Researchers have discovered that a significant precentage of those who have alcohol or drug problems also have at least one personality disorder or mental illness. These are known as co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis.

The following psychiatric problems commonly occur in dual diagnosis -- i.e., in tandem with alcohol or drug dependency.

• Depressive disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder.
  
  
• Anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and phobias.
  
  
• Other psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and personality disorders.
  

What Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment is for people who have co-occurring disorders -- mental illness and a substance abuse addiction. This treatment approach helps people recover by offering both mental health and substance abuse services at the same time and in one setting.

The Step-Up Recovery Treatment Team is very familiar with the alcoholic/addict who is dually-diagnosed, since quite often over-drinking or abusing drugs is how an individual with dual disorders tries to self-medicate. During the initial psycho-social evaluation, if a co-occuring disorder is recognized or suspected, psychiatric support will be written into the individual's treatment plan.