as interconnected mental issues.
Group therapy sessions and one-on-one counselling sessions using evidence-based therapy to teach coping skills and strategies as well as education on the disorders.
Physical and nutritional programs to promote healthier lifestyles.
Aftercare planning to take into consideration any barriers and relapse prevention.
Strategies for effective measures in the case of a relapse.

Our Treatment Philosophy

Evidence-based therapy is done by our registered counsellor. Therapy includes CBT, DBT, Gestalt Therapy and Family Systems Therapy.
12-step recovery program allowing for mental and transformative practices and tools.
Feedback Informed Therapy. Addiction is a family disease and progress and challenges are not only dealt with between client and staff but family participation is vital.

Our Program

Professional personalised treatment aligns the goals with the client’s desired outcome, followed by measurable, time-sensitive steps towards achieving them.
The holistic recovery approach examines physical healing, mental health, emotional well-being, and spiritual beliefs and values.
Therapeutic community therapy where peer recovery becomes a foundation in their new lives.
Group and family therapy.
Aftercare services and support.

Why Choose PRC Recovery?

We are a registered treatment centre specialising in the treatment of addictive disorders. Our individualised approach to treating addiction is based on international standards and includes the many proven modalities in the treatment of addiction. Contact us today to find out more.

Summary:

Discover the significance of dual diagnosis in addiction, affecting 45% of individuals with substance abuse disorders. PRC Recovery provides integrated treatment, featuring psychological and medical assessments, evidence-based therapy, and holistic recovery approaches. Explore personalized programs, including group and family therapy, and aftercare services, and why choosing PRC Recovery ensures an individualized, international-standard treatment for addictive disorders. Contact us today for comprehensive and effective addiction treatment.

Prevalence of Dual Diagnosis

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), up to 45% of individuals diagnosed with substance abuse disorders in the US also experience co-occurring mental health disorders. PRC Recovery emphasizes the need for an integrated treatment plan that addresses both substance abuse and co-occurring mental health issues.

Defining Dual Diagnosis

Dual diagnosis, or co-occurring disorders, extends beyond substance abuse, encompassing other mood or psychiatric disorders. Examples of co-occurring disorders include panic disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, and eating disorders.

Treatment Approach at PRC Recovery:

Psychological and Medical Assessment: A comprehensive assessment is conducted by consulting doctors to identify potential barriers to treatment.

Intake Assessments: involve life history questionnaires to understand previous diagnoses and challenges, shaping individualized treatment plans.

Daily Inventory: Clients engage in daily inventories to identify thinking and behavioural patterns.

Mood Journal: Mood journals help monitor emotions and medication effects, and prompt counsellors for potential undiagnosed illnesses.

Professional Consultation: Positive screenings are referred to consulting clinical psychologists and psychiatrists for confirmation and intervention.

Personality Typing and Strength Surveys by registered counsellors aid effective one-on-one counselling.

Integrated Treatment Plan: Treatment plans address both substance abuse and mental health disorders holistically.

Group Therapy and One-on-One Counselling: sessions utilize evidence-based therapies to teach coping skills, provide education on disorders, and promote overall well-being.

Holistic Treatment Philosophy

Evidence-Based Therapy: PRC Recovery employs evidence-based therapies such as CBT, DBT, Gestalt Therapy, and Family Systems Therapy.

12-Step Recovery Program: integrates mental and transformative practices and tools.

Feedback Informed Therapy: Recognizing addiction as a family disease, progress and challenges involve family participation.

A holistic approach considers physical healing, mental health, emotional well-being, and spiritual beliefs.

Program Highlights

Personalized Treatment:

PRC Recovery's registered treatment centre aligns individual goals with measurable, time-sensitive steps. A holistic recovery approach encompasses physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects.

Therapeutic Community Therapy:

Peer recovery becomes a foundational element in clients' new lives. Group and family therapy foster a supportive community.

Aftercare Services:

Comprehensive aftercare planning considers potential barriers, relapse prevention, and effective measures in case of relapse.

Why Choose PRC Recovery?

PRC Recovery is a registered treatment centre specializing in addictive disorders, offering an individualized approach based on international standards. Contact PRC Recovery for professional, personalised treatment and support in the journey to recovery.

Dual diagnosis refers to the coexistence of a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder, creating unique challenges on the path to recovery. Effective treatment requires an integrated approach that addresses both conditions simultaneously, ensuring holistic healing. At PRC Recovery, we specialize in compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to each individual’s needs. If you or a loved one is struggling with dual diagnosis, please reach out to us—you don’t have to face this journey alone.