Dual Diagnosis
Dual Recovery Anonymous defines "dual diagnosis" as meaning that an individual has two separate but very interrelated diagnoses:
a) A psychiatric diagnosis
b) A substance abuse diagnosis which may include both drugs and alcohol
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 interact with one another. The illnesses may exacerbate each other and each disorder predisposes to relapse in the other disease. At times the symptoms can overlap and even mask 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.
Other problems and consequences that are associated with dual disorder include:
- Family problems or problems in intimate relationships.
- Isolation and social withdrawal.
- Financial problems.
- Employment or school problems.
- High risk behavior while driving.
- Multiple admission for chemical dependency services due to relapse.
- Multiple admissions for psychiatric care.
- Increased emergency room admissions.
- Increased need for health care services.
- Legal problems and possible incarceration.
- Homelessness
Care Management at Van Nuys is a multi - disciplinary team approach that provides active and ongoing community-based substance abuse and psychiatric care to individuals with severe and persistent co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders.
Our care management team combines assertive outreach, rehabilitation, and support to help individuals maximize their recovery, gain hope and a sense of empowerment, and become respected and valued members of their community.
Most of our care management services are provided directly by our care managers, in the individual's natural environment.
