Dual Diagnostic

Disorders
Mark H. Stevens
University of Medical and Dental of NJ
What is a Dual Diagnostic Disorder?
Dual Diagnosis is described as a treatment
methodology that treats substance abuse
addiction in conjunction with a co-occurring
mental health disorder.

Why Do They Occur?
A Dual Diagnosis occurs when a person is
simultaneously addicted to drugs or alcohol
and has a mental illness.
Studies have linked chronic alcoholism to an
increased risk of manic depression, which
directly contributes to dual diagnosis
occurring

How can people with dual disorders achieve recovery from both
mental illness and substance abuse?

Most people with Dual Diagnosis are able to
achieve recovery.
Relapses do happen, but most people are
able to recover from relapses relatively
quickly and get back to where they were
before they relapsed.
Families and clinicians cannot force people to
give up alcohol and drugs.
People with Dual Diagnosis can learn from
peers who are in recovery.
What is integrated dual diagnosis treatment (IDDT)

Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment
(IDDT) occurs when a person receives
combined treatment for mental illness and
substance abuse from the same clinician or
treatment center.


Participating in Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment is
extremely important.
(IDDT)

Statistics prove that IDDT is the most
effective way to treat a Dual Diagnosis
Disorder.
If you are having trouble with your
mental illness as well as with
substance abuse, it is important to talk
with mental health professionals about
how to get your symptoms under better
control.
Spirituality and Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Living with dual diagnosis is an option if a person receives the right treatment
and mental health services. Many people with dual diagnosis may feel lost,
desperate, confused and ashamed, but without treatment the cycle of abuse and
addiction is allowed to continue.
For those that are seeking a better and healthier way of life, dual diagnosis
treatment is the key to healing and recovery. Having consumers tap into their
faith tradition often is a great aid to recovery.
My Personal Experience at Ancora
A large number of the consumers in the 2 groups I facilitate are
Dual Diagnosis cases. In my last group I asked both groups
How many of you are dealing with addiction issues? out of the
total (11) 10 acknowledged some sort of alcohol or chemical
dependency.
While at Holly most of the consumers were Megan's Law cases,
and the incidence of Dual Diagnosis was still remarkably high.
Especially in the cases of those diagnosed with Depressive
Disorders.
With this personal experience even though I am a clergyman I
have sought additional training in Psych Rehab with UMDNJ
and also additional Drug and Alcohol Treatment Training. I feel I
need this knowledge especially because of the high incidence of
Dual Diagnosis consumers.