Dual Diagnosis

Biography

Biography: Linda Lane Devlin

Abstract

10 Million Americans have a Dual Diagnosis and a disturbing percentage receive no treatment at all, while others receive treatment for only their addiction or mental illness. To be effective, a treatment program for co-occurring disorders should integrate treatment for both. But without an Intervention, many of Dually Diagnosis individuals may never get the help they need. The symptoms can be so disturbing that alcohol or drug abuse may seem like the only way to cope. One of the things that are so difficult to treat is that it is hard to know where certain symptoms are coming from, if a dual diagnosis patient is suffering from depression, there’s no way to initially know whether the drug addiction or the individual’s mental illness is causing the problem. Treating both the mental illness at the same time, all under “one roof”, has been a very successful method of treatment and Interventions can prevent the life-threatening consequences of drug & alcohol abuse.The Intervention Specialist must recognize the boundaries and limitations of one’s own competencies, and not offer services or use techniques outside of these professional competencies. The Intervention Specialist recognizes the effect of physical and mental impairment and make the best suited Treatment options to guide the process. It is also very effective to include case management principles of inclusion with mental health practitioners. When thoughts and perceptions are altered by mental illness, it’s easy to neglect patients own care. Depression can make you feel that your life isn’t worth saving, while anxiety may drive you away from contact with others.