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Dual Diagnosis

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Dual Diagnosis
Lloyd Bell
Liberty University Lynchburg

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Dual Diagnosis Those who suffer from a concurrent mental illness and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) are often categorized as dual diagnosed (Doweiko, 2015, p. 317). While this is not a hard concept to understand it can be very difficult to assess, properly diagnose, and treat such an individual. Scalise (n.d) points out that it is crucial to properly assess the client because the presenting problem may be different from the underlying issue. This is where concurrent disorders can “throw a monkey wrench” in the process of assessing risk and formulating a treatment plan. Since it can be difficult to distinguish which symptoms are from which condition the professional must be careful to gather as much background information as possible to begin assessment. However, with those suffering from symptoms and withdrawals due to SUDs it could take as long as 2-8 weeks to get an accurate diagnostic picture (Doweiko, 2015).

Addictive Cycle

The addictive cycle is a vicious cycle that has stages which include experimentation, occasional use, regular use and ultimately dependence ( Scalise, n.d). One of the greatest factors mentioned by Scalise (n.d) that leads to perpetuating this cycle is unmet needs. In the case of those who suffer from a dual diagnosis it is crucial to understand that the underlying needs may be complex. A person may have a case of clinical depression but also abuse alcohol which is a chemical depressant. While the abstinence of alcohol consumption my help the dysthymia left untreated can lead to continued drug seeking behavior. Denial can also perpetuate the vicious cycle of addiction. Doweiko (2015) explains how a dual diagnosed person can use one disorder to minimize or

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