What is Dual Diagnosis?

Question by lori H: What is Dual Diagnosis?
My Mom has been drinking in the past. Fortunately, I got her into treatment after having an alcohol intervention. But then after a few months, she’s back to her drinking habit again. Some of my friends in AA said she might have dual diagnosis. I don’t know how it happened. I don’t know what to do anymore. Please help me.

Best answer:

Answer by finny f
I am sorry to hear about your Mom. But I do have some good news. If your Mom’s condition is indeed dual diagnosis, it has a treatment. This treatment is also available in most rehab facilities and I am sure you will find one in your area.

The term dual diagnosis means there is an overlapping of illnesses which are psychiatric and substance abuse-related.

This happens when a person’s substance dependence affects him psychologically or emotionally. This often happens in cases related to addiction which results to a person’s inability to be productive in his community. Dual diagnosis is far more complicated than alcoholism or drug addiction because the psychiatric illness interacting with the person’s substance addiction may be left untreated. Or worse, the two illnesses may help hide each other to avoid detection and treatment.

I suggest that you get in touch with a rehab center near your area so that the your Mom will get treatment soon. I know she can overcome another challenge such as this.

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