Integrated Dual Disorders Treatment
Integrated dual disorders treatment is for people who have co-occurring disorders -- mental illness and addiction. This treatment approach helps people recover by offering mental health and substance abuse services together, in one setting, at the same time. In other words, the same clinicians (or team of clinicians) provide a personalized treatment plan for both mental health and substance abuse problems. A wide variety of services are offered in a stage-wise fashion because some services are important early in treatment, while others are important later on. Individualized treatments are offered depending on what stage of recovery a person is in. Examples of services include basic education about the illnesses, case management, help with housing, money management, or relationships, and specialized counseling specifically designed for people with co-occurring disorders. This is a comprehensive and long-term approach to treatment that has hope and optimism as core beliefs. Services are offered in a positive atmosphere and people are encouraged to believe that they can recover as many others have. Ultimately, the goal of integrated dual disorders treatment is to help people learn to manage both their mental illness and substance use problems so that they can pursue their own meaningful life goals.