ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT OF DUAL DISORDERS: ALCOHOL, OTHER DRUG ABUSE AND MENTAL ILLNESS

Course overview

The treatment needs of patients who have a psychiatric disorder in combination with an alcohol and other drug (AOD) use disorder (a dual disorder) differ significantly from the treatment needs of patients with either an AOD use disorder or a psychiatric disorder by itself. Establishing an accurate diagnosis for patients in addiction and mental health settings is an important and multifaceted aspect of the treatment process. Clinicians must discriminate between acute primary psychiatric disorders and psychiatric symptoms caused by alcohol and other drugs (AODs). This course consists of recommendations for the treatment of patients with dual disorders. It was developed principally for addiction treatment staff. The course does, however, contain, information and treatment recommendations that can be used by health care providers in a variety of treatment settings. By combining the strategies described throughout the chapters in this course, strategies for treating patients with complex disorders can be developed and effectively utilized. Topics covered in this course include: The relationships between AOD use and psychiatric symptoms and disorders; Differences between AOD abuse, addiction/dependence and misuse; Mental health and addiction treatment systems: philosophical and treatment approach issues; Definition, assessment, and treatment for AOD abuse and: mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, psychotic disorders; AOD-induced conditions. Course includes: 165 pages